Competitive pool, lack of applicants creates hiring challenges for Lakeland police and fire
More people are moving to the City of Lakeland which increases the need for more police officers and firefighters. Both departments are struggling with an industry-wide problem -- recruitment and retention.
Missing Polk County man may not be alive, search underway for 2 men he was last seen with: Grady Judd
It has been two weeks since a 21-year-old man went missing in Polk County, though Sheriff Grady Judd said he may or may not be alive.
Charges dropped for Lakeland man at center of violent 2022 arrest
The charges against a Lakeland man at the center of a viral, violent arrest have been dropped a year and a half after the incident.
Polk County mother concerned over Lakeland homeless camp after daughter grabbed while walking from school
A Polk County mother said she's concerned about a homeless camp that is right across the street from her daughter's elementary school.
Lakeland man calls 911 after shooting, killing husband, police say
Lakeland police are investigating the shooting death of a man.
Lakeland nurse delivers her own baby at home in surprise labor
One Tampa Bay area baby had quite a welcome into this world.
Lakeland Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen fire under investigation
Firefighters are working to figure out why a Lakeland fried chicken joint caught fire early Thursday morning.
Fugitive wanted in triple shooting that killed Lakeland toddler arrested in Plant City
After being on the run for nearly two months, a man connected to a triple shooting in Lakeland that claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy has been arrested.
Florida Polytechnic's founding president reflects on university's decade ahead of retirement
Just as Florida Polytechnic University marks its 10-year anniversary, its founding president will be stepping down at the end of this spring semester.
Lakeland to use new tech to harvest harmful algae blooms in Lake Bonnet
The City of Lakeland approved a project in mid-April that will use new technology to restore the water quality at one of their popular lakes.
High-speed chase in Lakeland ends after driver’s car flipped over: FHP
A 34-year-old Lakeland man was arrested after leading a trooper on a high-speed chase early on Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Two Polk County deputies seriously injured in shootout, suspect is 'graveyard dead': Grady Judd
Two Polk County deputies were seriously injured early Saturday morning in a shootout in Lakeland.
Lakeland woman targeted by two scammers loses $400K: Grady Judd
A Lakeland woman is now without more than $400,000 after she was targeted by two scammers. It all started when two men called her, saying she had won the "Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes."
Lakeland Linder's only restaurant closes as airport prepares for first commercial flights this June
Lakeland Linder International Airport is busy preparing for their first commercial flights this summer, but one important thing for travelers that's missing right now – a restaurant.
Lakeland homeowners relieved source of stench found, city to clean 1,000 gallon wastewater line spill
The City of Lakeland believes it has found the source of a chemical or gas stench that caused many complaints from homeowners in a nearby community for months.
Man accused of creating computer-generated pornography from victims’ social media images arrested in Florida
Law enforcement officers have arrested a man for creating computer-generated porn after three people claim they found nude images of themselves online even though the photos originally showed them wearing clothes.
Florida Southern College offers unique lesson in entrepreneurship with student-run coffee cart
A team of students at Florida Southern College in Lakeland are learning about entrepreneurship while serving high-quality coffee.
5 dead cats, 28 total animals seized from Lakeland home, woman arrested
Five dead cats were found and 28 total animals were extracted from a Lakeland home, leading to the arrest of a 66-year-old woman.
84-year-old Lakeland woman blown away by community's generosity after losing home to fire
A Lakeland woman is without a home after a devastating fire tore through hers earlier this year, but now the generosity and kindness of others is turning her unfortunate situation around.
Safari Wilderness Ranch is piece of old Florida that offers unique adventures
Nestled next to the Green Swamp is a ranch that is more like stepping into the wilds of Africa.