Lakeland PD promotes back-to-school safety ahead of school on Monday

Polk County has been ranked as one of the deadliest counties in the state for pedestrians, which is why police are reminding drivers to slow down and pay attention as school begins on Monday.

New Polk County facility houses supplies for growing special needs shelter program

With a growing population, it is essential for Polk County to have all its supplies and equipment prepared for natural disasters, particularly to support the most vulnerable residents.

British tourist accused of trying to drown daughter-in-law at Polk County resort: 'Couldn't control his anger'

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a tourist from England may be spending more time in Florida than he planned after he tried to drown his daughter-in-law at a resort in Davenport. 

Attempted murder fugitive on the run for 2 years arrested after knocking down officer: WHPD

A convicted felon wanted for attempted first-degree murder is now behind bars after Winter Haven police say he knocked an officer down before being tased as he tried to run away.

Lakeland police undergo high-water rescue training to prepare for upcoming hurricane season

After Hurricane Milton caused unprecedented flooding in some neighborhoods last year, the Lakeland Police Department’s dive team is now trained to help rescue people in high water.

Hurricane Milton flooding report has Lake Bonny residents calling for infrastructure upgrades

Nearly a year after Hurricane Milton caused devastating flooding around Lake Bonny, the city of Lakeland released a report on the causes and potential mitigation efforts. However, the results are what some homeowners say they feared.

1 hospitalized after fire at Auburndale mobile home

One person is recovering after crews battled a fire at a mobile home early Friday, according to investigators in Auburndale.

Winter Haven police issue warnings, citations during crosswalk enforcement operation

With students heading back to school in less than two weeks, raising awareness about safety is top of mind, especially in Polk County, which ranked as one of the deadliest counties for pedestrians in the state.

Winter Haven, birthplace of barefoot water-skiing, hosts 2025 National Championship

Competitors, both young and old, are ready to make waves on the water — on their feet. The City of Winter Haven is hosting the National Barefoot Water Ski Championships on Championship Lake this year.

Head-on crash in Polk County critically injures driver

An early-morning crash left a man with critical injuries after Polk County deputies say he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Jeep on Tuesday.

Florida man accused of stealing $16K in jewelry while woman recovered from surgery

A man hired to do work at a woman's home as she recovered from surgery now faces charges after Polk County deputies say he stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry.

Lakeland ranks in top 10 of 100 'boomtowns' in U.S. metros

Five of the fastest-growing cities or 'boomtowns' in the country are in Florida and one of them is in Polk County.