Child accidentally shoots himself at Winter Haven home: PCSO
A 6-year-old boy is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a Winter Haven home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A 6-year-old boy is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a Winter Haven home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida DMV system issues cause major delays for Polk County customers
A new statewide system update at the DMV is causing quite a headache for Polk County customers and staff alike.
A new statewide system update at the DMV is causing quite a headache for Polk County customers and staff alike.
Former Haines City police officer accused of using dead man's identity to amass $10K in fraud charges: PCSO
Polk County fraud detectives arrested a 24-year-old former Haines City police officer accused of using the identity of a dead person to make thousands of dollars in unauthorized credit card charges.
Polk County fraud detectives arrested a 24-year-old former Haines City police officer accused of using the identity of a dead person to make thousands of dollars in unauthorized credit card charges.
Lakeland data center proposal hits major roadblock after developer cancels review meeting
A proposed data center in Lakeland is facing significant new hurdles after the applicant withdrew from a scheduled review meeting with city officials, delaying the project's next steps and raising questions about its future.
A proposed data center in Lakeland is facing significant new hurdles after the applicant withdrew from a scheduled review meeting with city officials, delaying the project's next steps and raising questions about its future.
Clearwater Beach ‘teen takeover’ shooting suspect arrested
A 16-year-old boy accused of shooting another teenager multiple times during a ‘teen takeover' on Clearwater Beach on Sunday has been arrested.
A 16-year-old boy accused of shooting another teenager multiple times during a ‘teen takeover' on Clearwater Beach on Sunday has been arrested.
Lakeland residents question environmental impact of proposed 'Project Swan' data center
A proposed data center in Lakeland is already getting major pushback from the community.
A proposed data center in Lakeland is already getting major pushback from the community.
Polk County ATV crash kills 1: PCSO
A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday morning after losing control of his all-terrain vehicle at a hunt club near Lake Wales, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday morning after losing control of his all-terrain vehicle at a hunt club near Lake Wales, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Lakeland's hidden gem: Raw oysters in a bowling alley
A Lakeland sports bar tucked inside a local bowling alley flips the script on the idea that such a place can't offer a high-quality dining experience.
A Lakeland sports bar tucked inside a local bowling alley flips the script on the idea that such a place can't offer a high-quality dining experience.
Lakeland Hurricane Expo helps residents prepare before storm season begins
Ready or not, hurricane season is nearly here.
Ready or not, hurricane season is nearly here.
Bones found by children in Lakeland cow pasture identified: Grady Judd
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified human remains found by children in a Lakeland cow pasture on Thursday.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified human remains found by children in a Lakeland cow pasture on Thursday.
$1.5 Billion secured for FEMA reimbursements for Florida with TRACK Act
With hurricane season fast approaching, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody visited Bartow on Friday to announce the release of $1.5 billion in FEMA disaster reimbursements for Florida.
With hurricane season fast approaching, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody visited Bartow on Friday to announce the release of $1.5 billion in FEMA disaster reimbursements for Florida.
Polk County undercover drug bust nets 5 arrests, leaves 2 on the lam: ‘We will arrest you’
Polk County detectives have arrested five people and are still searching for two more suspects following an undercover operation targeting suspected narcotics areas throughout Polk County.
Polk County detectives have arrested five people and are still searching for two more suspects following an undercover operation targeting suspected narcotics areas throughout Polk County.
Mulberry issues emergency boil water notice after chlorine levels drop following power outage
City of Mulberry officials have issued a precautionary emergency boil water notice for all city water customers following a drop in chlorine levels caused by a power outage.
City of Mulberry officials have issued a precautionary emergency boil water notice for all city water customers following a drop in chlorine levels caused by a power outage.
Bartow puts new aquatic center project on hold as Florida lawmakers consider eliminating property taxes
Proposed property tax cuts are already having a chilling effect on local government. In the city of Bartow, plans for a new aquatic center are currently on hold.
Proposed property tax cuts are already having a chilling effect on local government. In the city of Bartow, plans for a new aquatic center are currently on hold.
Polk County commissioner and former NASCAR driver Rick Wilson reflects on Kyle Busch's racing legacy
Fans of Kyle Busch are reacting to the tragic and shocking news of his death across Central Florida.
Fans of Kyle Busch are reacting to the tragic and shocking news of his death across Central Florida.
Sheriff Grady Judd vows to hold parents accountable for teen takeovers: ‘Not going to work in Polk County’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that parents will be held legally responsible alongside their children if teens participate in destructive TikTok "teen takeover" trends.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that parents will be held legally responsible alongside their children if teens participate in destructive TikTok "teen takeover" trends.
Why federal forecasters say 'it only takes one' storm as NOAA releases 2026 hurricane season predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
Lakeland approves 800-home development on former Wedgewood golf course, residents raise traffic concerns
A former golf course and country club in north Lakeland will now become an 800-home development.
A former golf course and country club in north Lakeland will now become an 800-home development.
Polk County deputy accused of stealing more than $4K by falsifying time cards
A now-former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is out of a job after investigators said he falsified his time cards.
A now-former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is out of a job after investigators said he falsified his time cards.
Polk County Sheriff's Office highlights ongoing upgrades at animal shelter
For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.
For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.