Polk County 'Grinch' who stole family's Christmas gifts arrested, requested to go to Hillsborough jail instead
Polk detectives arrested the suspect -- called the "Grinch" by Sheriff Grady Judd -- at a hotel days after he stole gifts from under the family's Christmas tree. His family and friends apparently didn't want him to stay with them due to his 'new notoriety' as detectives searched for him, officials say.
Polk detectives arrested the suspect -- called the "Grinch" by Sheriff Grady Judd -- at a hotel days after he stole gifts from under the family's Christmas tree. His family and friends apparently didn't want him to stay with them due to his 'new notoriety' as detectives searched for him, officials say.
Lakeland apartment fire sends 6, including 3 police officers, to hospital
Six people, including three Lakeland police officers, were hospitalized Thursday morning following a fire at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.
Six people, including three Lakeland police officers, were hospitalized Thursday morning following a fire at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.
Polk sheriff: 8 dead in 44 hours due to car crashes
Investigators say eight people were killed in the span of 44 hours in Polk County due to traffic crashes.
Investigators say eight people were killed in the span of 44 hours in Polk County due to traffic crashes.
Too drunk to drive? Polk deputies can offer rides home as last resort during NYE festivities, sheriff says
With 8 people dead in the past 44 hours due to fatal crashes in Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd says the agency will offer free rides home -- as a last resort -- to those who become too intoxicated during this weekend's celebrations.
With 8 people dead in the past 44 hours due to fatal crashes in Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd says the agency will offer free rides home -- as a last resort -- to those who become too intoxicated during this weekend's celebrations.
'Crazy, wild, out of control': Fleeing driver who caused quadruple-fatal in Polk County identified by sheriff
Polk County detectives publicly identified the suspect who fled from deputies, sped away and crashed into three vehicles, killing three others and himself.
Polk County detectives publicly identified the suspect who fled from deputies, sped away and crashed into three vehicles, killing three others and himself.
Polk City motorcyclist killed after making wide turn into path of pickup truck, deputies say
Polk County deputies say the motorcyclist made a wide turn onto U.S. 98 in Lakeland to head south, but ended up entering the northbound lanes and into the path of pickup truck.
Polk County deputies say the motorcyclist made a wide turn onto U.S. 98 in Lakeland to head south, but ended up entering the northbound lanes and into the path of pickup truck.
4th person dies following Polk crash caused by speeding driver who fled from deputies, officials say
Polk County investigators say a total of four people have died following Monday's multi-vehicle crash after a driver fled from deputies.
Polk County investigators say a total of four people have died following Monday's multi-vehicle crash after a driver fled from deputies.
Sheriff: Driver fleeing Polk deputies dies in crash, killing 2 others
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed three people in the Haines City area, and deputies said three trauma alert patients were being flown to area hospitals via helicopter.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed three people in the Haines City area, and deputies said three trauma alert patients were being flown to area hospitals via helicopter.
Polk County Bully Project helps changes perceptions of 'bully breeds'
When Angie Lorio and Shannon Medina found out Polk County Animal Control does not put pit bulls up for adoption, they founded the Polk County Bully Project, which has helped more than 1,000 'bully breed' dogs find forever homes.
When Angie Lorio and Shannon Medina found out Polk County Animal Control does not put pit bulls up for adoption, they founded the Polk County Bully Project, which has helped more than 1,000 'bully breed' dogs find forever homes.
Lakeland man arrested on his fifth DUI charge in Polk County, deputies say
Polk County deputies say they arrested a reckless driver for DUI, adding that he has a history of driving while intoxicated. His previous DUI arrests were in 1976, 1978, 1981, and 2000.
Polk County deputies say they arrested a reckless driver for DUI, adding that he has a history of driving while intoxicated. His previous DUI arrests were in 1976, 1978, 1981, and 2000.
Polk deputies identify 'Grinch' who stole Lakeland family's Christmas gifts from under tree
The man suspected of breaking into the Lakeland home where a single mother lives with her two young daughters and stole their Christmas gifts was identified, but Polk County detectives are still searching for him.
The man suspected of breaking into the Lakeland home where a single mother lives with her two young daughters and stole their Christmas gifts was identified, but Polk County detectives are still searching for him.
Bartow honors groundbreaking golfer who's still giving back
A Bartow man never thought he would live to see the day that he would get such a prestigious accolade bestowed upon him. At 102, local golf icon Herbert Dixon just had the driving range at the Bartow Golf Course named after him.
A Bartow man never thought he would live to see the day that he would get such a prestigious accolade bestowed upon him. At 102, local golf icon Herbert Dixon just had the driving range at the Bartow Golf Course named after him.
Polk detectives search for ‘Grinch’ who broke into home, stole children’s gifts from under Christmas tree
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies are trying to track down the man who kicked down the front door of a single mother’s home and gifts meant for her two girls.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies are trying to track down the man who kicked down the front door of a single mother’s home and gifts meant for her two girls.
Polk State College could face class-action suit over fees charged during pandemic
Students at Polk State College could have some money coming their way thanks to a student's lawsuit, alleging the school mishandled operations during the pandemic.
Students at Polk State College could have some money coming their way thanks to a student's lawsuit, alleging the school mishandled operations during the pandemic.
Polk detectives discover child porn on suspect’s computer during PSC data breach investigation
As detectives were investigating a data breach at Polk State College, they discovered the man they arrested was in possession of child pornography showing children as young as infants, they said.
As detectives were investigating a data breach at Polk State College, they discovered the man they arrested was in possession of child pornography showing children as young as infants, they said.
2 dead after plane crashes into Auburndale lake
Two people were killed Friday afternoon after a single-engine plane went down in Lake Arietta, according to the Auburndale Police Department.
Two people were killed Friday afternoon after a single-engine plane went down in Lake Arietta, according to the Auburndale Police Department.
Police searching for Winter Haven hotel robbery suspect
Winter Haven police are searching for a man accused of robbing an Econolodge early Friday morning.
Winter Haven police are searching for a man accused of robbing an Econolodge early Friday morning.
18-year-old suspect strangled, stomped on Polk deputy's head after threatening to kill him, officials say
A Polk County man is accused of threatening to kill a deputy before an altercation occurred where he stomped on the deputy's head several times and strangled him.
A Polk County man is accused of threatening to kill a deputy before an altercation occurred where he stomped on the deputy's head several times and strangled him.
Polk County considers new ideas to encourage correct recycling
Is it recyclable or is it trash? In Polk County, too often, officials say people are getting it wrong. Officials are trying to come up with ideas that not only make recycling easier but hold habitual offenders accountable.
Is it recyclable or is it trash? In Polk County, too often, officials say people are getting it wrong. Officials are trying to come up with ideas that not only make recycling easier but hold habitual offenders accountable.
FHP: Seffner man in stolen vehicle arrested after leading troopers on chase
A chase across Polk County came to an end Thursday morning with a PIT maneuver by Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
A chase across Polk County came to an end Thursday morning with a PIT maneuver by Florida Highway Patrol troopers.