James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital breaks ground on new Polk County clinic

The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital held a groundbreaking for its newest clinic in Polk County on Thursday. The Lakeland Consolidated Clinic will be centrally located just off Polk Parkway and Lakeland Highlands Road.

99-year-old war hero, educator, trailblazer honored by Polk County school

J.J. Corbett's name is now on the media center at Union Academy Middle School, serving as a reminder for future generations to live a life of service and heroism.

Former Polk firefighter suing county for denying $25,000 cancer benefit after her diagnosis

A former Polk County firefighter paramedic is going up against her former employer after being diagnosed with lung cancer while on the job, but being denied the $25,000 payment promised by the state.

Polk deputies: TSA officer created fake burglary report to use as tardiness excuse

A TSA officer who lives in Winter Haven had a habit of being late to work and recently lied about a burglary attempt, saying it was the reason she was tardy for another shift, according to Polk deputies. She created a fake report with the agency and was arrested.

2-year-old Florida panther struck, killed by vehicle; 11 total deaths in 2022

The remains of a 2-year-old male panther were found along Polk Parkway this week. It’s the 11th panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of 11 total deaths this year.

Aerobatic helicopter pilot wows crowds at Sun 'n' Fun

You may not have heard of Chuck Aaron, but you may have witnessed his skills in videos of the iconic Red Bull helicopter performing at air shows across the country. He is one of only a few pilots in the United States certified to perform aerobatics in a helicopter.

Police investigating fatal Lakeland crash

A 28-year-old man is dead after crashing into the back of a parked semi-truck Sunday morning, according to the Lakeland Police Department. 

Polk County firefighter accused of extorting 14-year-old for nude videos for two years

Detectives say a Polk firefighter threatened a young girl on Snapchat, extorting her into sending him nude photos and videos for over two years. When she "couldn't take it anymore," she decided to look him up – and turned him in. “Instead of fighting a hot fire, you got a hot mess on your hands because you are in the county jail now.”

Polk teacher accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with 2 students; deputies concerned about more victims

Deputies arrested a teacher at a private school in Lakeland after two students accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct, and investigators are concerned there may be additional victims at the school.

How to help families through ‘March for Babies’ walks

Help save lives of premature babies and prevent birth defects by participating in a March of Dimes ‘March for Babies’ walk. 

Accused Capitol rioter wants to cut ties with Lakeland group before heading to trial

Federal prosecutors said accused Capitol rioter Joshua Doolin wants to cut ties with his co-defendants. There were four others in a Lakeland group accused of being at the Capitol riot, and one is still on the run.

Look out for the Thunderbirds: Sun 'n Fun Expo returns to Lakeland

With the return of Sun 'n Fun, thousands of planes are going to be landing and taking off from the Lakeland Linder International Airport.