Polk sheriff: Disney employees, nurse and California man among 17 arrested in undercover child predator sting

Seventeen suspects thought they were speaking to young teens online, but it turned out they were speaking to undercover detectives across several agencies in central Florida. Among those arrested include Disney employees, a registered nurse, and a married man visiting from California, officials say.

One dead in 3-vehicle crash in Auburndale

Polk County deputies said one person was killed following a crash in Auburndale on Monday night.

Lakeland man arrested for have sexual contact with child, deputies say

Polk County deputies arrested a 32-year-old Lakeland man after inappropriately touching a child under the age of ten, they said.

Bay Area hospitals restrict visitors as Florida breaks records for COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations

Sarasota Memorial Hospital and AdventHealth hospitals in Polk County are among the medical facilities that are shifting to a no-visitor policy -- with some exceptions -- as Florida experiences record-breaking numbers in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Lakeland man hit, killed by SUV while walking along Mann Road

Gary Hedrick, 60, of Lakeland died Saturday night after being struck by an SUV while walking along Mann Road in unincorporated Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

COVID-19 outbreaks, lack of staff force Lakeland daycare center close its doors permanently

On Friday, the Learning Station Academy in North Lakeland its doors for good because financially it could not hold on any longer after temporarily closing several times due to COVID-19 and not being able to find staff.

Poinciana man killed in head-on collision

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed Daniel Muniz, 35, of Poinciana, Friday night. 

Peppa Pig theme park set to open in Winter Haven in 2022

Anyone who has young children knows the popularity of Peppa Pig, but you know a character has reached true stardom when they get their own theme park. Now kids can experience the world of Peppa Pig in person at a new theme park in Winter Haven. 

Veteran Lakeland officer beats brain cancer three times

Sergeant Chad Mumbauer has served his community as a member of the Lakeland Police Department for 20 years. The first responder has beat cancer three times.

Life-changing event leads former corrections officer to help others

When Michelle Threatt left law enforcement following an incident with an inmate, she pursued her passion, bought a food truck and feeds her Lake Wales neighborhood for free every Wednesday.

Lakeland bakery makes 'Forbes Next 1,000' list

Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s something on the menu at Born & Bread Bakehouse that’s sure to hit the spot.

Understaffed hospitals in need of nurses amid COVID-19 surge

A dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases, primarily due to the highly infectious Delta variant, is weighing heavily on nurses, which are already in short supply.

Auburndale man wanted for murdering girlfriend, Polk County deputies say

The 20-year boyfriend of an Auburndale woman is on the run after he shot her to death in her home Monday, according to Polk County deputies.

Experience friendly animals from all over the world at local farm and apiary

Bell Family Farm and Apiary is home to The Florida Zebu Experience. Owners Ray and Sarah Bell say their goal is to help people disconnect with the world and connect with nature, while learning about farm life.

‘Out there I am free’: Blind wakeboarder to compete in national championships in Winter Haven

Next week, Scott Leason, who’s 65 and completely blind, will compete with hundreds of other athletes in the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.

Most Bay Area school districts won’t mandate masks this school year

School districts across the Bay Area have voted to make masks optional in schools this fall and, despite surging coronavirus cases, they aren’t reversing their new policies.

32 charged in Polk County undercover drug trafficking investigation

Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation.