Florida Polytechnic students create wearable prototype for controlling skateboard with hand gestures
If you own a smartwatch, you can consider yourself a consumer of wearable technology. The concept has grown in popularity in recent years and now three students at Florida Polytechnic University are getting major funding for their own wearable prototype.
If you own a smartwatch, you can consider yourself a consumer of wearable technology. The concept has grown in popularity in recent years and now three students at Florida Polytechnic University are getting major funding for their own wearable prototype.
On anniversary of Korean War battle, Polk County honors legacy of Gen. Van Fleet
General James Van Fleet was in charge of American and other United Nations forces during the Battle of Kapyong, which started 70 years ago on April 23, 1951.
General James Van Fleet was in charge of American and other United Nations forces during the Battle of Kapyong, which started 70 years ago on April 23, 1951.
Mother also faces charges in Lakeland toddler's death
Police have arrested another person after the death of a 2-year old in Lakeland.
Police have arrested another person after the death of a 2-year old in Lakeland.
Mother and baby die in crash with train in Frostproof
A young mother and her 4-month-old died in a crash Thursday afternoon when the car they were riding in was hit by an Amtrak train in Polk County, the sheriff's office said.
A young mother and her 4-month-old died in a crash Thursday afternoon when the car they were riding in was hit by an Amtrak train in Polk County, the sheriff's office said.
Brain training research participants needed for dementia-prevention study
For the last three years, researchers at the University of South Florida have been analyzing the effectiveness of computer games on the brains of older adults and now they need more participants for a study that aims to prove its effectiveness.
For the last three years, researchers at the University of South Florida have been analyzing the effectiveness of computer games on the brains of older adults and now they need more participants for a study that aims to prove its effectiveness.
Polk father charged after leaving gun in son's backpack
A Lakeland father is facing charges after a handgun was found in a kindergarten student's backpack.
A Lakeland father is facing charges after a handgun was found in a kindergarten student's backpack.
Bay Area activists, leaders, citizens reflect on justice after Chauvin trial verdicts
Just less than a year after the world watched videos posted online of George Floyd telling Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin "I can’t breathe," citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement are reacting to guilty verdicts in Chauvin’s murder trial.
Just less than a year after the world watched videos posted online of George Floyd telling Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin "I can’t breathe," citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement are reacting to guilty verdicts in Chauvin’s murder trial.
No appointment necessary for Polk County COVID-19 vaccinations
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
Gov. DeSantis signs anti-riot bill imposing harsher criminal penalties on violent protesters
Backed by law enforcement from all over Central Florida at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the governor signed his controversial anti-rioting bill into law on Monday. The measure is meant to stiffen penalties on violent protesters.
Backed by law enforcement from all over Central Florida at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the governor signed his controversial anti-rioting bill into law on Monday. The measure is meant to stiffen penalties on violent protesters.
‘I’m going to die tonight’: Armed suspect shot, killed by Winter Haven police officer
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
No injuries reported after plane lands on Polk Parkway
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Man accused of beating toddler to death for urinating on couch now faces murder charges
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.
For Dugout Mug inventor, major-league dream turns into the American dream
Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.
Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.
Neighbors grab burglary suspect who attacked Winter Haven homeowner, hold him down until police arrive
Neighbors rushed to help a Winter Haven homeowner who had been attacked by an alleged burglar, holding down the suspect until police arrived.
Neighbors rushed to help a Winter Haven homeowner who had been attacked by an alleged burglar, holding down the suspect until police arrived.
Valrico man killed in three-vehicle crash, deputies say
Polk County deputies said a 63-year-old man from Valrico was killed following a crash in Lakeland.
Polk County deputies said a 63-year-old man from Valrico was killed following a crash in Lakeland.
It’s back: Sun ‘n Fun makes its return to Lakeland
After a cancellation last year and a postponement this year, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo organizers are making up for lost time.
After a cancellation last year and a postponement this year, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo organizers are making up for lost time.
Science teacher brings Florida aesthetic to jewelry making
An elementary school teacher is using her love for science -- and her dog -- to create beautiful pieces inspired by Florida's natural beauty.
An elementary school teacher is using her love for science -- and her dog -- to create beautiful pieces inspired by Florida's natural beauty.
Father of 2-year-old beating victim wants harsher charges for suspect
Jayden Hines, 2, was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center early Friday morning after suffering blunt-force trauma to multiple areas of his body, according to police.
Jayden Hines, 2, was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center early Friday morning after suffering blunt-force trauma to multiple areas of his body, according to police.
Sunday morning storms cause damage throughout Tampa Bay
People are cleaning up after strong storms Sunday morning caused damage throughout Tampa Bay. In some areas, strong winds tore off roofs and knocked down trees and powerlines.
People are cleaning up after strong storms Sunday morning caused damage throughout Tampa Bay. In some areas, strong winds tore off roofs and knocked down trees and powerlines.
Wrong-way driver arrested for DUI after almost crashing into state trooper
Efrain Caamano Fernandez is facing DUI charges after nearly hitting a state trooper head-on while traveling the wrong way on US-98 just north of Van Fleet Drive early Sunday morning.
Efrain Caamano Fernandez is facing DUI charges after nearly hitting a state trooper head-on while traveling the wrong way on US-98 just north of Van Fleet Drive early Sunday morning.


















