Bicyclist dead after being hit by train in Lakeland

A bicyclist is dead after being hit by a train near US 92 at the intersection of East Side Drive in east Lakeland Monday afternoon, according to deputies. 

Suspect with lengthy rap sheet arrested for alleged Pam Bondi 'murder-for-hire' scheme: FBI

A Minnesota man with a history of violent offenses is facing federal charges after allegedly posting a TikTok video that offered a $45,000 bounty for the killing of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, prompting an FBI investigation that spanned two states.

Lakeland man on electric scooter hit, killed by car in Polk County

A Lakeland man riding an electric scooter was killed in a crash on US 92 at Fairway Avenue Friday evening, according to Polk County deputies. 

Polk County teacher accused of lying about being ‘shoulder checked’ by fellow educator at school

A Polk County teacher from Lake Shipp Elementary School was arrested on Wednesday after deputies say she falsely reported being ‘shoulder-checked’ by another teacher at school for the second time in five years.

Auburndale city manager charged with battery of bar employee

After a 10-month investigation, the state attorney general's office charged the current Auburndale city manager with battery.

Arrest warrant issued for Guatemalan man after Lakeland hit-and-run

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Guatemalan man after a hit-and-run that hospitalized a 28-year-old man on October 9, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

'It was just a McMess:' Grady Judd describing angry McDonald's customer shot by employee after dispute

A Davenport McDonald's employee and two customers are facing charges after an argument in the drive-thru line ended with a shooting inside the store early on Sunday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Gov. DeSantis touts ‘Moving Florida Forward’ initiative, accelerating projects in Tampa Bay area

Governor Ron DeSantis visited Bartow on Thursday with Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue to announce several projects that have been accelerated because of the ‘Moving Florida Forward’ initiative. 

Publix ice cream recall: Here’s what to know

Publix has voluntarily recalled one of its ice creams that was sold in Florida.

Hooters manager running for mayor of Lakeland

A 24-year-old Lakelander is one of the youngest candidates ever running for mayor.

Lakeland World War II veteran reaches milestone before passing away

World War II veteran Edwin Gideons grew up as the youngest of 11 in his family. Times were tough in the 1930s in rural Florida, so he was helping out at home as best he could long before he joined the service.

Lawsuit accuses Polk County Sheriff’s Office of failures during 2016 child rape investigation

A new lawsuit accuses the Polk County Sheriff’s Office of a "pattern, policy, practice and custom, of failing to adequately train and supervise its officers resulting in the deprivation of minors’ constitutional rights."