Cuban-born historian: Protests are overdue, but change may take more

Cuban-born author, TV host, and documentary producer Teresa Martinez says the protests in Cuba and across the US are long overdue, but it will take more than demonstrations to bring real change.

Haines City launches graveyard GPS helps find loved one’s final resting place

GPS is not just used for driving anymore in Haines City, which recently started using it in cemeteries to help families locate the right gravesite.

Polk County School District hosting virtual job fair

Over in Polk County, a virtual job fair will take place Wednesday to hire more teachers for the fall.

'Fairly dramatic' COVID-19 spike sending Polk's unvaccinated to hospitals

Tuesday afternoon, there were more than 80 patients hospitalized at Lakeland Regional with COVID, four in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients are under 45 and unvaccinated.

Polk County officials warn illegal garbage dumpers could face jailtime

Rather than take their stuff to the landfill and pay a fee, investigators say some people are just getting rid of it anywhere they can, but anyone who gets caught illegally dumping trash could face up to five years in prison.

Lakeland teen tumbler to represent America in World Championships

Years of training in the gym are paying off for Nastia Kutchalova, 16, of Lakeland, who is the only teen from Florida going to the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in November.

Great Florida Bigfoot Conference brings believers to Lakeland

Ryan Golembeske believes Florida is one of the best places to have a Bigfoot experience. The avid Bigfoot researcher will be emceeing the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference in Lakeland this Saturday.

Fort Meade woman arrested for 2-month-old’s death

Investigators said the 2-month-old baby had multiple head fractures and severe brain bleeding when paramedics rushed him to the hospital, where he died.

Lakeland police searching for suspects who gunned down father of 4 at gas station

Surveillance video recently released by LPD shows two armed, masked men prowling around between the side of a Mobile convenience store and a storage unit moments before a man was gunned down at a gas pump.

Images show Lakeland group repeatedly attacking officers during Capitol riot, FBI says

More details have been released about five Floridians charged in connection with the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot, several of whom allegedly beat officers with flagpoles and riot shields while shouting, "We didn’t come all this way just to stand here!"

DeSantis suspends Lake Wales city commissioner who threatened child with gun

Governor Desantis signed an executive order that suspends the Lake Wales City Commissioner from her office until she's been acquitted of aggravated assault.

With minimal damage reported, flood-prone communities watch water levels as Elsa makes landfall

As officials assess damage from Tropical Storm Elsa this morning, most are reporting minimal impacts. Now, attention turns to the potential for flooding and storm surge as Elsa makes landfall to the north.

Thousands without power as Elsa brings gusting winds, heavy rain overnight

Elsa brought some of its heaviest rain and wind during the early morning hours Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands of customers across the Bay Area. 

Lakeland teen dies after Sunday morning hit-and-run crash

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a vehicle and driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a teen in Lakeland early Sunday morning.

Winter Haven officer arrested after domestic dispute, police say

A Winter Haven police officer was arrested Sunday and suspended after an altercation in an apartment parking lot, officials said.

Two dead, six injured in Winter Haven crash

Polk County deputies said the driver and passenger of one vehicle died following a crash Sunday night, leaving six others injured including a 4-year-old.

Search is on for 2 suspects who shot, killed man at Lakeland gas station

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating after a 34-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning at a Mobil gas station.

PCSO: 1 killed, 2 injured in head-on crash near Polk City

Angel Cano, 59, was killed Friday afternoon in a head-on crash near Polk City, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Polk deputies arrest 2 teens accused of stealing 3 cars, burglarizing 13 other vehicles

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old are facing several felony charges after deputies say they stole several cars and burglarized multiple vehicles in the Loma Del Sol subdivision in unincorporated Davenport.