Teen accused of murdering mom to be tried as adult, investigators reevaluating father's death
A 17-year-old boy charged with stabbing his mother to death in Polk County is now being tried as an adult. More than a year earlier, he was also accused of killing his father in Oklahoma.
A 17-year-old boy charged with stabbing his mother to death in Polk County is now being tried as an adult. More than a year earlier, he was also accused of killing his father in Oklahoma.
Adaptive waterski competition underway in Polk County
Athletes from around the country are in Polk County to compete in the Adaptive Waterski Three Event Nationals. The three-day competition is underway at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale.
Athletes from around the country are in Polk County to compete in the Adaptive Waterski Three Event Nationals. The three-day competition is underway at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale.
‘Spirited’ shoplifting suspects busted when boozy birthday bash turns into liquor larceny: Deputies
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says it wants to help a ‘spirited’ shoplifting suspect celebrate her birthday with ‘a nice pair of silver bracelets, a spiffy blue outfit, and a free portrait of herself’ after they say she talked three of her friends into a liquor larceny to celebrate her big day.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says it wants to help a ‘spirited’ shoplifting suspect celebrate her birthday with ‘a nice pair of silver bracelets, a spiffy blue outfit, and a free portrait of herself’ after they say she talked three of her friends into a liquor larceny to celebrate her big day.
24 Polk County students arrested for written threats since start of 2024 school year, authorities say
Since the start of the 2024-2025 school year in Polk County, 24 students have been arrested for written or online threats, Superintendent Fred Heid announced on Thursday.
Since the start of the 2024-2025 school year in Polk County, 24 students have been arrested for written or online threats, Superintendent Fred Heid announced on Thursday.
Lakeland man arrested for stealing phone, wallet from person he played pickleball with
A man was arrested in Lakeland after stealing a phone and wallet from someone he had just played pickleball with.
A man was arrested in Lakeland after stealing a phone and wallet from someone he had just played pickleball with.
Should the City of Lakeland install more red-light cameras?
As more people move to Lakeland and traffic increases, city officials, including police, are discussing whether to install more red-light cameras.
As more people move to Lakeland and traffic increases, city officials, including police, are discussing whether to install more red-light cameras.
Man arrested after leading deputies on pursuit from Polk County reaching 130+ mph
A fugitive was arrested in Florida late Tuesday night after leading authorities on a multi-county pursuit starting in Polk County and reaching speeds of over 130 mph.
A fugitive was arrested in Florida late Tuesday night after leading authorities on a multi-county pursuit starting in Polk County and reaching speeds of over 130 mph.
Florida mother gives birth in Polk County Sheriff’s Office parking lot
A Florida newborn is the proud owner of a talking Sheriff Grady Judd doll after she decided to make her way into the world in the parking lot of a Polk County Sheriff’s Office substation.
A Florida newborn is the proud owner of a talking Sheriff Grady Judd doll after she decided to make her way into the world in the parking lot of a Polk County Sheriff’s Office substation.
Grady Judd: Over 100 suspects arrested, 57 guns seized during violent gang investigation
Nearly 150 people have been arrested, and 57 guns have been taken off Polk County streets because of the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force.
Nearly 150 people have been arrested, and 57 guns have been taken off Polk County streets because of the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force.
Polk County utilities and waste collection fees will increase starting Oct. 1
In just two weeks, Polk County Utilities customers can expect to pay more for waste collection and utilities.
In just two weeks, Polk County Utilities customers can expect to pay more for waste collection and utilities.
Police searching for 3 suspects who used counterfeit $100 bill to buy lottery tickets in Auburndale
Officials say they are searching for three suspects who exchanged counterfeit money for lottery tickets at a Beverage Castle in Auburndale on Friday night.
Officials say they are searching for three suspects who exchanged counterfeit money for lottery tickets at a Beverage Castle in Auburndale on Friday night.
Polk County fire chief resigns after report details 'toxic' workplace, low morale at department
Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean Smith has resigned after reports surfaced of a toxic workplace and low morale at the fire rescue department.
Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean Smith has resigned after reports surfaced of a toxic workplace and low morale at the fire rescue department.
How is Polk County preparing for Florida's new homeless camping and sleeping law?
An anti-public camping and sleeping law will be going into effect in the state in just a few weeks.
An anti-public camping and sleeping law will be going into effect in the state in just a few weeks.
Grady Judd: Polk County man accused of shooting into neighbor’s home overdoses during SWAT standoff
A dispute between neighbors over one not lighting a cigarette for the other early Wednesday morning led to shots fired and a man dying during a standoff with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
A dispute between neighbors over one not lighting a cigarette for the other early Wednesday morning led to shots fired and a man dying during a standoff with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Grady Judd says teen accused of murdering his mother also killed his father: 'Violent predator'
A 17-year-old has been arrested after deputies say he killed his mother on Sunday evening.
A 17-year-old has been arrested after deputies say he killed his mother on Sunday evening.
Major FDOT projects to improve road safety in Tampa Bay area begin
Pasco and Polk counties have some of the most dangerous highways in the state, with hundreds of crashes each year. The Florida Department of Transportation is investing millions in making roadways safer, from U.S. 19 to U.S. 98.
Pasco and Polk counties have some of the most dangerous highways in the state, with hundreds of crashes each year. The Florida Department of Transportation is investing millions in making roadways safer, from U.S. 19 to U.S. 98.
Polk County says goodbye to curbside recycling, introduces two new 'green' initiatives
Polk County is discontinuing its curbside recycling program in its unincorporated areas next month, but they are implementing a pair of 'green' initiatives they say will protect the environment.
Polk County is discontinuing its curbside recycling program in its unincorporated areas next month, but they are implementing a pair of 'green' initiatives they say will protect the environment.
Lakeland man accused of shooting neighbor to death in fatal feud: ‘How do you like me now?’
A feud between two neighbors took a deadly turn in Lakeland on Tuesday morning.
A feud between two neighbors took a deadly turn in Lakeland on Tuesday morning.
New report alleges toxic work environment, low morale at Polk County Fire Rescue
A new report is shedding light on allegations of a toxic work environment at Polk County Fire Rescue.
A new report is shedding light on allegations of a toxic work environment at Polk County Fire Rescue.
Lakeland police chief finds officers' use of force reasonable in arrest of teen seen punched, tased
After completing an internal investigation, Lakeland's Chief of Police found his officers' use of force while arresting a teenager was reasonable.
After completing an internal investigation, Lakeland's Chief of Police found his officers' use of force while arresting a teenager was reasonable.