Child taken to the hospital after school bus crash in Davenport

One child was taken to the hospital after a school bus crash in Davenport Friday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. 

Dundee faces controversy over proposed election date change, critics demand public vote

The town of Dundee will soon vote on whether to move the municipal elections from April 2026 to November 2027. However, some critics argue that the decision should be left to the people, as it would also extend the council's current terms by 18 months. 

Ex-girlfriend's jealous rampage turns into jail time: PCSO

A quiet Saturday morning was disrupted by a burglary at Michael Allred Jr.'s home in Polk County recently.

Sisters accused of stealing nearly $2.5K in goods from Target: PCSO

A pair of sisters were arrested Tuesday after Polk County deputies say they were caught on surveillance stealing nearly $2,500 worth of home goods from a Target in Davenport.

School system responds to commission postponing decision on proposed tax increase

Polk County commissioners are postponing their decision on whether to allow voters to decide on a proposed school property millage tax increase. If approved, this millage question would appear on next year's November General Election ballot.

Sara Roberts McCarley will become Lakeland's next mayor

The votes are in, and Sara Roberts McCarley will take over as the City of Lakeland's next mayor. 

Lake Wales dry cleaner punches officer in the face after threatening to kill customer: LWPD

The owner of a Lake Wales dry cleaning company was arrested on Saturday after police say he threatened to kill a customer following a dispute over services and then punched an officer several times when she went to investigate the incident.

Victim escapes being held captive during armed robbery: Grady Judd

The victim of an armed robbery is recovering from several injuries after being held captive inside a man's car, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Winter Haven police officer injured in crash

A Winter Haven police officer was injured early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash.

Polk County ministry gathering supplies to help Jamaica, looking for volunteers

A local ministry in Polk County is gathering food and medical supplies and is looking for volunteers to help with disaster relief efforts in Jamaica.

Lakeland's Depot Arts District set for grand opening Saturday night

For the last couple of months, the tenants of the Depot Arts District have been excitingly waiting for November 1, the building's official grand opening. 

Deadly Polk County hit-and-run still unsolved 8 years later

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for the driver who hit and killed a bicyclist eight years ago.

Florida mother arrested after boarding school bus, cursing at student and driver: Grady Judd

An angry mother who boarded a Polk County school bus and cursed at a student and the driver was arrested later, along with her daughter, while causing a disturbance at the Davenport High School front office, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Watson Clinic hopes art helps heal at its cancer & research center

Beautiful pieces of art that hang on the walls of the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center in Lakeland have a bigger purpose. 

Bicyclist identified after deadly Amtrak train crash in Lakeland

The man who was hit and killed by an Amtrak train in east Lakeland on Monday afternoon has been identified as 65-year-old Joseph Evju, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.