Kathleen Middle School continues to rebuild one year after tornado strike

Kathleen Middle School principal Sheila Gregory reflected on the one-year anniversary of that tornado touchdown and talked about how repairs are going.

Man loses 3 family members, including 2 children, in Lake Wales wrong-way crash

Wagner Salvador, 42, lost three family members Friday night after the car he was driving was hit nearly head-on by Phillip Penatello, 83, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Bay Area participates in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Anyone with unused prescription drugs can safely dispose of them on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at several Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Sarasota County locatio

Polk pastor attempts to bridge ‘digital divide’ with free wi-fi

A Lakeland pastor built an 8-foot tower at the church and contracted with an internet provider so people in his area could have around-the-clock wi-fi. Now, he wants to help other churches provide free wi-fi to help close the so-called “digital divide.”

Rays superfan with Down syndrome gets surprise trip to World Series

Winter Haven’s Ellis Allanson loves the Rays  In his words, he’s the “biggest fan in the world.” And that’s what made a surprise over the weekend so special. His parents surprised him at work with tickets to see his favorite team in person: Game Four of the World Series.

26-year Polk County deputy raises funds for Speech and Hearing Center

Law enforcement officers have a duty is to serve and protect. One Polk County deputy is sacrificing time and money to do just that. His commitment to his community is what's right with Tampa Bay.

Haines City pastor accused of targeting elderly victim, performing shoddy home repairs for $35K

Haines City police say 46-year-old Abner Anibal Rolon, who serves as the pastor of Calvary First Assembly church, faces several charges after he targeted an 85-year-old woman with visual, hearing and mobility impairments.

Female fire rescue employees describe unwanted tickling, being watched during sleep by Polk County chiefs

Records obtained by FOX 13 News show a Polk County Fire Rescue battalion chief resigned last month after multiple female employees came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. A second battalion chief, Jeremiah Gilley, was accused of the same behavior and resigned before an investigation was completed.

Polk deputies shoot, kill man who charged at them with a machete in Frostproof

"Let's be abundantly clear," Sheriff Grady Judd said of the man, who was reportedly paranoid and likely schizophrenic. "None of my deputies are going to stand by and let someone like that run a machete through them."

State seeking death penalty against suspect in Frostproof triple murder

The State Attorney's Office is seeking the death penalty against a man charged in a triple homicide in Polk County. Tony "T.J." Wiggins is accused of brutally murdering three men in July who were fishing in Frostproof. 

COVID-19 leaves Polk father of three in need of kidney transplant

A Dundee man suffered severe kidney damage and will have to be on dialysis three times a week until he can find a compatible kidney donor. Meanwhile, experts say his unfortunate situation is not unique.

Lakeland does away with mask mandate

For months, Lakeland residents and visitors have been required to wear a mask in public places.

Lottery to determine who can purchase Lakeland's famous swans

Following the annual swan roundup this year, Lakeland is setting aside part of the population for people to purchase them.