1 killed in crash at Polk County intersection
One person died after a two-vehicle crash at an intersection early Tuesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Lakeland mother, son face animal cruelty charges after 8 malnourished dogs found inside home: LPD
A mother and son are facing animal cruelty charges after nearly a dozen of their dogs were found malnourished to the point one could no longer walk, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Lakeland officer arrested for reporting false crime after unmarked patrol car window shattered: PCSO
A Lakeland police officer was arrested for falsely reporting a crime after he claimed that three juveniles threw something at his agency-issued vehicle, an unmarked Chevrolet SUV, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
2 dogs rescued from abusive owner heading to new home together: PCSO
Two dogs now have a new home two months after their owner was arrested for animal cruelty and abuse, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Fire at Lake Wales home kills 10 dogs, 2 people hospitalized: PCFR
Ten dogs are dead after a fire broke out at a home in Lake Wales on Friday night, according to Polk County Fire Rescue.
Suspect arrested months after Molotov cocktail attack on Lake Wales insurance business
Lake Wales police say they've arrested the man accused of vandalizing an insurance business earlier this year by throwing Molotov cocktails, firing a shot, and spray-painting "Civil War Trump."
Fiery head-on dump truck crash kills 1 in Polk County: PCSO
One person was killed early Friday morning after being involved in a head-on crash with a dump truck in Lake Alfred, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk County man accused of stealing more than $130K worth of weed from cannabis dispensary
A now former employee of a cannabis dispensary in Lake Wales was arrested after police say he stole more than 21 pounds of marijuana before his shift earlier this month.
Polk mother shares tragedy of losing son in e-bike crash amid summer spike in pediatric e-bike injuries
A Polk County mother is raising awareness about the dangers of e-bikes after her son was hit and killed by a vehicle.
'He needs to be locked away:' Grady Judd on arrest of former coach accused of sexual battery on young gymnast
A former gymnastics coach in Lakeland is under arrest after the Polk County Sheriff's Office said he admitted to detectives that he had sex twice with a girl he was coaching when she was younger than 16.
Citrus growers still optimistic after report shows lowest production in more than a century
The 2024-2025 citrus production season ended with 14.52 million boxes of citrus, the lowest total since 13.928 million boxes were filled during the 1919-1920 season.
Toxic blue-green algae may be blooming in 3 Polk County lakes
Polk County health officials are warning that toxic blue-green algae may be present in three lakes.
19 people in Lakeland, Tampa indicted on gang activity, identity fraud and drug trafficking charges: DOJ
Nineteen people from two separate investigations, one in Tampa and one in Lakeland, were indicted on federal charges relating to gang activity, identity fraud and drug trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe.
Lakeland Art Association Fine Art Exhibition highlights Central Florida artists
Since 1972, the annual Lakeland Arts Association Fine Art Exhibition hopes to highlight some of the best art from Central Florida artists.
Crews battle 'dangerous and fast-moving' fire at Haines City commercial building
Heavy flames and smoke were coming out of a Haines City commercial building early on Tuesday morning, prompting a response from the Haines City Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Pedestrian hit & killed by train, Polk deputies investigating
Polk County deputies are investigating after they say a train hit and killed a pedestrian early Tuesday in Auburndale.
Talbot House’s proposed new Lakeland location raises concern about crime, drugs, traffic and property values
A community and homeless services provider in Lakeland may be moving to a new location, but some homeowners in that area are concerned about crime, traffic, and depreciating property values.
Video: Polk County deputies sell out 5th grader's lemonade stand
A Polk County 5th grader's lemonade stand sold out thanks to some unexpected customers.
Doorbell camera captures man stealing new cellphone from home's front porch
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is looking for the person who stole a newly delivered package from a home in Auburndale.
Outdoor food hall 'Bowen Yard' to expand to keep up with local growth
An outdoor food hall and event space has plans to expand as more people move to the downtown Winter Haven area.