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.
Polk County deputies investigate deadly shooting at Walmart parking lot
One person is dead, and another was taken into custody following a shooting in Auburndale.
One person is dead, and another was taken into custody following a shooting in Auburndale.
Polk parents claim masks cause skin issues, headaches, and poor performance in school
A group of parents is threatening to sue the Polk County School Board unless it stops requiring kids to wear a mask in school.
A group of parents is threatening to sue the Polk County School Board unless it stops requiring kids to wear a mask in school.
Polk County is second-fastest growing area in U.S.
According to new U.S. Census data, over a two-year period, Polk County is one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country. But as people race to move into Polk, the county is racing just to keep up.
According to new U.S. Census data, over a two-year period, Polk County is one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country. But as people race to move into Polk, the county is racing just to keep up.
Second Lakeland shooting suspect arrested in Tampa
Javon Deshonn Harrison and Marcel Bruce have been arrested and are charged with four counts of attempted murder following a shooting that took place Friday in Lakeland.
Javon Deshonn Harrison and Marcel Bruce have been arrested and are charged with four counts of attempted murder following a shooting that took place Friday in Lakeland.
‘This was not a random incident’: Lakeland man arrested for attempted murder, search continues for 2nd suspect
Polk County detectives arrested Javon Deshonn Harrison, 26, of Lakeland on four counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied home.
Polk County detectives arrested Javon Deshonn Harrison, 26, of Lakeland on four counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied home.
Elderly man dies days after being hit in Polk County parking lot
The man's niece, Tammy Harper had no idea there was a video of her uncle being hit until Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he was disgusted no one stopped to help.
The man's niece, Tammy Harper had no idea there was a video of her uncle being hit until Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he was disgusted no one stopped to help.