Polk County deputies encounter massive alligator near Lakeland school
A resident reported a large alligator sunning on the sidewalk near Lakeland Highlands Middle School, and said they were worried about kids who were walking to class. The 10-foot, 800-pound alligator did not want to go without a fight.
A resident reported a large alligator sunning on the sidewalk near Lakeland Highlands Middle School, and said they were worried about kids who were walking to class. The 10-foot, 800-pound alligator did not want to go without a fight.
Sheriff: Polk residents defrauded county's CARES Act program, received thousands they didn't deserve
A total of ten people from Polk County were arrested for fraudulently obtaining federal CARES Act funding, detectives announced Friday.
A total of ten people from Polk County were arrested for fraudulently obtaining federal CARES Act funding, detectives announced Friday.
Adventurous cancer survivor encourages others to live life to the fullest
Cancer survivor Ala Grofe, 76, credits his good health to exercise and a sense of adventure.
Cancer survivor Ala Grofe, 76, credits his good health to exercise and a sense of adventure.
Polk school district to slash game attendance to 25% following CDC 'superspreader' report
Polk County public school officials announced Wednesday that it will be cutting attendance at games and other athletic events starting Monday, Feb. 1.
Polk County public school officials announced Wednesday that it will be cutting attendance at games and other athletic events starting Monday, Feb. 1.
Haines City teacher, coach accused of having sexual relationship with student
Wayne McKenzie Ricks II, 29, a teacher at Haines City High School, was arrested on 10 counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 after police say he was dating and having sex with a student.
Wayne McKenzie Ricks II, 29, a teacher at Haines City High School, was arrested on 10 counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 after police say he was dating and having sex with a student.
Polk fire captain accused of blackmailing paramedic in scheme to steal COVID-19 vaccine
A Polk County fire captain has turned himself in to authorities after he was accused of enlisting the help of a paramedic to steal COVID-19 vaccines meant for first responders.
A Polk County fire captain has turned himself in to authorities after he was accused of enlisting the help of a paramedic to steal COVID-19 vaccines meant for first responders.
CDC says proper precautions result in few COVID-19 cases in schools; cites Polk wrestling tournament
A new CDC study released Tuesday suggests schools should postpone high-contact athletic activities where it’s not possible to wear masks and COVID-19 transmission is high.
A new CDC study released Tuesday suggests schools should postpone high-contact athletic activities where it’s not possible to wear masks and COVID-19 transmission is high.
Polk 'paramedic of the year' arrested, accused of stealing doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine
The sheriff's office said a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic, identified as 31-year-old Joshua Colon, is accused of assisting a fire captain in the theft of Moderna vaccine vials. The agency was directed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to first responders.
The sheriff's office said a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic, identified as 31-year-old Joshua Colon, is accused of assisting a fire captain in the theft of Moderna vaccine vials. The agency was directed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to first responders.
Polk deputies: 18-year-old arrested after hosting house party that ended with four injured teens
A high school student from Orlando was the host of a house party in July 2020 that led to four teens being injured, Polk detectives say.
A high school student from Orlando was the host of a house party in July 2020 that led to four teens being injured, Polk detectives say.
'Lowest of the low': Polk man accused of stealing from gravesite of Frostproof triple murder victim
Polk County deputies arrested a Fort Meade man for removing solar lights at the gravesite for one of the three men murdered last year in Frostproof during a fishing trip, officials said.
Polk County deputies arrested a Fort Meade man for removing solar lights at the gravesite for one of the three men murdered last year in Frostproof during a fishing trip, officials said.
Polk County Youth Fair limiting attendance due to COVID-19
The Youth Fair has been a Polk County tradition for more than 70 years. This year, however, it is anything but traditional because of COVID-19.
The Youth Fair has been a Polk County tradition for more than 70 years. This year, however, it is anything but traditional because of COVID-19.
Lakeland elementary school custodian accused of domestic violence on elderly victim, deputies say
A 66-year-old man who is a custodian at a Lakeland elementary school was arrested for domestic violence after grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing her, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A 66-year-old man who is a custodian at a Lakeland elementary school was arrested for domestic violence after grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing her, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Central Florida teacher arrested in Haines City for domestic violence, police say
A teacher was arrested in Haines City after striking and scratching the victim, the police department announced Monday.
A teacher was arrested in Haines City after striking and scratching the victim, the police department announced Monday.
Lakeland teen filmmaker recognized by Cannes Film Festival
Filmmaking is a calling for director Josh Ceranic. A native of Lakeland, Ceranic honed his writing and directing skills in high school, at the Harrison School for the Arts.
Filmmaking is a calling for director Josh Ceranic. A native of Lakeland, Ceranic honed his writing and directing skills in high school, at the Harrison School for the Arts.
Walgreens partners with Polk County long-term care facility to administer COVID-19 vaccine
Lake Morton Plaza was one of the first assisted living facilities in Polk County to have its residents inoculated against COVID-19.
Lake Morton Plaza was one of the first assisted living facilities in Polk County to have its residents inoculated against COVID-19.
Lakeland commissioners approve apartment complex despite concerns from Carillon Lakes residents
Carillon Lakes residents heard a deafening sour note when Lakeland city commissioners voted to allow 300 apartments to be built next to their gated subdivision, but the mayor says the decision will preserve the integrity of the neighborhood.
Carillon Lakes residents heard a deafening sour note when Lakeland city commissioners voted to allow 300 apartments to be built next to their gated subdivision, but the mayor says the decision will preserve the integrity of the neighborhood.
PCFR: 2 individuals, 1 dog rescued from Mulberry RV fire
Two people and a dog were rescued from an RV fire Wednesday morning, according to Polk County Fire Rescue.
Two people and a dog were rescued from an RV fire Wednesday morning, according to Polk County Fire Rescue.
PCSO: Deputy arrested for threats of Capitol violence
Sheriff Grady Judd says what started as a rant by Deputy Peter Heneen turned into a disturbing series of texts, where the 29-year-old threatened to "shoot the feds" and "make the streets of DC run red with the blood of tyrants."
Sheriff Grady Judd says what started as a rant by Deputy Peter Heneen turned into a disturbing series of texts, where the 29-year-old threatened to "shoot the feds" and "make the streets of DC run red with the blood of tyrants."
Polk officials: 2nd doses of COVID-19 vaccines expected to arrive on time, state says
Even though the COVID-19 vaccine is in such short supply across Florida, Polk County officials are being told by the state that there will be enough when it is time for residents to get a second dose.
Even though the COVID-19 vaccine is in such short supply across Florida, Polk County officials are being told by the state that there will be enough when it is time for residents to get a second dose.
14-year-old found shot after police receive calls about loud music and crowds
Winter Haven police say they heard gunshots when responding to 911 calls about music and crowds in the area of MLK Blvd and 3rd St NE.
Winter Haven police say they heard gunshots when responding to 911 calls about music and crowds in the area of MLK Blvd and 3rd St NE.