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.
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.
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.
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.
Lakeland police investigating after 14-year-old boy shot in back and leg
Police in Lakeland are investigating a shooting that left a 14-year-old boy injured early Tuesday morning.
Police in Lakeland are investigating a shooting that left a 14-year-old boy injured early Tuesday morning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FHP: Different fugitive arrested in Mexico; man wanted for 2007 deadly Bartow crash still at-large
The Florida Highway Patrol thought U.S. Marshals had arrested its most-wanted fugitive, but the man is actually another fugitive from two other states, FHP said Friday.
The Florida Highway Patrol thought U.S. Marshals had arrested its most-wanted fugitive, but the man is actually another fugitive from two other states, FHP said Friday.
‘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.
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.
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.
Bartow woman arrested after dog was found starved to death, 2 others severely neglected, deputies say
While investigating an anonymous tip, one dog was found dead inside its kennel with no food or water, and two others were severely underweight.
While investigating an anonymous tip, one dog was found dead inside its kennel with no food or water, and two others were severely underweight.
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.
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.
'Armed and dangerous' Sebring man wanted in deadly Father's Day shooting in Lake Wales
Lake Wales police are searching for a man they say shot a Bradenton man six times on Father's Day.
Lake Wales police are searching for a man they say shot a Bradenton man six times on Father's Day.
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.
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.
FHP: Florida man who killed couple in DUI crash arrested in Mexico after 14 years on the run
After nearly 14 years on the run, U.S. Marshals captured a man in Mexico who was wanted in connection with a crash that killed a central Florida couple in Polk County back in 2007.
After nearly 14 years on the run, U.S. Marshals captured a man in Mexico who was wanted in connection with a crash that killed a central Florida couple in Polk County back in 2007.
Lakeland bungalow moved as part of man's mission to preserve history
You may have moved into a new house, but a Lakeland man is known for actually moving houses -- old ones that are historically torn down -- to save them from demolition.
You may have moved into a new house, but a Lakeland man is known for actually moving houses -- old ones that are historically torn down -- to save them from demolition.
Criminal justice reform a hot topic in Tampa Bay, no matter the side
Law enforcement agencies, residents, prosecutors, and advocates across the Tampa Bay area came together Tuesday night to discuss criminal justice reform including civil citation programs, Florida's anti-riot law, and communication between law enforcement and residents.
Law enforcement agencies, residents, prosecutors, and advocates across the Tampa Bay area came together Tuesday night to discuss criminal justice reform including civil citation programs, Florida's anti-riot law, and communication between law enforcement and residents.
29 baby swans released on Lake Morton
The population of Lakeland is growing. A new bevy of baby swans has just arrived at their new home on Lake Morton.
The population of Lakeland is growing. A new bevy of baby swans has just arrived at their new home on Lake Morton.