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.

Lakeland student describes suspected FSU shooter

Lakeland native Ian Townsend says he would see the alleged FSU gunman, Phoenix Ikner, in two of his fall 2024 classes at Tallahassee State College. 

'We shot him a lot:' Man opens fire on law enforcement after holding parents hostage

Two Bartow police officers and a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office are recovering after being shot Friday afternoon in Bartow. The suspect was shot and killed.

Grady Judd: 'Very violent' gang members, associates arrested in organized retail theft ring

Five illegal immigrants suspected of dozens of crimes in Central Florida as part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua face charges after a months-long investigation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Friday.

'I want to kill you:' Man stabs woman in Winter Haven, critically injuring her

An Auburndale man is under arrest, charged with attempted second-degree murder after stabbing a woman, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Elderly Florida man rescued after wandering away from nursing home Sunday night: FWC

An elderly man was found and rescued on Sunday after wandering away from a Polk County nursing home, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Burn ban issued for multiple cities in Polk County due to dry conditions

Unincorporated areas of Polk County, along with other cities within the county, are now under a burn ban as dry conditions create an increased risk of brush fires.