Frostproof JV basketball coach accused of inappropriate relationship threatened ‘to kill’ student: PCSO

A JV basketball coach at Frostproof Middle-Senior High School is facing four felony charges after deputies say he had an inappropriate relationship with a student at the school and threatened her life. 

Sheriff Grady Judd: 11 arrested, kilos of cocaine, fentanyl seized during multi-agency investigation

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a multi-agency investigation led to the arrests of 11 people and the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill more than 1.7 million people. 

Haines City Fire Department tells its story through upcoming documentary series

'Through the Smoke' is a documentary series created by the Haines City Fire Department that will feature their firefighters and command staff's day-to-day life, including what happens both on and off calls.

Polk County siblings among 3 arrested for Capitol Riot on third anniversary

Two Polk County siblings arrested for their role in the violent riots at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, faced a federal judge on Monday. 

Driver crashes into Lakeland Waffle House: LPD

A Waffle House in Lakeland is cleaning up after someone drove into it early Monday morning.

1 dead, 1 injured after 'nearly head-on' crash in Winter Haven: FHP

A Winter Haven woman died in a crash on Friday after experiencing a medical emergency behind the wheel, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Polk County high school teacher arrested for inappropriate relationship with student

A high school teacher in Lakeland was arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student, the Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Friday.

Police make arrest in fatal stabbing of teen at Winter Haven Publix

A 19-year-old has been charged with manslaughter after officers say he stabbed a teen to death at a Publix in Winter Haven. 

‘Cold-hearted person’: Lakeland nurse fatally poisoned neighbor’s 3 pets, Sheriff Grady Judd says

A Lakeland nurse is facing three counts of animal cruelty after deputies say she purposely poisoned a neighbor’s two pet cats and their pregnant Chihuahua, which also killed the 8 puppies in the dog’s womb.

Anti-human trafficking advocates want to see more from lawmakers in 2024

Some Bay Area anti-trafficking organizations are looking back at the year of progress they had in fighting human trafficking, and nonprofit One More Child said 2023 was a record year.