Polk County Public Schools to unsuspend school bus violator program at start of new school year
As Polk County students prepare to return to school next week, cameras on school buses will once again be used to catch drivers illegally passing them.
Florida man accused of grand theft auto claimed repair shop let him take car because he was homeless: Police
A Florida man is facing several charges after Winter Haven police say he stole a car from a repair shop.
New Polk County facility houses supplies for growing special needs shelter program
With a growing population, it is essential for Polk County to have all its supplies and equipment prepared for natural disasters, particularly to support the most vulnerable residents.
Grady Judd among Florida sheriffs who feel betrayed by ICE’s hiring tactic: ‘Biting the hand that feeds you'
Sheriffs around Florida are calling out the Department of Homeland Security after it tried to recruit hundreds of their deputies to join ICE.
British tourist accused of trying to drown daughter-in-law at Polk County resort: 'Couldn't control his anger'
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a tourist from England may be spending more time in Florida than he planned after he tried to drown his daughter-in-law at a resort in Davenport.
Attempted murder fugitive on the run for 2 years arrested after knocking down officer: WHPD
A convicted felon wanted for attempted first-degree murder is now behind bars after Winter Haven police say he knocked an officer down before being tased as he tried to run away.
Lakeland police undergo high-water rescue training to prepare for upcoming hurricane season
After Hurricane Milton caused unprecedented flooding in some neighborhoods last year, the Lakeland Police Department’s dive team is now trained to help rescue people in high water.
Hurricane Milton flooding report has Lake Bonny residents calling for infrastructure upgrades
Nearly a year after Hurricane Milton caused devastating flooding around Lake Bonny, the city of Lakeland released a report on the causes and potential mitigation efforts. However, the results are what some homeowners say they feared.
1 hospitalized after fire at Auburndale mobile home
One person is recovering after crews battled a fire at a mobile home early Friday, according to investigators in Auburndale.
Winter Haven police issue warnings, citations during crosswalk enforcement operation
With students heading back to school in less than two weeks, raising awareness about safety is top of mind, especially in Polk County, which ranked as one of the deadliest counties for pedestrians in the state.
Florida leads nation in pedestrian deaths, leading to police crackdown Thursday
Police in Winter Haven are watching one busy intersection Thursday morning and pulling over drivers who fail to stop for people walking across.
Suspect arrested for firing multiple shots outside Lake Wales apartment complex: Police
A suspect is behind bars after firing multiple shots outside a Lake Wales apartment complex Tuesday evening.
Winter Haven, birthplace of barefoot water-skiing, hosts 2025 National Championship
Competitors, both young and old, are ready to make waves on the water — on their feet. The City of Winter Haven is hosting the National Barefoot Water Ski Championships on Championship Lake this year.
Head-on crash in Polk County critically injures driver
An early-morning crash left a man with critical injuries after Polk County deputies say he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Jeep on Tuesday.
Florida man accused of stealing $16K in jewelry while woman recovered from surgery
A man hired to do work at a woman's home as she recovered from surgery now faces charges after Polk County deputies say he stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry.
Florida man arrested for performing lewd sexual act in front of children: WHPD
A man faces a list of charges after Winter Haven police say multiple children encountered him exposing himself and performing a lewd sexual act.
Lakeland ranks in top 10 of 100 'boomtowns' in U.S. metros
Five of the fastest-growing cities or 'boomtowns' in the country are in Florida and one of them is in Polk County.
Driver arrested in deadly Polk County crash in the U.S. illegally: Deputies
The driver arrested in a deadly Polk County crash that happened Tuesday morning was in the U.S. illegally, according to deputies.
Grady Judd: 8 arrested in cross-country multi-million-dollar fraud investigation
A multi-million-dollar fraud investigation that affected 235 victims nationwide has led to the arrests of eight suspects, and investigators say hundreds more suspects were involved.
Polk County Boys and Girls Club receiving federal funding this year, but worried about future
The Boys and Girls Club of Polk County is worried critical federal funding may not be available in the future.