Roommate of girl who died at Lakeland boarding school says medical requests were not taken seriously

“If it was like, we needed to see a doctor, you pretty much knew you were not going to. You could fill out requests but you just kinda automatically knew it was not going to happen,” the roommate told FOX 13 News.

Lightning superfan ready to cheer Bolts to Stanley Cup victory

Never short on passion, Winter Haven's Ellis Allanson always brings the electricity. His energy is like a spark inside Amalie Arena. 

Winter Haven man charged with over 600 counts of possession of child pornography

A Winter Haven man, described by the sheriff as "vile and demented," was arrested Wednesday after detectives supposedly found over 600 images and videos containing child pornography on his computers.

3 more Bay Area residents charged in Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol

Three more Bay Area residents have been charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol, making Florida the state with the most indictments related to the riots.

Former students of Lakeland girls school come forward to describe conditions at facility where girl died

Former students of a Lakeland boarding school for girls are speaking out after a girl died there. Naomi Wood died in May of 2020 after weeks of stomach pains and asking to see a doctor but being denied, according to a report from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Polk deputies pause patrols for 'Fishin' With Sheriff Judd' event

A group of children in Polk County spent Wednesday morning learning how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a whopper with Sheriff Grady Judd.

Girl dies after being denied treatment for stomach pain while living at Lakeland children's home

A 17-year-old girl living at a boarding school for girls in Lakeland complained of stomach issues for nearly a month – but was denied professional medical treatment – before she died in May of 2020, according to reports by the Polk County medical examiner and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Former pitcher's Winter Haven company transforms baseball bats into drinking mugs

From Winter Haven, this former pitcher took a swing at starting his own company, Dugout Mugs, using baseball bats to create drinking mugs. Fans can order personalized mugs with their favorite MLB team's logo.

Polk County building 3 schools for next year's influx of new students

It is not unusual for Polk County to build a new school during the summer, so it can open in the fall when kids come back. But three new schools are needed for the upcoming school year as the county grows exponentially.

Police: Winter Haven man attacked, threatened to kill officers while trying to grab gun

Winter Haven police say the man repeatedly punched the officer, then tried to grab his gun while yelling, "I'm going to kill you!" The officer managed to use his Taser to stop him.

Deputies: Five teens arrested in Polk County after stealing truck, handgun

Five young suspects were arrested by Polk County deputies after stealing a handgun from a vehicle in Davenport, according to the sheriff’s office. Their ages range from 15 to 18.

Fugitive arrested in Mexico after giving fake name -- of another fugitive

After 14 years, authorities thought they had arrested the man responsible for a drunk-driving crash that killed a Polk County couple. However, it turns out the man arrested in Mexico was the wrong guy.

‘Let’s do it’: Hospice chaplain helps Bartow man fulfill lifelong dream of flying

Day after day, John Kimball would sit on his porch and watch planes from Bartow Municipal Airport fly overhead. He's in his 80s, under hospice care, and had never flown -- until recently.

Lakeland man arrested for aggravated assault 1 day after being released from jail

Andrew Scott, 50, of Lakeland was arrested for aggravated assault the day after being released from jail, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Miss Florida competition is no longer a beauty pageant

There has been an evolution away from the superficial; the emphasis is now on the cerebral. Many of the women have college or advanced degrees.

FHP needs witnesses to help in 6 unsolved interstate shootings

Cases of unsolved shootings on Florida interstates are piling up for highway patrol investigators. There have been six shootings in the last 12 months, leaving three people dead, and no arrests have been made.