Sheriff: Driver fleeing Polk deputies dies in crash, killing 2 others

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed three people in the Haines City area, and deputies said three trauma alert patients were being flown to area hospitals via helicopter.

Polk County Bully Project helps changes perceptions of 'bully breeds'

When Angie Lorio and Shannon Medina found out Polk County Animal Control does not put pit bulls up for adoption, they founded the Polk County Bully Project, which has helped more than 1,000 'bully breed' dogs find forever homes.

Lakeland man arrested on his fifth DUI charge in Polk County, deputies say

Polk County deputies say they arrested a reckless driver for DUI, adding that he has a history of driving while intoxicated. His previous DUI arrests were in 1976, 1978, 1981, and 2000.

Polk deputies identify 'Grinch' who stole Lakeland family's Christmas gifts from under tree

The man suspected of breaking into the Lakeland home where a single mother lives with her two young daughters and stole their Christmas gifts was identified, but Polk County detectives are still searching for him.

Bartow honors groundbreaking golfer who's still giving back

A Bartow man never thought he would live to see the day that he would get such a prestigious accolade bestowed upon him. At 102, local golf icon Herbert Dixon just had the driving range at the Bartow Golf Course named after him.

Polk State College could face class-action suit over fees charged during pandemic

Students at Polk State College could have some money coming their way thanks to a student's lawsuit, alleging the school mishandled operations during the pandemic.

Polk detectives discover child porn on suspect’s computer during PSC data breach investigation

As detectives were investigating a data breach at Polk State College, they discovered the man they arrested was in possession of child pornography showing children as young as infants, they said.

2 dead after plane crashes into Auburndale lake

Two people were killed Friday afternoon after a single-engine plane went down in Lake Arietta, according to the Auburndale Police Department. 

Police searching for Winter Haven hotel robbery suspect

Winter Haven police are searching for a man accused of robbing an Econolodge early Friday morning.

Polk County considers new ideas to encourage correct recycling

Is it recyclable or is it trash? In Polk County, too often, officials say people are getting it wrong. Officials are trying to come up with ideas that not only make recycling easier but hold habitual offenders accountable.

Polk prisoners handcraft hundreds of wooden toys to donate to Toys for Tots

For the past 20 years, prisoners at Polk Correctional Institution have made hundreds of wooden toys by hand each holiday season to donate to Toys for Tots.

Deputies: Video shows Lakeland High substitute teacher having sex with student

According to the deputies, the relationship had been going on for months but didn't come to light until a student told a school resource officer about the existence of a Snapchat video showing the two having sex.

Suspect calls for help after fleeing Polk County deputy who shot him during struggle

A suspected thief thought he was going to escape arrest, but he was shot during a struggle with a deputy. He only made it a few blocks before realizing he had to call for help.