Lakeland children’s museum changing its name, moving to new location
Explorations V Children's Museum in Lakeland, a fixture of the city's downtown, is becoming the Florida Children's Museum at Bonnett Springs Park.
Explorations V Children's Museum in Lakeland, a fixture of the city's downtown, is becoming the Florida Children's Museum at Bonnett Springs Park.
Polk deputies investigating deadly pedestrian crash
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 35-year-old homeless woman was hit and killed by a truck early Saturday morning.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 35-year-old homeless woman was hit and killed by a truck early Saturday morning.
Polk County man safely found following Silver Alert
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office safely located a 76-year-old man reported missing and endangered after issuing a Silver Alert Saturday evening.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office safely located a 76-year-old man reported missing and endangered after issuing a Silver Alert Saturday evening.
COVID-19 taking toll on Bay Area law enforcement
Nearly 30 law enforcement officers in Florida have died from COVID-19.
Nearly 30 law enforcement officers in Florida have died from COVID-19.
Woman killed, teen hospitalized after shooting during drug deal, Polk sheriff says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a meeting to buy pot turned deadly when a teen boy tried to rob the alleged dealer, who fired shots, killing a 20-year-old woman and sending the teen to the hospital.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a meeting to buy pot turned deadly when a teen boy tried to rob the alleged dealer, who fired shots, killing a 20-year-old woman and sending the teen to the hospital.
Bicycling Poinciana teen killed in crash
A 13-year-old boy was killed while riding his bike in eastern Polk County. When detectives went to his home to tell his parents, they made an emotional discovery.
A 13-year-old boy was killed while riding his bike in eastern Polk County. When detectives went to his home to tell his parents, they made an emotional discovery.
‘He always followed her’: Polk husband dies a few days after wife’s death; both tested positive for COVID-19
A Polk County husband and wife who were battling COVID-19 for weeks passed away just a few days apart. Both had underlying health conditions and were unvaccinated. "I have such loving and beautiful angels looking over me now," their daughter said.
A Polk County husband and wife who were battling COVID-19 for weeks passed away just a few days apart. Both had underlying health conditions and were unvaccinated. "I have such loving and beautiful angels looking over me now," their daughter said.
One dead, another injured in Polk County shooting
A woman was killed and a man was taken to the hospital in critical condition Thursday afternoon in a shooting near a Polk County park.
A woman was killed and a man was taken to the hospital in critical condition Thursday afternoon in a shooting near a Polk County park.
Polk County family devastated after mother dies, father clings to life after testing positive for COVID-19
A Polk County family is mourning the loss of their mother who recently died from COVID-19 while their father, who also has COVID-19 clings to life in the hospital.
A Polk County family is mourning the loss of their mother who recently died from COVID-19 while their father, who also has COVID-19 clings to life in the hospital.
With COVID-19 misinformation on social media, Polk sheriff stresses importance of listening to doctors
Earlier this week, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office lost one of their own to COVID-19, leading the sheriff to stress the importance of getting vaccinated.
Earlier this week, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office lost one of their own to COVID-19, leading the sheriff to stress the importance of getting vaccinated.
Police: Winter Haven man missing since August 11
Winter Haven police are searching for a 63-year-old man who left his home on August 11 and has not been seen since then.
Winter Haven police are searching for a 63-year-old man who left his home on August 11 and has not been seen since then.
Florida woman hospitalized with COVID-19 comes home to find husband dead of COVID-19
A Central Florida woman fought for her life in the hospital, survived, and thought she'd seen the worst of COVID -- until she went home and made a shocking discovery.
A Central Florida woman fought for her life in the hospital, survived, and thought she'd seen the worst of COVID -- until she went home and made a shocking discovery.
Pandemic puts new pressure on funeral homes
Many funeral homes are having a difficult time finding critical things such as cremation equipment and cold storage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many funeral homes are having a difficult time finding critical things such as cremation equipment and cold storage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parent of 12-year-old in ICU urges Polk County to take up mask mandates
The debate over masks mandates in schools was reignited Tuesday night at the Polk County school board meeting. The issue wasn't on the agenda, but parents on both sides of the issue still had a lot to say, including the father of a 12-year-old boy who is in the ICU battling COVID-19.
The debate over masks mandates in schools was reignited Tuesday night at the Polk County school board meeting. The issue wasn't on the agenda, but parents on both sides of the issue still had a lot to say, including the father of a 12-year-old boy who is in the ICU battling COVID-19.
Sheriff Grady Judd: 'Don't listen to the politicians; get your vaccine'
One of the most respected sheriffs in the entire country just came out in favor of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd says being vaccinated may have saved his life, but he won’t mandate it for his deputies.
One of the most respected sheriffs in the entire country just came out in favor of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd says being vaccinated may have saved his life, but he won’t mandate it for his deputies.
Battling cancer and unable to get vaccine, teacher dies from COVID-19 complications
Kelly Peterson was being treated for leukemia and had a compromised immune system. Her doctor decided the vaccine may be too hard on her body and suggested she wait, but despite wearing a mask, she became infected with COVID-19 and died. Her family hopes Kelly's story will inspire others to get vaccinated.
Kelly Peterson was being treated for leukemia and had a compromised immune system. Her doctor decided the vaccine may be too hard on her body and suggested she wait, but despite wearing a mask, she became infected with COVID-19 and died. Her family hopes Kelly's story will inspire others to get vaccinated.
Auburndale woman, grandson killed in Polk crash, deputies say
Polk County detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that led to the death of an Auburndale woman and her 13-year-old grandson.
Polk County detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that led to the death of an Auburndale woman and her 13-year-old grandson.
Decorated Polk County deputy dies from COVID-19
A 32-year-old Polk County deputy and a father of five has lost his ongoing battle with COVID-19, the sheriff’s office announced.
A 32-year-old Polk County deputy and a father of five has lost his ongoing battle with COVID-19, the sheriff’s office announced.
Army veteran scrambles to help interpreter escape Afghanistan
“He had great belief in America, and he was excited to work with us,” said Joe Diebold, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “He was always there for us, anything we asked of him.”
“He had great belief in America, and he was excited to work with us,” said Joe Diebold, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “He was always there for us, anything we asked of him.”
Winter Haven man speeds away from traffic stop, rams into patrol vehicles, deputies say
A Winter Haven man is facing charges after fleeing from deputies and crashing into two patrol vehicles following a neighborhood disturbance, according to the sheriff's office.
A Winter Haven man is facing charges after fleeing from deputies and crashing into two patrol vehicles following a neighborhood disturbance, according to the sheriff's office.