2 women kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists graduate from Southeastern University

Tens of thousands of young people across Tampa Bay are graduating this time of year. But perhaps none have stories as amazing or terrifying as Joy Bishara and her cousin Lydia Pogu, who just graduated from Southeastern University in Lakeland.

Members of class of 2020 finally walk in graduation ceremony 1 year later

Hundreds of Polk State College students finally got their diplomas at a graduation ceremony at the R.P. Funding Center in Lakeland on Thursday.

Polk County detectives looking for driver who backed into elderly man

Polk County detectives believe the driver who hit an 84-year-old man with a walker, knocking him to the ground and driving off, may not have even known they did it. Even worse, Sheriff Grady Judd said no one bothered to help as the man struggled to stand back up.

‘Mastermind’ behind largest meth seizure in Polk history was operating from federal prison, sheriff says

A major drug bust led deputies to 120 gallons of liquid meth being transported in buckets by suspects from Georgia to Florida, overseen by a "mastermind" who ran the operation from federal prison, officials said Thursday.

Lakeland's Midtown Lofts move city toward affordable housing goals

Lakeland is making a concerted effort to solve its affordable housing crisis with the newly-opened Midtown Lofts, a public-private partnership on North Lake Avenue.

Teens needed for COVID-19 vaccine study in Lakeland

A COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers is being tested in Lakeland. The company that is running the clinical trials, Accel Research Sites, is looking for young people who want to take part in the study.

NOAA testing new drone technology to hunt hurricanes

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Hunters in Lakeland are testing a new generation of hurricane-hunting, remote-controlled aircraft.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.