State testing for possible blue-green algae at Lake Crago in Polk County

Water sample testing is underway to determine if blue-green algae is in Lake Crago. State health officials said blue-green algae may be present by the boat ramp near the recreational center.

Bartow 'group home' where man was murdered was not licensed by state, being shut down

The 'group home' where an 81-year-old man was murdered a little more than a week ago is in the process of being shut down. The city discovered the renter, Eddrena Thornton, was operating the home on Blue Bird Avenue illegally and without a license by the state. 

Auburndale’s director of public utilities arrested for animal abuse after Great Dane found emaciated

The public utilities director for the city of Auburndale is facing animal cruelty charges and his two dogs are receiving medical attention after deputies say he was starving a Great Dane and neglecting a terrier mix. 

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."