City of Lakeland removes criminal record checkbox for employment
The the city of Lakeland government has joined the 'ban the box' initiative to remove disclosing a criminal record from the initial application process.
The the city of Lakeland government has joined the 'ban the box' initiative to remove disclosing a criminal record from the initial application process.
Publix employee arrested after fraudulently receiving $2,000 from Polk CARES program, deputies say
Polk detectives announced the 11th suspect arrested in their investigation to track down residents who fraudulently filed for COVID-19 relief funds when they didn’t qualify.
Polk detectives announced the 11th suspect arrested in their investigation to track down residents who fraudulently filed for COVID-19 relief funds when they didn’t qualify.
Polk school employee arrested for DUI following Lake Wales crash
An employee of the Polk County School Board is facing a DUI charge after crashing into a fence over the weekend.
An employee of the Polk County School Board is facing a DUI charge after crashing into a fence over the weekend.
Publix tries to distance from heiress who reportedly donated to pre-riot rally
Publix has denied that a woman found by the Wall Street Journal to have given money towards President Trump's campaign, which went on to fuel the January 6th rally prior to the Capitol riot, has any influence over its business operations or represents the company.
Publix has denied that a woman found by the Wall Street Journal to have given money towards President Trump's campaign, which went on to fuel the January 6th rally prior to the Capitol riot, has any influence over its business operations or represents the company.
Mulberry man arrested for DUI manslaughter after crash kills 12-year-old boy
A 12-year-old boy from Plant City was killed shortly after midnight Sunday following a two-vehicle crash near Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A 12-year-old boy from Plant City was killed shortly after midnight Sunday following a two-vehicle crash near Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Gas station employee critically injured after suspect punches him in the face and flees, police say
The Lakeland Police Department is searching for a man accused of punching a gas station employee in the face, causing him to sustain life-threatening injuries.
The Lakeland Police Department is searching for a man accused of punching a gas station employee in the face, causing him to sustain life-threatening injuries.
Polk County deputies encounter massive alligator near Lakeland school
A resident reported a large alligator sunning on the sidewalk near Lakeland Highlands Middle School, and said they were worried about kids who were walking to class. The 10-foot, 800-pound alligator did not want to go without a fight.
A resident reported a large alligator sunning on the sidewalk near Lakeland Highlands Middle School, and said they were worried about kids who were walking to class. The 10-foot, 800-pound alligator did not want to go without a fight.
Sheriff: Polk residents defrauded county's CARES Act program, received thousands they didn't deserve
A total of ten people from Polk County were arrested for fraudulently obtaining federal CARES Act funding, detectives announced Friday.
A total of ten people from Polk County were arrested for fraudulently obtaining federal CARES Act funding, detectives announced Friday.
Adventurous cancer survivor encourages others to live life to the fullest
Cancer survivor Ala Grofe, 76, credits his good health to exercise and a sense of adventure.
Cancer survivor Ala Grofe, 76, credits his good health to exercise and a sense of adventure.
Polk school district to slash game attendance to 25% following CDC 'superspreader' report
Polk County public school officials announced Wednesday that it will be cutting attendance at games and other athletic events starting Monday, Feb. 1.
Polk County public school officials announced Wednesday that it will be cutting attendance at games and other athletic events starting Monday, Feb. 1.
Haines City teacher, coach accused of having sexual relationship with student
Wayne McKenzie Ricks II, 29, a teacher at Haines City High School, was arrested on 10 counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 after police say he was dating and having sex with a student.
Wayne McKenzie Ricks II, 29, a teacher at Haines City High School, was arrested on 10 counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 after police say he was dating and having sex with a student.
Polk fire captain accused of blackmailing paramedic in scheme to steal COVID-19 vaccine
A Polk County fire captain has turned himself in to authorities after he was accused of enlisting the help of a paramedic to steal COVID-19 vaccines meant for first responders.
A Polk County fire captain has turned himself in to authorities after he was accused of enlisting the help of a paramedic to steal COVID-19 vaccines meant for first responders.
CDC says proper precautions result in few COVID-19 cases in schools; cites Polk wrestling tournament
A new CDC study released Tuesday suggests schools should postpone high-contact athletic activities where it’s not possible to wear masks and COVID-19 transmission is high.
A new CDC study released Tuesday suggests schools should postpone high-contact athletic activities where it’s not possible to wear masks and COVID-19 transmission is high.
Polk 'paramedic of the year' arrested, accused of stealing doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine
The sheriff's office said a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic, identified as 31-year-old Joshua Colon, is accused of assisting a fire captain in the theft of Moderna vaccine vials. The agency was directed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to first responders.
The sheriff's office said a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic, identified as 31-year-old Joshua Colon, is accused of assisting a fire captain in the theft of Moderna vaccine vials. The agency was directed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to first responders.
Polk deputies: 18-year-old arrested after hosting house party that ended with four injured teens
A high school student from Orlando was the host of a house party in July 2020 that led to four teens being injured, Polk detectives say.
A high school student from Orlando was the host of a house party in July 2020 that led to four teens being injured, Polk detectives say.
'Lowest of the low': Polk man accused of stealing from gravesite of Frostproof triple murder victim
Polk County deputies arrested a Fort Meade man for removing solar lights at the gravesite for one of the three men murdered last year in Frostproof during a fishing trip, officials said.
Polk County deputies arrested a Fort Meade man for removing solar lights at the gravesite for one of the three men murdered last year in Frostproof during a fishing trip, officials said.
Polk County Youth Fair limiting attendance due to COVID-19
The Youth Fair has been a Polk County tradition for more than 70 years. This year, however, it is anything but traditional because of COVID-19.
The Youth Fair has been a Polk County tradition for more than 70 years. This year, however, it is anything but traditional because of COVID-19.
Lakeland elementary school custodian accused of domestic violence on elderly victim, deputies say
A 66-year-old man who is a custodian at a Lakeland elementary school was arrested for domestic violence after grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing her, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A 66-year-old man who is a custodian at a Lakeland elementary school was arrested for domestic violence after grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing her, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Central Florida teacher arrested in Haines City for domestic violence, police say
A teacher was arrested in Haines City after striking and scratching the victim, the police department announced Monday.
A teacher was arrested in Haines City after striking and scratching the victim, the police department announced Monday.
Lakeland teen filmmaker recognized by Cannes Film Festival
Filmmaking is a calling for director Josh Ceranic. A native of Lakeland, Ceranic honed his writing and directing skills in high school, at the Harrison School for the Arts.
Filmmaking is a calling for director Josh Ceranic. A native of Lakeland, Ceranic honed his writing and directing skills in high school, at the Harrison School for the Arts.