Algae bloom leads health officials to issue warning for Lake Hamilton ahead of holiday weekend
The Florida Department of Health is warning people to stay away from a recreational spot in Polk County this holiday weekend.
The Florida Department of Health is warning people to stay away from a recreational spot in Polk County this holiday weekend.
Winter Haven police officer accused of fraudulently reporting hours he didn't work
WHPD said 28-year-old Antonio Arias was arrested on grand theft and property obtained by communications fraud (valued at more than $10,000) charges. The officer has been on paid administrative leave since March 22 once the department started its criminal investigation after receiving information about special detail pay Arias received while off-duty.
WHPD said 28-year-old Antonio Arias was arrested on grand theft and property obtained by communications fraud (valued at more than $10,000) charges. The officer has been on paid administrative leave since March 22 once the department started its criminal investigation after receiving information about special detail pay Arias received while off-duty.
New NOAA research takes hurricane hunting to new heights
Researchers at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s operations center in Lakeland are testing new technology that could help forecasters more accurately predict a hurricane’s movement and intensity.
Researchers at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s operations center in Lakeland are testing new technology that could help forecasters more accurately predict a hurricane’s movement and intensity.
Lake Wales schools, businesses prepare for population to double over 10 years
Lake Wales is preparing for the continued wave of new residents. The city is going through a Renaissance in preparation for the population to double in the next 10 years.
Lake Wales is preparing for the continued wave of new residents. The city is going through a Renaissance in preparation for the population to double in the next 10 years.
Investigators try to identify man found dead in the woods in Haines City
Haines City police said they are trying to identify the body of a man found dead in the woods near Lily Avenue and 9th Street North.
Haines City police said they are trying to identify the body of a man found dead in the woods near Lily Avenue and 9th Street North.
Federal court allows rare severance from co-defendants for accused Capitol rioter from Florida
A Lakeland man accused in the January 6th Capitol riots, along with four co-defendants, has been granted a rare separation from the others in his case.
A Lakeland man accused in the January 6th Capitol riots, along with four co-defendants, has been granted a rare separation from the others in his case.
Former Lakeland commissioner sentenced to 3 years for deadly shooting
The former Lakeland city commissioner was sentenced to three years in prison for shooting and killing a homeless man back in 2018.
The former Lakeland city commissioner was sentenced to three years in prison for shooting and killing a homeless man back in 2018.
Runners, walkers raise money in honor of fallen officers
More than 600 people gathered Saturday morning to run or walk in the 6th annual Lakeland Police Foundation Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K.
More than 600 people gathered Saturday morning to run or walk in the 6th annual Lakeland Police Foundation Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K.
'She created a McMess': Polk County woman arrested for calling 911 over McDonald's order
The Polk County Sheriff's office arrested a woman they say called 911 and assaulted restaurant workers because her McDonald's order was wrong.
The Polk County Sheriff's office arrested a woman they say called 911 and assaulted restaurant workers because her McDonald's order was wrong.
'They are going to go to prison': DeSantis signs bill cracking down on dangerous drug dealers
The new law increases sentences for drug dealers caught selling fentanyl or methamphetamine. It gives prosecutors the ability to charge dealers with first-degree murder if methamphetamine leads to an overdose death. As a capital crime, dealers could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
The new law increases sentences for drug dealers caught selling fentanyl or methamphetamine. It gives prosecutors the ability to charge dealers with first-degree murder if methamphetamine leads to an overdose death. As a capital crime, dealers could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
Woman records man with pants half down after alleged beach flashing incident
Meanwhile, another woman in Polk City says a similar man exposed himself to her at a gas station and put his genitals on her vehicle. Officials in Hillsborough and Polk counties are trying to identify him.
Meanwhile, another woman in Polk City says a similar man exposed himself to her at a gas station and put his genitals on her vehicle. Officials in Hillsborough and Polk counties are trying to identify him.
FDOT constructing wildlife underpass along I-4 to protect animals in Polk County
A wildlife underpass is being built in Polk County. The crossing beneath I-4 will reconnect wilderness that was bisected in the 1970s, allowing animals to safely access the protected lands on both sides of the interstate.
A wildlife underpass is being built in Polk County. The crossing beneath I-4 will reconnect wilderness that was bisected in the 1970s, allowing animals to safely access the protected lands on both sides of the interstate.
Polk County school offers gaming to after-school programs
Imagine a world where video games are offered as an official after school sports program. Kids in Polk County already live there, and they're loving it.
Imagine a world where video games are offered as an official after school sports program. Kids in Polk County already live there, and they're loving it.
Central Florida woman illegally passing a vehicle dies after crashing into concrete pole, deputies say
A vehicle crash claimed the life of a Kissimmee woman Saturday morning.
A vehicle crash claimed the life of a Kissimmee woman Saturday morning.
'Such a heartbreaking sight': Unanswered questions after child found starved to death in Davenport
Back in 2019, the baby’s family was on the radar of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The case was closed after an “undisclosed” period of time when caseworkers determined that the baby was being fed appropriately, and she was improving.
Back in 2019, the baby’s family was on the radar of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The case was closed after an “undisclosed” period of time when caseworkers determined that the baby was being fed appropriately, and she was improving.
Family of teen who died at Lakeland girls school advocates for congregate care industry reform in DC
The family of a teenager who died at a Lakeland group home in 2020 traveled to Washington D.C. this week to advocate for reforms to the congregate care industry.
The family of a teenager who died at a Lakeland group home in 2020 traveled to Washington D.C. this week to advocate for reforms to the congregate care industry.
Parents arrested for 'long-term starvation' of 2-year-old child in Davenport, Judd says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a nearly 3-year-old child looked more like a 3-month-old after being starved to death by her parents.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a nearly 3-year-old child looked more like a 3-month-old after being starved to death by her parents.
Deputies: Lake Wales contractor pocketed $23,500 from homeowner, never started project
A Polk County man was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Davenport homeowner's construction project, but never began the work.
A Polk County man was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Davenport homeowner's construction project, but never began the work.
HCSO: Suspects behind Tampa Save A Lot robbery may have lengthy, violent criminal histories
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the suspects behind Sunday's armed robbery of a Tampa Save A Lot are believed to have lengthy and violent criminal histories in neighboring Polk County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the suspects behind Sunday's armed robbery of a Tampa Save A Lot are believed to have lengthy and violent criminal histories in neighboring Polk County.
Investigators searching for masked robbers targeting Central Florida cell phone stores
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for up to five people believed to be targeting phone stores across Central Florida.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for up to five people believed to be targeting phone stores across Central Florida.