Missing Lakeland girl found safe after statewide alert

The Lakeland Police Department says a missing girl has been found safe after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Missing Child Alert.

Marijuana seized, 2 dogs found during traffic stop in Lakeland: FHP

A Lakeland man is facing drug charges after 237.2 grams of marijuana was found in his car during a traffic stop on State Rd. 400 early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Head-on crash in Winter Haven kills 1 person, injures another: PCSO

One man is dead and another was hospitalized with serious injuries after a head-on collision on SR-60 in Winter Haven on Saturday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Bok Tower Gardens raises concerns about proposed parkway potentially impacting wildlife corridor

Polk County is a hot spot for growth, hence why the state is currently considering routes for a future parkway, but there's some concern the highway could impact a wildlife corridor.

Woman killed after Jeep hydroplanes, crashes into her car: PCSO

A 60-year-old woman died Thursday evening after a Jeep hydroplaned and crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting her car, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Family displaced after fire at Winter Haven home

A Winter Haven family is out of their home after crews battled an early morning fire, city officials said Friday.

Safety violations at Mosaic plant led to worker's 'preventable' death, federal investigators say

The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Mosaic Fertilizer for two “serious" safety violations, which OSHA investigators say contributed to the death of a 29-year-old worker at the company's Mulberry plant last summer.

Teen dies, others injured after driver flees attempted traffic stop in Winter Haven: FHP

An Okeechobee teen is dead and criminal charges are pending after a driver attempted to flee police before crashing into the back of another vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Deputy among 2 people hurt in Polk County house fire

Two people, including a Polk County deputy, were injured after crews battled a fire at a home on Sunday, officials said.

Fire at Lakeland hotel displaces hurricane victims: LFD

People who were forced to leave their homes due to damage from last year’s hurricanes are once again looking for a place to stay. 

Registered sex offender accused of transmitting child porn while on cruise that docked in Tampa

A registered sex offender from Polk City has been indicted for possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material, some of which was created with artificial intelligence, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

Florida Poly engineers design lifesaving bodycam tool for Lakeland police

Officers with the Lakeland Police Department are now all equipped with a simple but lifesaving tool that was developed by mechanical engineers at Florida Polytechnic University.

Florida man leaves 4-year-old child home alone as wife gets busted for having drugs in stolen vehicle: FHP

A Florida couple is facing charges after troopers found drugs in the wife’s car after pulling her over for driving a stolen vehicle and learned that her husband left her 4-year-old daughter home alone.

Governor Ron DeSantis, law enforcement officials push 'sense of urgency' on illegal immigration

Several local and state officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, talked about Florida's latest efforts to fight illegal immigration ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next Monday.