‘Out there I am free’: Blind wakeboarder to compete in national championships in Winter Haven

Next week, Scott Leason, who’s 65 and completely blind, will compete with hundreds of other athletes in the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.

Winter Haven officer arrested after domestic dispute, police say

A Winter Haven police officer was arrested Sunday and suspended after an altercation in an apartment parking lot, officials said.

Two dead, six injured in Winter Haven crash

Polk County deputies said the driver and passenger of one vehicle died following a crash Sunday night, leaving six others injured including a 4-year-old.

Lightning superfan ready to cheer Bolts to Stanley Cup victory

Never short on passion, Winter Haven's Ellis Allanson always brings the electricity. His energy is like a spark inside Amalie Arena. 

Winter Haven man charged with over 600 counts of possession of child pornography

A Winter Haven man, described by the sheriff as "vile and demented," was arrested Wednesday after detectives supposedly found over 600 images and videos containing child pornography on his computers.

Former pitcher's Winter Haven company transforms baseball bats into drinking mugs

From Winter Haven, this former pitcher took a swing at starting his own company, Dugout Mugs, using baseball bats to create drinking mugs. Fans can order personalized mugs with their favorite MLB team's logo.

Police: Winter Haven man attacked, threatened to kill officers while trying to grab gun

Winter Haven police say the man repeatedly punched the officer, then tried to grab his gun while yelling, "I'm going to kill you!" The officer managed to use his Taser to stop him.

Fire guts Winter Haven restaurant; cooking oil accident blamed

Popular Winter Haven restaurant Floridino’s Italian Kitchen is closed after fire ripped through the building as employees prepared to open Sunday morning.

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. 

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.

‘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.