Changes to state unemployment requirements, federal payouts make it hard for employers to fill positions
Companies like Legoland Florida are offering signing bonuses to attract employees during what’s being called the worst labor crisis in the last 20 to 30 years.
One dead following Winter Haven crash near Spring Lake Square
Winter Haven police said one person has passed away following a deadly crash.
‘I’m going to die tonight’: Armed suspect shot, killed by Winter Haven police officer
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
For Dugout Mug inventor, major-league dream turns into the American dream
Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.
Neighbors grab burglary suspect who attacked Winter Haven homeowner, hold him down until police arrive
Neighbors rushed to help a Winter Haven homeowner who had been attacked by an alleged burglar, holding down the suspect until police arrived.
Polk man accused of pointing weapon at Tire Choice employees
A Polk County man was arrested after he was spotted in Winter Haven, on an overpass, carrying what appeared to be a rifle, but it turned out to be a pellet gun, police said.
‘OnStar is a beautiful thing’: Polk woman tries to steal vehicle from dealership during test drive, police say
Winter Haven police arrested a woman who is accused of pretending to be interested in purchasing a car, but instead drove away and never returned during a test drive.
‘He is proud of me’: MIT’s first Black student president is granddaughter of Winter Haven’s first Black mayor
Just getting into a top-flight school like MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a great accomplishment, but Danielle Geathers, granddaughter of Lemuel Geathers, took that a step further by becoming the first Black woman president of the student body
Missing Winter Haven teen may be heading to Jacksonville to meet 29-year-old
A 15-year-old reported missing Wednesday could be making her way to Jacksonville to be with a 29-year-old man, according to Winter Haven police.
Florida pastors use influence to promote vaccination
Preachers, especially ones with large African American congregations, are talking about more than just salvation these days.
‘A legend in his own right’: Winter Haven mourns loss of its first Black mayor, Lemuel Geathers
Lemuel Geathers shattered the race barrier in 1981 when he was elected as Winter Haven’s first Black mayor.
Winter Haven student arrested after bringing loaded, stolen gun to school, police say
Winter Haven police arrested DeShawn Lee Williams, 18, on Friday after they say he brought a loaded handgun to school in his backpack.
Daredevil Nik Wallenda, dressed as a pirate, walks wire across Legoland
He has done it again. Daredevil Nik Wallenda has walked the wire to the amazement of the crowd below, this time at Legoland Florida, dressed as a pirate.
Polk deputies arrest middle school PE teacher for DUI after crash in Winter Haven
According to deputies, the middle school teacher's eyes were red and watery after the crash as she said, "I am in so much trouble" and "I messed up bad." The sheriff's office said she's been charged with DUI twice before.
Winter Haven police search for hit-and-run driver who left victim seriously injured
Winter Haven police released surveillance video showing a crash where the driver fled after hitting a pedestrian. They are now searching for the hit-and-run suspect.
14-year-old found shot after police receive calls about loud music and crowds
Winter Haven police say they heard gunshots when responding to 911 calls about music and crowds in the area of MLK Blvd and 3rd St NE.
Winter Haven man proud of World Championship of Darts run
One of the best dart throwers in the world just happens to live in Winter Haven, Florida. His name is Danny Baggish, and darts came very naturally to him from a very young age.
Police: Winter Haven student on bicycle seriously injured after she was struck by vehicle
A student was seriously injured after she was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning in Winter Haven.
Winter Haven man pretended to be officer, sexually battered victim he met through dating website, deputies say
Polk County deputies arrested a man for armed sexual battery after he met the victim at a hotel and pretended to be a law enforcement officer, they said.
Winter Haven Macy's closes after 40 years in business
Macy‘s has just closed its store in Winter Haven after doing business there for more than four decades. Flyers posted on the front door announcing the closure now greet shoppers.