Polk County launches financial rental assistance program

Of the $21.8 million Polk County received in federal COVID-19 relief funds, they’re dedicating $17 million to helping tenants catch up on their rent payments.

Polk deputies investigating fatal multi-vehicle crash

Aaron Michael Russ, 28, of Center Hill, was killed Friday morning in a multi-vehicle crash in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

3 armed teens facing charges after being caught with stolen vehicle, police say

Three teenagers are facing multiple charges after Lakeland police say they had loaded concealed firearms on them as they put air in the tires of a stolen vehicle Wednesday night.

DeSantis pushes plan for Floridians to receive cheaper prescription drugs from Canada

DeSantis says Floridians are one step away from paying for cheaper prescription drugs imported from Canada. The state just needs a final approval from the federal government.

Mother 'thanking God' that daughter is recovering after being shot by 3-year-old brother

After two surgeries, six days, and thousands of prayers, the 2-year-old Lakeland girl who was accidentally shot by her 3-year-old brother is awake, active, and should make a full recovery.

Polk County wildfires burn hundreds of acres, destroy 60 hunting camps

 It has been exceedingly dry, which creates a perfect storm for wildfires. As of Wednesday afternoon, a dozen wildfires were burning in Polk County alone.

Doctors expect Polk girl, shot by 3-year-old brother, to make full recovery

Kalli Berrien, 2, was shot late Friday after investigators say her brother found a loaded gun. The owner, a family friend, has since been arrested for failure to safely store it.

$70,000 worth of heavy equipment stolen from Lake Wales ranch

Polk County investigators are trying to track down $70,000 worth of heavy equipment stolen from a ranch. The owner is offering a reward for information.

Haines City woman accused of stealing nearly $12K from victim with dementia

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office have arrested a woman who is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a 91-year-old woman with dementia, for whom she was hired as a caregiver.

Unwelcome gator hangs out under Haines City woman’s carport

For one Haines City resident, alligators are a common sight in her neighborhood, but one encounter was stranger than usual.

Fire guts Winter Haven restaurant; cooking oil accident blamed

Popular Winter Haven restaurant Floridino’s Italian Kitchen is closed after fire ripped through the building as employees prepared to open Sunday morning.

Pedestrian seriously injured in Lakeland crash

Polk County deputies are investigating an early-morning crash involving a pedestrian.

Haines City police investigating fatal shooting

Dyreon Outsey, 19, was killed Sunday afternoon after being shot in the head after someone fired a bullet into a silver Toyota 4-Runner, according to the Haines City Police Department.