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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Renters could get up to $12,000 for rent left unpaid during the pandemic
Anyone who hasn't been able to pay rent during the pandemic could be eligible for up to $12,000 to pay what's owed to a landlord.
Anyone who hasn't been able to pay rent during the pandemic could be eligible for up to $12,000 to pay what's owed to a landlord.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'My stomach ain't made for this': Lakeland based company on new extreme cleaning reality show
For anyone who sees something gross but can’t look away, a new show on A&E called "Dirty Rotten Cleaners," might be must-watch TV.
For anyone who sees something gross but can’t look away, a new show on A&E called "Dirty Rotten Cleaners," might be must-watch TV.
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.
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.
Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation.
‘Drop the knife!’: Polk County deputy shoots, kills armed Davenport man charging toward him
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after Deputy Gregory Streeter shot and killed a 37-year-old man he says charged at him with a knife.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after Deputy Gregory Streeter shot and killed a 37-year-old man he says charged at him with a knife.


















