Auburndale’s director of public utilities arrested for animal abuse after Great Dane found emaciated
The public utilities director for the city of Auburndale is facing animal cruelty charges and his two dogs are receiving medical attention after deputies say he was starving a Great Dane and neglecting a terrier mix.
Florida woman killed after crashing into semi-truck while trying to pass car in no-passing zone: PCSO
A woman died after Polk County deputies say she tried to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone and hit a semi-truck head-on.
New affordable housing complex opens in Winter Haven, offers on-site medical, mental health services
With Polk County growing at the rate it is, finding affordable housing can be a challenge, especially for those struggling to find work or with mental health issues.
Grady Judd: Deputies shoot, kill 'bizarre' armed man minutes after apparent gator attack in lake
Sheriff Grady Judd says Polk County deputies shot and killed an armed man who was attacked by an alligator while swimming across a lake, then charged at the deputies with a pair of garden shears before trying to grab a gun from a patrol vehicle.
Polk County Deputy allegedly assaulted by illegal Venezuelan national during traffic stop: Officials
Polk County Deputy allegedly assaulted by illegal Venezuelan national during traffic stop.
Florida man with ‘sordid history’ accused of trying to set roommates on fire: ‘Pure evil in the flesh’
A man, who Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says has an extensive criminal history, has been charged with five counts of first-degree attempted murder and arson.
Man attacked outside Amazon Air facility, co-worker arrested
The Lakeland Police Department is investigating an attack outside an Amazon Air associated facility.
Haines City police captain among 10 indicted in Veterans Affairs fraud scheme
A captain with the Haines City Police Department was arrested on Thursday as part of a Veterans Affairs fraud scheme, according to officials.
Davenport man kills adult stepson after a child grabbed gun while being punished for playing Fortnite: Police
An argument over a video game turned deadly in Davenport on Wednesday night.
1 killed, 1 injured in Lakeland convenience store shooting: Police
A shooting at a Lakeland convenience store left a father of four dead and wounded an 18-year-old female.
Winter Haven man befriends teen at bus stop, promises her cash and alcohol for engaging in lewd acts: WHPD
A Winter Haven man is behind bars after police say he committed lewd battery on a teen he met at a bus stop.
Polk County commission approves boat restriction zones and designated swim areas on lakes
Citing safety concerns, Polk County commissioners voted to restrict boaters from parts of certain lakes.
Lakeland moves closer to adding school speed zone cameras after 13 student deaths in Polk County
The City of Lakeland is taking significant steps to improve student safety by advancing an ordinance to install speed cameras in school zones. This initiative comes in response to a series of tragic vehicle-related accidents involving students, which have deeply affected the community.
Troubled teen stabs man 113 times at Bartow group home saying 'voices in my head told me to': PCSO
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is holding a press conference on Monday at 4 p.m. to share more details about a death at an independent group living home in Bartow.
Armed teen robs man during Facebook marketplace sale: Police
A Facebook marketplace sale went sour earlier this month when Winter Haven police say a teen armed with a gun robbed a man trying to sell a key fob programming device.
Sheriff Grady Judd: 'Violent death' at group home prompts murder investigation
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says that his office is helping the Bartow Police Department investigate what they are calling a “violent death."
Winter Haven Regional Airport to use digital remote tower system to enhance safety, first in nation
As the Winter Haven Regional Airport gets busier and busier every year, the airport is looking for new and inventive ways to enhance safety and efficiency.
Grady Judd: 255 suspects, including 36 illegal immigrants, busted in operation ‘Fool Around and Find Out’
More than 250 suspects were arrested during a nine-day, multi-agency undercover investigation in Polk County.
Florida cat escapes vet after procedure, travels 3 miles back home: ‘I would’ve called an Uber’
What started as a routine vet visit turned into an epic journey for one frisky feline.
Lake Wales community steps up to help 11-year-old boy who was robbed selling candy for school fundraiser
After word spread that an 11-year-old boy was robbed in downtown Lake Wales while selling candy for a school fundraiser, local business owners turned the traumatic situation into one of selflessness and kindness.