Bay Area activists, leaders, citizens reflect on justice after Chauvin trial verdicts
Just less than a year after the world watched videos posted online of George Floyd telling Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin "I can’t breathe," citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement are reacting to guilty verdicts in Chauvin’s murder trial.
Just less than a year after the world watched videos posted online of George Floyd telling Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin "I can’t breathe," citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement are reacting to guilty verdicts in Chauvin’s murder trial.
No appointment necessary for Polk County COVID-19 vaccinations
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
Gov. DeSantis signs anti-riot bill imposing harsher criminal penalties on violent protesters
Backed by law enforcement from all over Central Florida at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the governor signed his controversial anti-rioting bill into law on Monday. The measure is meant to stiffen penalties on violent protesters.
Backed by law enforcement from all over Central Florida at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the governor signed his controversial anti-rioting bill into law on Monday. The measure is meant to stiffen penalties on violent protesters.
‘I’m going to die tonight’: Armed suspect shot, killed by Winter Haven police officer
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
No injuries reported after plane lands on Polk Parkway
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Man accused of beating toddler to death for urinating on couch now faces murder charges
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.
For Dugout Mug inventor, major-league dream turns into the American dream
Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.
Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.
Neighbors grab burglary suspect who attacked Winter Haven homeowner, hold him down until police arrive
Neighbors rushed to help a Winter Haven homeowner who had been attacked by an alleged burglar, holding down the suspect until police arrived.
Neighbors rushed to help a Winter Haven homeowner who had been attacked by an alleged burglar, holding down the suspect until police arrived.
Valrico man killed in three-vehicle crash, deputies say
Polk County deputies said a 63-year-old man from Valrico was killed following a crash in Lakeland.
Polk County deputies said a 63-year-old man from Valrico was killed following a crash in Lakeland.
It’s back: Sun ‘n Fun makes its return to Lakeland
After a cancellation last year and a postponement this year, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo organizers are making up for lost time.
After a cancellation last year and a postponement this year, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo organizers are making up for lost time.
Science teacher brings Florida aesthetic to jewelry making
An elementary school teacher is using her love for science -- and her dog -- to create beautiful pieces inspired by Florida's natural beauty.
An elementary school teacher is using her love for science -- and her dog -- to create beautiful pieces inspired by Florida's natural beauty.
Father of 2-year-old beating victim wants harsher charges for suspect
Jayden Hines, 2, was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center early Friday morning after suffering blunt-force trauma to multiple areas of his body, according to police.
Jayden Hines, 2, was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center early Friday morning after suffering blunt-force trauma to multiple areas of his body, according to police.
Sunday morning storms cause damage throughout Tampa Bay
People are cleaning up after strong storms Sunday morning caused damage throughout Tampa Bay. In some areas, strong winds tore off roofs and knocked down trees and powerlines.
People are cleaning up after strong storms Sunday morning caused damage throughout Tampa Bay. In some areas, strong winds tore off roofs and knocked down trees and powerlines.
Wrong-way driver arrested for DUI after almost crashing into state trooper
Efrain Caamano Fernandez is facing DUI charges after nearly hitting a state trooper head-on while traveling the wrong way on US-98 just north of Van Fleet Drive early Sunday morning.
Efrain Caamano Fernandez is facing DUI charges after nearly hitting a state trooper head-on while traveling the wrong way on US-98 just north of Van Fleet Drive early Sunday morning.
Lakeland police find man's body while searching for missing person
Officers in Lakeland discovered the body of a 42-year-old man inside a vehicle after he was reported missing on Saturday.
Officers in Lakeland discovered the body of a 42-year-old man inside a vehicle after he was reported missing on Saturday.
Lakeland man beat child to death for urinating on couch, police say
Police arrested Alegray Jones, 30, after they say he killed his girlfriend’s two-year-old son while she was at work on Friday.
Police arrested Alegray Jones, 30, after they say he killed his girlfriend’s two-year-old son while she was at work on Friday.
Take a ride on the wild side this weekend at Bone Valley ATV Park
If you like heading off the beaten track for some fun, Polk County might have just the thing for you.
If you like heading off the beaten track for some fun, Polk County might have just the thing for you.
Pennsylvania quadruple-murder suspect was hiding out in Lake Alfred, FBI says
How well do you know your neighbors? People in a quiet Lake Alfred neighborhood were surprised to find out who was living -- or allegedly hiding out -- there.
How well do you know your neighbors? People in a quiet Lake Alfred neighborhood were surprised to find out who was living -- or allegedly hiding out -- there.
Doctors donate time to provide free medical services to Polk County’s uninsured
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Healthcare have helped more than 30,000 patients since 2001 with medical services from colonoscopies to cancer treatments.
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Healthcare have helped more than 30,000 patients since 2001 with medical services from colonoscopies to cancer treatments.
Polk County COVID-19 vaccine distribution
After several different phases of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, all adults in Polk County are now eligible for the vaccine.
After several different phases of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, all adults in Polk County are now eligible for the vaccine.