Illegal immigrant accused of violently attacking pregnant girlfriend, kid claimed to have ‘anger issues’: PCSO

An illegal immigrant was arrested and has an ICE hold on him after Polk County deputies say he violently attacked his pregnant girlfriend and threw her 18-month-old daughter to the ground on Saturday.

Permanent memorial at Lakeland sports bar preserves fallen hero Maj. Cody Khork's legacy of service

A permanent memorial display now honors U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork at a Lakeland sports bar following his death in the conflict with Iran. The tribute celebrates the fallen hero's legacy alongside a growing university scholarship fund created in his memory.

Lake Wales downtown revival: Historic hotel restoration and new ACE district launch

A massive economic transformation is sweeping through downtown Lake Wales following the approval of a specialized entertainment district and a boutique hotel restoration project.

Lithia man accused of trying to meet fictitious teen for sex: ‘It was a trap’

Undercover detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man they say arranged and traveled to have a sexual encounter with a fictitious 14-year-old girl.

Pilot killed in Polk County plane crash remembered by aviation community

An experimental plane broke apart midair and plunged into a Polk County cow pasture Monday night, killing a passionate 23-year-old pilot and flight instructor, according to the sheriff's office.

Federal grant funds $80K study of cracking, deterioration at Lake Mirror Promenade

Lakeland city officials are launching a 120-day structural study to preserve the historic Lake Mirror Promenade after discovering cracking, wall movement and severe water degradation.

Rabid stray cat attacks 5 people, 1 puppy in Lakeland: PCAC

A rabid stray cat terrorized a north Lakeland neighborhood, biting five people and attacking a puppy before dying under a home, according to reports from Polk County Animal Control.

Winter Haven man cuts off ankle monitor, steals golf cart before leading police on chase in the woods: WHPD

A 20-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after police say he hacked off his electronic monitor, skipped curfew, and stole a golf cart before running from officers into a wooded area on Sunday night.

Lakeland to discuss proposed 12-month data center freeze

Lakeland officials are set to discuss a proposed 12-month freeze on high-powered data centers during a crucial city commission meeting Monday.

Lakeland moves forward with drafting 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers

Lakeland officials gave city staff approval Friday to draft an ordinance establishing a 12-month temporary pause on large-scale data centers following community resistance to a proposed development.

Retired Lakeland police officers push for annual pension increases amid rising inflation

Retired Lakeland police officers say a lack of pension adjustments has left them struggling to afford basic necessities like food and medicine amid rising inflation.

Lakeland man found dead after car submerges in retention pond: Police

A 61-year-old Lakeland man was found dead after his vehicle became fully submerged in a retention pond early Thursday morning, according to the Lakeland Police Department.

Polk County detention deputy killed in off-duty crash on I-4: PCSO

A Polk County detention deputy died after an off-duty crash on Interstate 4 near Haines City Tuesday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Lakeland considers 12-month data center moratorium after 'Project Swan' backlash

Lakeland city officials plan to discuss a 12-month moratorium on new data centers during an upcoming agenda study this Friday. The city attorney will look at how to legally define a "hyperscale" data center and analyze regulations used by other municipalities.