Arrest made after Lakeland teen was found murdered in Sumter County, deputies say
The man suspected of murdering an 18-year-old from Lakeland turned himself into detectives in Sumter County, where the victim’s body was found, officials said.
Missing Lakeland teen found in Sumter County’s Green Swamp area was murdered, deputies say
Charlie Roberts is being remembered as smart, fun-loving, and someone who stepped up to help the family after his mother recently passed. He was 18 years old.
Behavioral health center will be first in Polk County to offer ‘partial hospitalization'
Stress and depression are just some of the issues Lakeland Regional Health plans to treat at its new Center for Behavioral Health Center.
Social measures need to stay in place after vaccination, experts say
After being vaccinated against COVID-19, many hope for life to go back to pre-pandemic normal, but experts say that's not likely.
Lakeland red-light cameras can predict light-runner, extend light change to prevent crashes
The cameras can predict when a vehicle is going too fast to make it through a yellow light, and hold the green light for oncoming traffic. However, the light-runner will still receive a ticket in the mail.
Teenager driver killed, 17-year-old passenger injured in single-vehicle crash in Lakeland, police say
The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old male and injured a 17-year-old female early Sunday morning.
Polk County landlords get financial help for tenants past-due due to COVID-19
Help is on the way for landlords whose tenants have not paid rent because of COVID-19. Polk County just got $9 million in federal money to throw them a lifeline.
Armed suspect arrested during robbery in Lakeland convenience store, police say
A Lakeland police officer happened to be in the parking lot as the robbery was taking place.
PCSO: Excessive speed likely played a role in fatal Polk County crash
One person was killed and another was injured following a crash in Polk County early Saturday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Hospital employee accused of sexually assaulting 82-year-old patient in elevator, police say
Jordan Robert James, 21, was arrested after detectives say he sexually assaulted an 82-year-old patient at Lakeland Regional Health.
Lakeland mobile home park converted to help transient residents recover from COVID-19
Those struggling with homelessness are at higher than average risk for contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their living situations on the streets and in shelters.
Young Bucs fan gets his first team jersey on Super Bowl Sunday
A young Bucs fan finally got his first team jersey on Super Bowl Sunday.
Lakeland submits Tigers spring training pandemic plan to MLB
Spring training is just a few weeks away, but things are going to be a lot different this year thanks to COVID-19.
Lakeland police officer arrested for ‘falsifying time slips’
A Lakeland police officer is facing felony charges, officials announced Wednesday.
City of Lakeland removes criminal record checkbox for employment
The the city of Lakeland government has joined the 'ban the box' initiative to remove disclosing a criminal record from the initial application process.
Publix tries to distance from heiress who reportedly donated to pre-riot rally
Publix has denied that a woman found by the Wall Street Journal to have given money towards President Trump's campaign, which went on to fuel the January 6th rally prior to the Capitol riot, has any influence over its business operations or represents the company.
Gas station employee critically injured after suspect punches him in the face and flees, police say
The Lakeland Police Department is searching for a man accused of punching a gas station employee in the face, causing him to sustain life-threatening injuries.
Polk County deputies encounter massive alligator near Lakeland school
A resident reported a large alligator sunning on the sidewalk near Lakeland Highlands Middle School, and said they were worried about kids who were walking to class. The 10-foot, 800-pound alligator did not want to go without a fight.
Adventurous cancer survivor encourages others to live life to the fullest
Cancer survivor Ala Grofe, 76, credits his good health to exercise and a sense of adventure.
Lakeland teen filmmaker recognized by Cannes Film Festival
Filmmaking is a calling for director Josh Ceranic. A native of Lakeland, Ceranic honed his writing and directing skills in high school, at the Harrison School for the Arts.