Polk County Sheriff’s Office bloodhound safely locates missing man with autism using pillow to track scent

You typically don’t want to be featured on one of the stock cards Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd puts on display, but when one of his deputies and K-9 partner graced the front of the iconic images, it wasn't because they earned a trip to the ‘Grady Town’ jail. Instead, they were being praised by the sheriff. 

3-year-old among 2 killed in Lakeland shooting: Police

Two people, including a three-year-old child, were killed and another was injured in a Lakeland shooting Monday night, according to police. 

Polk County in critical need of large animal veterinarians: USDA report

According to data from the University of Florida, Polk County's cattle industry contributes more than a billion dollars to the local economy every year. However, finding enough large animal veterinarians to help care for the animals hasn't been easy.

Lakes Wales to begin looking for new police chief amid nepotism, transparency concerns: Memo

The chief of the Lake Wales Police Department has been suspended for three days and put on notice that the city will begin looking for someone to fill his position in April after a human resources investigation revealed the appearance of nepotism within the department and the perception of lack of transparency.

Polk County child sex predator sting: 7 charged, 1 on the run after undercover investigation

Law enforcement officers have arrested seven suspects and are still searching for one more following a multi-agency undercover investigation that focused on sexual predators who target children. 

Auburndale police officer was speeding 105 mph moments before ‘tragic’ crash that killed child: Report

An Auburndale police officer was speeding when he crashed into another vehicle last November, killing a five-year-old girl, according to a report from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Human trafficking bust: Teacher, coaches among 228 arrested in Polk County

Nearly 230 people were arrested, and 13 potential victims were rescued during an 8-day multi-agency undercover human trafficking investigation in Polk County. 

Traffic light installed at Lakeland intersection where teen was killed riding bike to school

It has been three months since a 15-year-old boy was hit and killed while riding his bike to school and now the intersection where the crash happened is getting a long-awaited improvement.  

1 dead, 2 injured after crash in Polk County: FHP

A 50-year-old Haines City man died at a local hospital after a crash on Polk City Road early on Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.