Lakeland motel fire injures 1
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responding to a disturbance at the Best Motel, located at 601 East Memorial Boulevard found a motel room on fire and full of smoke.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responding to a disturbance at the Best Motel, located at 601 East Memorial Boulevard found a motel room on fire and full of smoke.
Polk County teen sentenced to life in prison for raping toddler
A Polk County judge imposed the sentence Friday on 19-year-old Thomas James Johnson.
A Polk County judge imposed the sentence Friday on 19-year-old Thomas James Johnson.
Police: Married Haines City man raped two young girls he met online and lured with trip to Legoland
Joshua Tyler Ayers, 38, was arrested Thursday night for allegedly raping two girls under the age of 15 at his home.
Joshua Tyler Ayers, 38, was arrested Thursday night for allegedly raping two girls under the age of 15 at his home.
Felon arrested for running Polk chop shop, 7 years after committing same crime in same place
Gary Williams struck a plea deal, went to prison, and came home early. And according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, he picked up, right where he left off.
Gary Williams struck a plea deal, went to prison, and came home early. And according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, he picked up, right where he left off.
‘I miss him so much’: Father of Sheriff Grady Judd passes away
Grady Curtis Judd, Sr. died over the weekend at Lakeland Regional Health after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Grady Curtis Judd, Sr. died over the weekend at Lakeland Regional Health after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Convicted felon arrested hours after being released from state prison
Danique Rosius, 23, was arrested in Polk County the same day he was released from state prison.
Danique Rosius, 23, was arrested in Polk County the same day he was released from state prison.
Polk County Sheriff's Office: Pedestrian killed after being hit by patrol car
Thomas Morrison, 44, was hit and killed Tuesday night after walking in front of a Polk County deputy’s car, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas Morrison, 44, was hit and killed Tuesday night after walking in front of a Polk County deputy’s car, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
FWC considers new hunting regulation to prevent spread of 'zombie deer disease'
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to make changes to deer-hunting regulations in an effort to protect wildlife from the contagious and deadly chronic wasting disease.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to make changes to deer-hunting regulations in an effort to protect wildlife from the contagious and deadly chronic wasting disease.
Big Fat Tip pays generosity forward for service industry workers
Last Friday seemed like just another day for Cathy Mayfield. Her morning was routine, serving breakfast and coffee at The Egg Station in South Lakeland.
Last Friday seemed like just another day for Cathy Mayfield. Her morning was routine, serving breakfast and coffee at The Egg Station in South Lakeland.
Truck hits, kills two pedestrians along Mulberry road
Polk County deputies said two pedestrians were killed when they were hit by a semi-truck crash Monday night.
Polk County deputies said two pedestrians were killed when they were hit by a semi-truck crash Monday night.
Four dangerous intersections in Lakeland will get new crosswalk lights
Lakeland ranks as the fifth-worst city in the nation for pedestrian deaths, and Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland is one of the worst streets in the county.
Lakeland ranks as the fifth-worst city in the nation for pedestrian deaths, and Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland is one of the worst streets in the county.
Fort Meade man arrested for DUI drove to a bar after hitting, killing girlfriend, deputies say
Polk County deputies said they arrested a Fort Meade man for DUI manslaughter after he struck and killed his girlfriend with his vehicle.
Polk County deputies said they arrested a Fort Meade man for DUI manslaughter after he struck and killed his girlfriend with his vehicle.
FDLE still hopes to find convicted murderer who escaped from Polk County prison 30 years ago
Thirty years ago, a convicted murderer pulled off a disappearing act. A man who beat his girlfriend to death concealed himself inside a delivery truck, rode right off the prison grounds in Polk City and out of the grasp of the justice system. It wasn’t his first jail escape – but it was his most successful one.
Thirty years ago, a convicted murderer pulled off a disappearing act. A man who beat his girlfriend to death concealed himself inside a delivery truck, rode right off the prison grounds in Polk City and out of the grasp of the justice system. It wasn’t his first jail escape – but it was his most successful one.
Continued earthquakes mean continued need for relief work in Puerto Rico
A Polk County woman has been on a mission to help island residents rebuild after being there for the 6.5 magnitude quake in January.
A Polk County woman has been on a mission to help island residents rebuild after being there for the 6.5 magnitude quake in January.
Mud lovers flock to Bartow for Jeepin' with Judd event
The weather is not great, but that is not stopping Jeep lovers from looking forward to a great weekend doing their thing.
The weather is not great, but that is not stopping Jeep lovers from looking forward to a great weekend doing their thing.
Motorcyclist dies in Polk County crash, deputies say
A crash between a pickup truck and motorcycle claimed the life of one person, according to Polk County deputies.
A crash between a pickup truck and motorcycle claimed the life of one person, according to Polk County deputies.
Polk schools administrator suspended for allegedly making threats over teacher rally
The superintendent of Polk County schools put one of her top administrators on notice after he allegedly sent threatening text messages to the president of the Polk County Education Association.
The superintendent of Polk County schools put one of her top administrators on notice after he allegedly sent threatening text messages to the president of the Polk County Education Association.
Florida considers merging New College, Florida Poly into FSU, UF
Lawmakers and leaders of New College of Florida and Florida Polytechnic University are pushing back against a House plan that would merge the two schools into Florida State University and the University of Florida.
Lawmakers and leaders of New College of Florida and Florida Polytechnic University are pushing back against a House plan that would merge the two schools into Florida State University and the University of Florida.
Lake Alfred residents forced to relocate for widening of busy roadway
Polk County Commissioners just voted to fast track the widening of State Road 557, which means Mullins and more than a dozen others are going to have to move, whether they like it or not.
Polk County Commissioners just voted to fast track the widening of State Road 557, which means Mullins and more than a dozen others are going to have to move, whether they like it or not.
Ministry focused on first responders celebrates one year
When 26-year Army veteran Dan Middlebrooks came to Sydney Baptist Church as an interim preacher, he had an idea: Give the church a new mission and make it into a house of worship specifically for first responders. He certainly prayed with and counseled enough of them over the years.
When 26-year Army veteran Dan Middlebrooks came to Sydney Baptist Church as an interim preacher, he had an idea: Give the church a new mission and make it into a house of worship specifically for first responders. He certainly prayed with and counseled enough of them over the years.