Lake Wales 9-year-old with rare disease learns to walk for the first time
Jordon was born with a rare disease called Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, which only affects 500 people worldwide. Doctors told his mom he would probably never be able to walk. But he's now proving them wrong, taking his first steps on his own at the age of 9.
Jordon was born with a rare disease called Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, which only affects 500 people worldwide. Doctors told his mom he would probably never be able to walk. But he's now proving them wrong, taking his first steps on his own at the age of 9.
Florida teacher accused of biting 2 students over jar of pickles
According to the Polk County School District, Rhonda Rice is accused of biting two students in an attempt to get a jar of pickles from them.
According to the Polk County School District, Rhonda Rice is accused of biting two students in an attempt to get a jar of pickles from them.
Bicyclist killed in Auburndale hit-and-run crash, police say
Police in Auburndale are trying to track down the person behind the wheel who drove away after crashing into a bicyclist.
Police in Auburndale are trying to track down the person behind the wheel who drove away after crashing into a bicyclist.
Woman whose grandfather was lynched searching for descendants of Polk County lynching victims
Cars and trucks zip by the Peace River Bridge on State Road 60 just east of Bartow as Doris Moore-Bailey stands on the bank pondering the gruesome thought of lynchings that happened on that site.
Cars and trucks zip by the Peace River Bridge on State Road 60 just east of Bartow as Doris Moore-Bailey stands on the bank pondering the gruesome thought of lynchings that happened on that site.
Family hopes for more explanation about how father of 3 was crushed by bulldozer at Polk County landfill
A father of three whose family said recently turned his life around was killed Friday evening while inside a portable restroom, crushed by a bulldozer on the site of a Polk County landfill.
A father of three whose family said recently turned his life around was killed Friday evening while inside a portable restroom, crushed by a bulldozer on the site of a Polk County landfill.
Dart World: New indoor nerf arena now open in Lakeland
A Lakeland business is turning a nostalgic childhood activity into an ageless and fun experience for all.
A Lakeland business is turning a nostalgic childhood activity into an ageless and fun experience for all.
Lakeland woman concerned about privacy after multiple visits from hovering drone
A Lakeland woman said she had the feeling someone was watching her, and she turned out to be right.
A Lakeland woman said she had the feeling someone was watching her, and she turned out to be right.
Son's journey to overcome addiction inspires Chalet Suzanne owners to reopen historic resort
Once an exclusive hideaway for the rich and famous, Chalet Suzanne in Polk County has re-opened with a completely new mission.
Once an exclusive hideaway for the rich and famous, Chalet Suzanne in Polk County has re-opened with a completely new mission.
Polk deputies: Suspect posed as officer, Walmart employee to steal items, sell at pawn shop
Detectives say they arrested a man who went on a retail theft crime spree while posing as a law enforcement officer and a store employee in several Polk County cities.
Detectives say they arrested a man who went on a retail theft crime spree while posing as a law enforcement officer and a store employee in several Polk County cities.
PCSO: Man dies after being crushed by a bulldozer while inside a porta-potty at Polk County landfill
A contract worker assigned to be the spotter for heavy equipment coming in and out of a Polk County landfill was crushed by a bulldozer while using a porta-potty, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A contract worker assigned to be the spotter for heavy equipment coming in and out of a Polk County landfill was crushed by a bulldozer while using a porta-potty, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Every day is Employee Appreciation Day for managers desperate to keep workers
Did your boss say “Happy Employee Appreciation Day” Friday? The unofficial holiday comes this year at a time when employers are taking a harder look at how to get and keep workers.
Did your boss say “Happy Employee Appreciation Day” Friday? The unofficial holiday comes this year at a time when employers are taking a harder look at how to get and keep workers.
Sheriff promises free meal at Polk County jail for group of 14 that 'dined and dashed' at Davenport restaurant
On a busy Friday night, a large group of people just got up and left a Polk County restaurant. And they also left behind a hefty bill. Their hasty exit was caught on camera.
On a busy Friday night, a large group of people just got up and left a Polk County restaurant. And they also left behind a hefty bill. Their hasty exit was caught on camera.
Polk Co. sheriff may seek extradition from China for man who allegedly had child porn, 'baby sex toys'
Polk County detectives say four local men were arrested and another is wanted for allegedly possessing child porn. The wanted man is currently in China with his wife and children, and Sheriff Grady Judd said he could seek extradition if he doesn't return.
Polk County detectives say four local men were arrested and another is wanted for allegedly possessing child porn. The wanted man is currently in China with his wife and children, and Sheriff Grady Judd said he could seek extradition if he doesn't return.
Deputies: Pedestrian struck by car in Lakeland roadway with no crosswalk, little lighting
Polk County deputies said a 37-year-old man died while attempting to cross a roadway.
Polk County deputies said a 37-year-old man died while attempting to cross a roadway.
Publix to remove Russian vodka from shelves
The Lakeland-based supermarket chain, which has nearly 1,300 stores throughout the southeast, announced it is pulling all Russian-made vodka brands from its shelves to support the people of Ukraine.
The Lakeland-based supermarket chain, which has nearly 1,300 stores throughout the southeast, announced it is pulling all Russian-made vodka brands from its shelves to support the people of Ukraine.
16 ‘inappropriate’ books to be reviewed by Polk County school officials
Meanwhile, opponents say reviewing books for possible removal is "a dangerous trend and a slippery slope."
Meanwhile, opponents say reviewing books for possible removal is "a dangerous trend and a slippery slope."
With paramedics in short supply, Polk County offers $8,000 bonus, training for EMTs
Polk County is launching a new plan to recruit paramedics, including a major signing bonus, free training for EMTs, and an increase in the starting pay.
Polk County is launching a new plan to recruit paramedics, including a major signing bonus, free training for EMTs, and an increase in the starting pay.
Second suspect in Polk Co. crime spree in custody
A crime spree through Polk County Saturday ended with deputies shooting and seriously injuring a man. A day later, deputies said they arrested the woman who was with him.
A crime spree through Polk County Saturday ended with deputies shooting and seriously injuring a man. A day later, deputies said they arrested the woman who was with him.
Deputies shoot convicted felon, searching for accused accomplice following armed robbery in Polk County
A Polk County sergeant shot 27-year-old Matthew Correa following an armed robbery and vehicle chase Saturday morning.
A Polk County sergeant shot 27-year-old Matthew Correa following an armed robbery and vehicle chase Saturday morning.
World's first Peppa Pig theme park opens in Winter Haven, Florida
Florida's newest theme park opens Thursday, and it's the only one in the world devoted to the Peppa Pig.
Florida's newest theme park opens Thursday, and it's the only one in the world devoted to the Peppa Pig.