Companies create unique ways to make money during coronavirus pandemic
It is touch-and-go for many businesses because COVID-19 has put a real dent in their income. That’s why many are coming up with creative ways to bring in quick cash to help keep them afloat.
It is touch-and-go for many businesses because COVID-19 has put a real dent in their income. That’s why many are coming up with creative ways to bring in quick cash to help keep them afloat.
Polk school officials asking for student input on graduation ceremony alternatives
Florida’s graduating seniors, and their guardians or parents, are realizing that crossing a stage to collect a diploma in May is possibly not an option under social distancing guidelines.
Florida’s graduating seniors, and their guardians or parents, are realizing that crossing a stage to collect a diploma in May is possibly not an option under social distancing guidelines.
Polk parents, students adjust to virtual learning
Countless parents just got a second job, as a teacher, because of COVID-19.
Countless parents just got a second job, as a teacher, because of COVID-19.
Polk County K-9 recovering from stabbing celebrates 6th birthday
Vise, a K-9 with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated his 6th birthday on April 2, days after he was repeatedly stabbed during an arrest.
Vise, a K-9 with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated his 6th birthday on April 2, days after he was repeatedly stabbed during an arrest.
Polk County cuts student meal distribution to three days; closes 22 sites
The Polk County School District is scaling back the amount of meals its giving to children while they're not on-campus.
The Polk County School District is scaling back the amount of meals its giving to children while they're not on-campus.
Two Polk County jail inmates charged with murder of another inmate
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has charged two inmates, Brett Crosby, 20, and Christopher Jackson, 41, with first-degree murder for their assault of another inmate at the South County jail in Frostproof.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has charged two inmates, Brett Crosby, 20, and Christopher Jackson, 41, with first-degree murder for their assault of another inmate at the South County jail in Frostproof.
Stars of stage and screen give Winter Haven girl 'Hamilton' surprise of a lifetime
Nine-year-old Aubrey Bauman is a theater fanatic so when she found out her birthday present, a performance of "Hamilton" in Jacksonville, was postponed, she was devastated. But John Krasinski, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Emily Blunt turned it all around with one Youtube video.
Nine-year-old Aubrey Bauman is a theater fanatic so when she found out her birthday present, a performance of "Hamilton" in Jacksonville, was postponed, she was devastated. But John Krasinski, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Emily Blunt turned it all around with one Youtube video.
Amidst coronavirus closure, Bok Tower Gardens goes online for Easter sunrise service
The Easter sunrise service at Bok Tower Gardens is a 94-year-old tradition that attracts thousands of people. This year, no one is allowed to be there in person, but it will be online for everyone to enjoy.
The Easter sunrise service at Bok Tower Gardens is a 94-year-old tradition that attracts thousands of people. This year, no one is allowed to be there in person, but it will be online for everyone to enjoy.
School meals delivered to kids who cannot travel in Polk County
The Polk County School District has been giving away free lunches at schools and at other sites since the COVID-19 pandemic began making its mark.
The Polk County School District has been giving away free lunches at schools and at other sites since the COVID-19 pandemic began making its mark.
Haines City man killed wife and teen sons before turning gun on himself, police say
A Haines City man called 911 Sunday to tell dispatchers he shot his wife and two children and was about to shoot himself, according to the Haines City Police Department.
A Haines City man called 911 Sunday to tell dispatchers he shot his wife and two children and was about to shoot himself, according to the Haines City Police Department.
Toddler killed in single vehicle crash in Polk County
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon that ended in the death of a toddler and injured four people from Dade City.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon that ended in the death of a toddler and injured four people from Dade City.
Funeral homes react to coronavirus pandemic, change how we say our final goodbyes
Many funeral homes are only allowing ten people inside at a time and advise mourners not to shake hands, hug or kiss.
Many funeral homes are only allowing ten people inside at a time and advise mourners not to shake hands, hug or kiss.
Polk County hopes for complete compliance during 'stay-at-home' order, vows to enforce if necessary
Under the order, most people are required by law to stay at home most of the time with a few exceptions.
Under the order, most people are required by law to stay at home most of the time with a few exceptions.
Motorcyclist dies in Poinciana crash, deputies say
Polk County detectives are investigating the death of 60-year-old man after a motorcycle crash in Poinciana.
Polk County detectives are investigating the death of 60-year-old man after a motorcycle crash in Poinciana.
Lakeland commissioners vote to close all city parks
City commissioners in Lakeland reversed their stance on whether to keep city parks open or close them.
City commissioners in Lakeland reversed their stance on whether to keep city parks open or close them.
Polk County distributing 60,000 devices to students for their virtual lessons
Students in Polk County can check out internet-accessible tablets for virtual school starting Wednesday. The devices are for those who many not have the tools they need at home to access those lessons.
Students in Polk County can check out internet-accessible tablets for virtual school starting Wednesday. The devices are for those who many not have the tools they need at home to access those lessons.
Polk K-9 recovering after being stabbed repeatedly in the head by burglary suspect
A Polk sheriff's K-9 is recovering after deputies said a burglary suspect stabbed the dog repeatedly and caused significant injuries.
A Polk sheriff's K-9 is recovering after deputies said a burglary suspect stabbed the dog repeatedly and caused significant injuries.
Polk deputies: Man killed girlfriend and man she moved into house 3 days after bonding out of jail
Kenyatta Bellamy confessed to killing his live-in girlfriend and the man she moved into the house three days after bonding out of the Osceola County jail, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Kenyatta Bellamy confessed to killing his live-in girlfriend and the man she moved into the house three days after bonding out of the Osceola County jail, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Newly unemployed, underemployed struggle making ends meet during coronavirus pandemic
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 3.3 million people filed for unemployment last week. That’s the highest it has been since the 1970s.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 3.3 million people filed for unemployment last week. That’s the highest it has been since the 1970s.
Bare supermarket shelves leave little left over to feed needy Polk children
For years KidsPACK bought 90 percent of its food for needy and homeless children from suppliers, but because people are stripping the shelves clean, there is little or no food left to sell to the organization.
For years KidsPACK bought 90 percent of its food for needy and homeless children from suppliers, but because people are stripping the shelves clean, there is little or no food left to sell to the organization.