‘Evil’ Polk County pastor accused of having unprotected sex with teen boy without disclosing HIV status
A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.
A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.
How to protect yourself before stepping into a rideshare vehicle
A deadly deputy-involved shooting in Polk County is raising questions about rideshare background checks and passenger safety.
A deadly deputy-involved shooting in Polk County is raising questions about rideshare background checks and passenger safety.
Lakeland I-4 crash: Two critically injured, lanes closed for several hours
Two people were taken to the hospital with critical injuries after an I-4 crash that caused major delays in Lakeland during rush hour on Monday.
Two people were taken to the hospital with critical injuries after an I-4 crash that caused major delays in Lakeland during rush hour on Monday.
Man with Uber sign in windshield killed by Polk deputies after racking stolen gun in vehicle: PCSO
A license plate reader in Polk County led deputies to a suspect with an outstanding probation violation warrant before a confrontation ended in a fatal shooting, according to the sheriff.
A license plate reader in Polk County led deputies to a suspect with an outstanding probation violation warrant before a confrontation ended in a fatal shooting, according to the sheriff.
Deadly child abuse: Lakeland mother watched TikTok and porn after throwing infant into playpen, police say
A 23-year-old Lakeland woman faces aggravated child abuse charges after confessing to detectives that she threw her infant into a playpen on a tile floor, according to the Lakeland Police Department. Officials say the baby later died at the hospital from his injuries.
A 23-year-old Lakeland woman faces aggravated child abuse charges after confessing to detectives that she threw her infant into a playpen on a tile floor, according to the Lakeland Police Department. Officials say the baby later died at the hospital from his injuries.
Lakeland police announce 3 indictments, 1 suspect wanted in 2020 Christmas Eve killing of grandmother
Nearly six years after a Christmas Eve shooting claimed the life of a 70-year-old Lakeland grandmother and injured three members of her family, investigators announced multiple arrests and new murder charges.
Nearly six years after a Christmas Eve shooting claimed the life of a 70-year-old Lakeland grandmother and injured three members of her family, investigators announced multiple arrests and new murder charges.
Polk sheriff ties James Duckett to 1987 cold case murder: ‘Pure evil in the flesh’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday that executed Florida prisoner James Duckett is responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday that executed Florida prisoner James Duckett is responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
Man accused of federal child sex crimes may have exploited kids in Tampa, Lakeland
A Nashville man faces federal child exploitation charges as investigators search for potential victims in Tampa, Lakeland and other cities nationwide.
A Nashville man faces federal child exploitation charges as investigators search for potential victims in Tampa, Lakeland and other cities nationwide.
Lakeland cockfighting arrest: Traffic stop leads to charges against Plant City man
A routine traffic stop in Lakeland on Monday led to the arrest of a 38-year-old man after officers said they discovered marijuana and gear used for organized cockfighting inside his vehicle.
A routine traffic stop in Lakeland on Monday led to the arrest of a 38-year-old man after officers said they discovered marijuana and gear used for organized cockfighting inside his vehicle.
High schoolers train in real-world scenarios at Lakeland's High School Police Academy
High school students across the area are stepping into the boots of law enforcement officers this week during a week-long summer academy designed to build career interest and personal confidence.
High school students across the area are stepping into the boots of law enforcement officers this week during a week-long summer academy designed to build career interest and personal confidence.
Small town leaders in Polk County push back against proposed Amendment 3
Small-town leaders in Polk County are pushing back against a proposed state amendment that would dramatically raise Florida's homestead exemption, warning the change could cripple municipal budgets.
Small-town leaders in Polk County are pushing back against a proposed state amendment that would dramatically raise Florida's homestead exemption, warning the change could cripple municipal budgets.
Polk County approves higher water fees for new construction and reclaimed water
Polk County commissioners voted last week to raise water connection fees and irrigation rates to manage surging construction expenses and conserve local groundwater.
Polk County commissioners voted last week to raise water connection fees and irrigation rates to manage surging construction expenses and conserve local groundwater.
Free rabies vaccines: Polk animal control, SPCA Florida partner after recent cases
Health officials across Polk, Sarasota and Citrus counties issued rabies alerts, prompting local animal groups to offer free vaccinations and microchips Saturday in Lakeland.
Health officials across Polk, Sarasota and Citrus counties issued rabies alerts, prompting local animal groups to offer free vaccinations and microchips Saturday in Lakeland.
AAU basketball coach, 5 players arrested after Polk County 7-Eleven theft: PCSO
Five teenagers and a coach visiting the Orlando area for an AAU basketball tournament were arrested after investigators say the teens stole items from a Polk County convenience store and their coach lied to detectives during the investigation.
Five teenagers and a coach visiting the Orlando area for an AAU basketball tournament were arrested after investigators say the teens stole items from a Polk County convenience store and their coach lied to detectives during the investigation.
Winter Haven High School teacher accused of having sex with 15-year-old student wants to marry her: PCSO
A Winter Haven High School robotics teacher and boys’ tennis coach is accused of sexually battering a 15-year-old student.
A Winter Haven High School robotics teacher and boys’ tennis coach is accused of sexually battering a 15-year-old student.
Highland City homeowners fed up with truck driver tearing up neighborhood property
A driver tore through a retention pond in Highland City on Monday around 6:30 p.m., leaving residents in a local neighborhood facing costly repairs for repeated property damage.
A driver tore through a retention pond in Highland City on Monday around 6:30 p.m., leaving residents in a local neighborhood facing costly repairs for repeated property damage.
Polk County man accused of having sex with minor he brought home from Pennsylvania: 'He loved her'
A Polk City man was arrested Tuesday after being accused of having unlawful sex with a 16-year-old, among other charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
A Polk City man was arrested Tuesday after being accused of having unlawful sex with a 16-year-old, among other charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
Eagle Lake death investigation: Polk County deputies identified potential suspect in woman's suspicious death
Deputies are conducting a suspicious death investigation in Eagle Lake after finding a woman dead on Wilder Way, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies are conducting a suspicious death investigation in Eagle Lake after finding a woman dead on Wilder Way, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Polk County shoe repair expert becomes social media sensation as ‘America’s Cobbler’
Inside a small shoe repair shop in Polk County, Jim McFarland is keeping a fading American trade alive while introducing the art of cobbling to an entirely new generation.
Inside a small shoe repair shop in Polk County, Jim McFarland is keeping a fading American trade alive while introducing the art of cobbling to an entirely new generation.
Preservationists claim old Eagle Lake schoolhouse slated for demolition qualifies for massive grants
A newly formed historical society is fighting to save the last historic building in Eagle Lake from a city plan to tear it down and build a new city hall complex.
A newly formed historical society is fighting to save the last historic building in Eagle Lake from a city plan to tear it down and build a new city hall complex.