‘Horrible, tragic accident’: 2 arrested after toddler shoots, critically injures 2-year-old sister
A two-year-old girl is fighting for her life after deputies say she was shot by her three-year-old brother in Lakeland just before midnight on Friday.
A two-year-old girl is fighting for her life after deputies say she was shot by her three-year-old brother in Lakeland just before midnight on Friday.
Former school nurse arrested in Lake Wales for recording videos of students using bathroom at TN school
A man who was employed as a school nurse at a high school in Tennessee was arrested in Polk County on federal charges related to hundreds of images and videos of girls using the bathroom and undressing.
A man who was employed as a school nurse at a high school in Tennessee was arrested in Polk County on federal charges related to hundreds of images and videos of girls using the bathroom and undressing.
Fleet of unmarked law enforcement vehicles aims to make I-4 safer
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched a stealthy new initiative to catch speeders and reckless drivers along busy Interstate 4, which has sometimes been called the most dangerous road in America.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched a stealthy new initiative to catch speeders and reckless drivers along busy Interstate 4, which has sometimes been called the most dangerous road in America.
Seafood served up fresh at Bartow's local fishing hole
Catfish Country in Bartow has been in owner William Houvardas’ family for 22 years. He says the restaurant survives on loyal locals, as well as customers from the surrounding area.
Catfish Country in Bartow has been in owner William Houvardas’ family for 22 years. He says the restaurant survives on loyal locals, as well as customers from the surrounding area.
‘Setting our nation on the right path’: Buffalo Soldier reenactors commemorate Florida’s Emancipation Day
On Thursday, men dressed as Buffalo Soldiers with their horses in period saddles and tack in downtown Lakeland to commemorate the 165th anniversary of Emancipation Day.
On Thursday, men dressed as Buffalo Soldiers with their horses in period saddles and tack in downtown Lakeland to commemorate the 165th anniversary of Emancipation Day.
PCSO: 2 teens arrested for shooting 3 kids with pellet gun, capturing it on cell phone video
Jordan Hawes, 18, and a 17-year-old male have been arrested after deputies say the pair drove around a Polk County park and shot three children with a pellet gun.
Jordan Hawes, 18, and a 17-year-old male have been arrested after deputies say the pair drove around a Polk County park and shot three children with a pellet gun.
Polk County native now chairs golf's most prestigious course, tournament
The Tampa Bay area is loaded with high-powered sports figures, but there is someone from Tampa Bay who is just as powerful in the sports world and you may have never heard of him: Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.
The Tampa Bay area is loaded with high-powered sports figures, but there is someone from Tampa Bay who is just as powerful in the sports world and you may have never heard of him: Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.
Consultant suggests 775% increase for Polk development fees, frozen since 2008
It may cost individuals more to buy a new home in Polk County if commissioners follow the recommendation of a consultant’s new report, which suggests the county raise its development fees by a whopping 775 percent.
It may cost individuals more to buy a new home in Polk County if commissioners follow the recommendation of a consultant’s new report, which suggests the county raise its development fees by a whopping 775 percent.
County Road 640 reopens south of Bartow as crews surround brush fire
A brush fire that closed roads in Polk County overnight is now mostly contained, firefighters say.
A brush fire that closed roads in Polk County overnight is now mostly contained, firefighters say.
2 killed in Lake Wales crash
Two men were thrown from a pickup truck along State Road 60 in Lake Wales after the driver lost control, deputies say. Both were killed.
Two men were thrown from a pickup truck along State Road 60 in Lake Wales after the driver lost control, deputies say. Both were killed.
Tow shop owner shot man who refused to wait for vehicle, deputies say
The owner of a towing company is behind bars, his brother has been rushed to the hospital, and a customer is dead after an argument turned deadly Monday night.
The owner of a towing company is behind bars, his brother has been rushed to the hospital, and a customer is dead after an argument turned deadly Monday night.
Residents escape injury as fire destroys Lakeland apartments
It was around 7:30 a.m. when crews responded to the blaze along North Florida Avenue. They say everyone inside the single-story multi-unit building was able to evacuate on their own.
It was around 7:30 a.m. when crews responded to the blaze along North Florida Avenue. They say everyone inside the single-story multi-unit building was able to evacuate on their own.
Polk teacher of the year overcame adversity to inspire students
Maude Graham has many titles. She is a teacher, a mentor, a student -- and she can now add "winner" to the list. Mrs. Graham is 2021's Polk County Teacher of the Year.
Maude Graham has many titles. She is a teacher, a mentor, a student -- and she can now add "winner" to the list. Mrs. Graham is 2021's Polk County Teacher of the Year.
Lakeland police investigating fatal motorcycle crash
Darry Darnell, 53, died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Darry Darnell, 53, died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
‘It was life-changing': Polk County deputy releases rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wild
A three-and-a-half-year-old female bald eagle who was found injured was released back into the wild at the Polk County Sheriff’s office on Friday.
A three-and-a-half-year-old female bald eagle who was found injured was released back into the wild at the Polk County Sheriff’s office on Friday.
Staff shortage hits Polk preschools, daycares as parents head back to the office
When the pandemic hit last year, parents began working remotely. As the number of kids dropped in class, daycare centers and preschools laid off employees. Now that parents are going back to work, centers are getting their little ones back.
When the pandemic hit last year, parents began working remotely. As the number of kids dropped in class, daycare centers and preschools laid off employees. Now that parents are going back to work, centers are getting their little ones back.
Independence Day celebrations return to Bay Area
Fireworks will once again light up the night on the Fourth of July. Sarasota, Lakeland, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg all say plans are in the works for an Independence Day to remember.
Fireworks will once again light up the night on the Fourth of July. Sarasota, Lakeland, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg all say plans are in the works for an Independence Day to remember.
Authorities locate missing 16-year-old girl from Lakeland
Investigators say they have located a missing 16-year-old from Lakeland and the girl is safe.
Investigators say they have located a missing 16-year-old from Lakeland and the girl is safe.
Residents on the lookout for exotic lizard running loose in Lakeland neighborhood
A two-and-a-half-foot tegu lizard is prowling the streets and hiding under the sheds of a north Lakeland neighborhood.
A two-and-a-half-foot tegu lizard is prowling the streets and hiding under the sheds of a north Lakeland neighborhood.
Boil-water alert issued for Mulberry neighborhood
The precautionary boil-water alert is for residents along and west of Bailey Road, from Shepherd Road to Highway 60. That includes 3,900 utility customers northwest of Mulberry.
The precautionary boil-water alert is for residents along and west of Bailey Road, from Shepherd Road to Highway 60. That includes 3,900 utility customers northwest of Mulberry.