Florida Forest Service expects busy summer as experts predict prolonged dry season
Firefighters and wildfire mitigation specialists are working hard to prevent brush fires from getting out of control as the state is in the midst of its peak drought season.
Firefighters and wildfire mitigation specialists are working hard to prevent brush fires from getting out of control as the state is in the midst of its peak drought season.
Polk County detention deputy accused of inappropriately touching a juvenile quits upon arrest
A former Polk County detention deputy is on the other side of the bars after being arrested for allegedly touching a juvenile inappropriately.
A former Polk County detention deputy is on the other side of the bars after being arrested for allegedly touching a juvenile inappropriately.
Motorcyclist killed in head-on crash on Polk County road
A man died after his motorcycle and a pickup truck crashed head-on Tuesday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
A man died after his motorcycle and a pickup truck crashed head-on Tuesday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Florida Senate votes to remove fluoride from public water supply
Florida could become the second state in the country to ban the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, following Utah earlier this year.
Florida could become the second state in the country to ban the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, following Utah earlier this year.
New I-4 congestion relief lanes open between Haines City and Celebration
The commute on I-4 between Haines City and Celebration should be faster and smoother for drivers now that congestion-relief lanes are open.
The commute on I-4 between Haines City and Celebration should be faster and smoother for drivers now that congestion-relief lanes are open.
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.
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.
An argument at a Lakeland restaurant led to a man firing shots in self-defense, killing one man and injuring another, according to police.
‘Brazen burglar’ busted after being caught on camera yanking cash drawer from Lakeland store: LPD
A brazen burglar is behind bars after police say he swiped a cash register from a Michael’s store in Lakeland.
A brazen burglar is behind bars after police say he swiped a cash register from a Michael’s store in Lakeland.
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.
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.
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.
Florida Southern College evaluates safety precautions daily: ‘You have to be prepared'
The shooting at Florida State University last week that killed two employees and injured six other people is putting a spotlight on safety on college campuses.
The shooting at Florida State University last week that killed two employees and injured six other people is putting a spotlight on safety on college campuses.
Suspected drunk driver chugs beer in front of Lakeland officers, tells them he has 3 DUI convictions: LPD
A man who Lakeland police say drank a beer in front of them while sitting in the driver’s seat was arrested for DUI for the fourth time last week.
A man who Lakeland police say drank a beer in front of them while sitting in the driver’s seat was arrested for DUI for the fourth time last week.
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.
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.
Man accused of threatening tow truck driver arrested: Lake Alfred police
The suspect accused of chasing down a Polk County tow truck driver in Lake Alfred was arrested.
The suspect accused of chasing down a Polk County tow truck driver in Lake Alfred was arrested.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
High school head football coach arrested for inappropriate behavior with students: PCSO
A teacher and head football coach at Bartow High School is facing serious charges, accused of inappropriate behavior toward multiple female students.
A teacher and head football coach at Bartow High School is facing serious charges, accused of inappropriate behavior toward multiple female students.