Polk County is second-fastest growing area in U.S.
According to new U.S. Census data, over a two-year period, Polk County is one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country. But as people race to move into Polk, the county is racing just to keep up.
Elderly man dies days after being hit in Polk County parking lot
The man's niece, Tammy Harper had no idea there was a video of her uncle being hit until Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he was disgusted no one stopped to help.
2 women kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists graduate from Southeastern University
Tens of thousands of young people across Tampa Bay are graduating this time of year. But perhaps none have stories as amazing or terrifying as Joy Bishara and her cousin Lydia Pogu, who just graduated from Southeastern University in Lakeland.
Single-engine plane crash in Lakeland, two occupants on board with injuries
Lakeland Police and Lakeland Fire Department are on the scene of a plane crash in Lakeland near the Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Lakeland's Midtown Lofts move city toward affordable housing goals
Lakeland is making a concerted effort to solve its affordable housing crisis with the newly-opened Midtown Lofts, a public-private partnership on North Lake Avenue.
Teens needed for COVID-19 vaccine study in Lakeland
A COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers is being tested in Lakeland. The company that is running the clinical trials, Accel Research Sites, is looking for young people who want to take part in the study.
NOAA testing new drone technology to hunt hurricanes
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Hunters in Lakeland are testing a new generation of hurricane-hunting, remote-controlled aircraft.
Florida Polytechnic students create wearable prototype for controlling skateboard with hand gestures
If you own a smartwatch, you can consider yourself a consumer of wearable technology. The concept has grown in popularity in recent years and now three students at Florida Polytechnic University are getting major funding for their own wearable prototype.
Mother also faces charges in Lakeland toddler's death
Police have arrested another person after the death of a 2-year old in Lakeland.
Mother and baby die in crash with train in Frostproof
A young mother and her 4-month-old died in a crash Thursday afternoon when the car they were riding in was hit by an Amtrak train in Polk County, the sheriff's office said.
Brain training research participants needed for dementia-prevention study
For the last three years, researchers at the University of South Florida have been analyzing the effectiveness of computer games on the brains of older adults and now they need more participants for a study that aims to prove its effectiveness.
Polk father charged after leaving gun in son's backpack
A Lakeland father is facing charges after a handgun was found in a kindergarten student's backpack.
No injuries reported after plane lands on Polk Parkway
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Man accused of beating toddler to death for urinating on couch now faces murder charges
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.
It’s back: Sun ‘n Fun makes its return to Lakeland
After a cancellation last year and a postponement this year, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo organizers are making up for lost time.
Science teacher brings Florida aesthetic to jewelry making
An elementary school teacher is using her love for science -- and her dog -- to create beautiful pieces inspired by Florida's natural beauty.
Father of 2-year-old beating victim wants harsher charges for suspect
Jayden Hines, 2, was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center early Friday morning after suffering blunt-force trauma to multiple areas of his body, according to police.
Lakeland police find man's body while searching for missing person
Officers in Lakeland discovered the body of a 42-year-old man inside a vehicle after he was reported missing on Saturday.
Lakeland man beat child to death for urinating on couch, police say
Police arrested Alegray Jones, 30, after they say he killed his girlfriend’s two-year-old son while she was at work on Friday.
Doctors donate time to provide free medical services to Polk County’s uninsured
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Healthcare have helped more than 30,000 patients since 2001 with medical services from colonoscopies to cancer treatments.