Families honor fallen officers at 37th Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

It's at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial where officers who died in the line of duty are remembered forever, along with their sacrifice. May 1 was the 37th Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at Lakeland Veterans Memorial Park on Lime Street.

Florida lawmakers scrap statewide plan for later school start times

A plan to mandate later school start times across Florida has been shelved, leaving the decision up to individual school districts — and sparking mixed reactions. 

Florida Forest Service expects busy summer as experts predict prolonged dry season

Firefighters and wildfire mitigation specialists are working hard to prevent brush fires from getting out of control as the state is in the midst of its peak drought season.

Motorcyclist killed in head-on crash on Polk County road

A man died after his motorcycle and a pickup truck crashed head-on Tuesday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Florida Senate votes to remove fluoride from public water supply

Florida could become the second state in the country to ban the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, following Utah earlier this year.

New I-4 congestion relief lanes open between Haines City and Celebration

The commute on I-4 between Haines City and Celebration should be faster and smoother for drivers now that congestion-relief lanes are open.

Wanted Florida man killed after charging at Polk County deputy with knife: PCSO

One man is dead after Polk County deputies say he charged at one of them with a knife, forcing them to fire several shots near Harvey's Supermarket in Lakeland. 

Man killed, another hurt in self-defense shooting at restaurant: LPD

An argument at a Lakeland restaurant led to a man firing shots in self-defense, killing one man and injuring another, according to police.

Six new swans to join Lake Morton flock to introduce new genetics

Six new swans will call Lake Morton home, so the current flock, who descended from royal swans in England, can stay healthy and resilient.

History of Lake Wales showcased in art exhibit

An exhibition by the Lakes Wales Arts Council, "How The Arts Shaped Lakes Wales", uses art to tell the history of the city’s growth over the past 50 years. 

Sen. Ashley Moody aims to roll back 60s-era citrus regulation as growers face mounting challenges

Polk County is one of the top producers of orange juice in the state, and its citrus growers have faced numerous challenges, including government over-regulation, which U.S. Senator Ashley Moody says she is fighting to change.

Fewer drivers speeding in school zones in Lake Alfred after camera program launch

Cameras catching speeders in school zones near downtown Lake Alfred are making a difference since they were installed earlier this year — so say police and small business owners.

Former deputy no-shows DUI manslaughter trial, warrant issued

A judge has issued a warrant for a former Polk County deputy after he failed to appear in a Tampa courtroom to stand trial in a 2022 DUI manslaughter case.