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.

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. 

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.

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."

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.

Turning harmful algae into renewable energy in Lakeland

A new system in Lakeland is addressing a problem in Florida's waters and creating a source of renewable energy.