2-year-old Winter Haven girl hit, killed while playing near driveway on her birthday: Police
A deadly crash that left a 2-year-old girl dead on Sunday afternoon is under investigation, although police say they don’t believe foul play was a factor.
Florida sheriff's office hands out free turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving
Footage released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office shows Sheriff Grady Judd handing out turkeys outside of Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake, Florida, on Saturday.
Grady Judd: Former realtor association CEO accused of stealing more than $81K
Jennifer Garula-Mers, the former East Polk County Association of Realtors CEO, has been arrested on grand theft charges.
Talbot House proposes new site on E. Memorial Blvd., still draws opposition from residents, business owners
Talbot House proposes new site on E. Memorial Blvd., still draws opposition from residents, business owners.
Florida man walking ‘buck naked’ in 36-degree weather claims he was doing a TikTok challenge: Grady Judd
A Florida man claiming to be taking part in a TikTok challenge was arrested after he was caught on camera walking ‘buck-naked’ down a Polk County street, according to the sheriff’s office.
Where is Samantha Fiddler? The mystery behind a Canadian mom's disappearance in Polk County
In a case that has puzzled authorities and left a family in anguish, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is intensifying its investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Samantha Fiddler, a Canadian mother of three.
Grady Judd: Lakeland suspect killed after beating elderly man with brick, charging deputies
A suspect accused of beating an elderly man with a brick and charging at Polk County deputies was shot and killed in a Lakeland community Wednesday afternoon.
Auburndale unveils Lake Ariana Park, celebrating its rich 'Mac's Beach's Legacy!'
The city of Auburndale is celebrating the opening of the brand-new Lake Ariana Park and Civic Center.
VPK recipes for Thanksgiving provide laughs for loved ones
Kids create questionable Thanksgiving recipes in fun exercise
'Sacred Currents' examines how African cultures materialize spirituality
"Sacred Currents: Spirituality in African Art" is on display at the Lake Wales Arts Council.
Town of Dundee votes to keep municipal elections in April, denying 18-month term extension
The town of Dundee's municipal elections will remain in April of next year, rather than being moved to November 2027.
Polk County voters to decide on school tax referendum next year
Polk County commissioners have voted to send a one-mill property tax referendum to voters in November 2026, aimed at boosting funding for the local school district.
Lake Wales armed robbery at gas station, police looking for two masked suspects
Lake Wales police are searching for two suspects after an armed robbery at a gas station early on Friday morning.
Lake Wales family rebuilding after apartment fire destroys everything
It has been two and a half weeks since an apartment fire in Lake Wales was called a total loss for a single mom and her three kids.
Highways in the skies: FDOT outlines phased rollout of flying cars in Polk County
Flying cars are a step closer to reality in Florida, and Polk County is where research is being conducted to bring highways to the skies.
Bonnet Springs Park postpones annual Christmas light event because of traffic woes
Bonnet Springs Park is postponing its very popular holiday Christmas light event.
Half-brother of 14-year-old Lakeland murder victim arrested in his 2018 cold case killing
The half-brother of a 14-year-old murder victim has been arrested in the teen’s 2018 shooting death.
Brooksy at 100: A spunky sailor’s long voyage from War to Wisdom
This Veterans Day, we salute Donald "Brooksy" Brooks, a spunky Navy veteran from Winter Haven who is about to celebrate his centennial birthday.
Florida man admits to stabbing victim with make-shift weapon he slept with: LWPD
A Lake Wales man has been charged with premeditated murder after police say he stabbed the victim with a large kitchen knife that he had attached to the end of a wooden walking stick.
Wanted murder suspect from Lee County leads deputies on chase, ends in Polk County with crash
A Lee County murder suspect was caught in Polk County over the weekend after leading Florida deputies on chase that led to a crash with a cruiser and a pole.