'They are going to go to prison': DeSantis signs bill cracking down on dangerous drug dealers
The new law increases sentences for drug dealers caught selling fentanyl or methamphetamine. It gives prosecutors the ability to charge dealers with first-degree murder if methamphetamine leads to an overdose death. As a capital crime, dealers could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
The new law increases sentences for drug dealers caught selling fentanyl or methamphetamine. It gives prosecutors the ability to charge dealers with first-degree murder if methamphetamine leads to an overdose death. As a capital crime, dealers could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
Woman records man with pants half down after alleged beach flashing incident
Meanwhile, another woman in Polk City says a similar man exposed himself to her at a gas station and put his genitals on her vehicle. Officials in Hillsborough and Polk counties are trying to identify him.
Meanwhile, another woman in Polk City says a similar man exposed himself to her at a gas station and put his genitals on her vehicle. Officials in Hillsborough and Polk counties are trying to identify him.
FDOT constructing wildlife underpass along I-4 to protect animals in Polk County
A wildlife underpass is being built in Polk County. The crossing beneath I-4 will reconnect wilderness that was bisected in the 1970s, allowing animals to safely access the protected lands on both sides of the interstate.
A wildlife underpass is being built in Polk County. The crossing beneath I-4 will reconnect wilderness that was bisected in the 1970s, allowing animals to safely access the protected lands on both sides of the interstate.
Polk County school offers gaming to after-school programs
Imagine a world where video games are offered as an official after school sports program. Kids in Polk County already live there, and they're loving it.
Imagine a world where video games are offered as an official after school sports program. Kids in Polk County already live there, and they're loving it.
Central Florida woman illegally passing a vehicle dies after crashing into concrete pole, deputies say
A vehicle crash claimed the life of a Kissimmee woman Saturday morning.
A vehicle crash claimed the life of a Kissimmee woman Saturday morning.
'Such a heartbreaking sight': Unanswered questions after child found starved to death in Davenport
Back in 2019, the baby’s family was on the radar of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The case was closed after an “undisclosed” period of time when caseworkers determined that the baby was being fed appropriately, and she was improving.
Back in 2019, the baby’s family was on the radar of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The case was closed after an “undisclosed” period of time when caseworkers determined that the baby was being fed appropriately, and she was improving.
Family of teen who died at Lakeland girls school advocates for congregate care industry reform in DC
The family of a teenager who died at a Lakeland group home in 2020 traveled to Washington D.C. this week to advocate for reforms to the congregate care industry.
The family of a teenager who died at a Lakeland group home in 2020 traveled to Washington D.C. this week to advocate for reforms to the congregate care industry.
Parents arrested for 'long-term starvation' of 2-year-old child in Davenport, Judd says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a nearly 3-year-old child looked more like a 3-month-old after being starved to death by her parents.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a nearly 3-year-old child looked more like a 3-month-old after being starved to death by her parents.
Deputies: Lake Wales contractor pocketed $23,500 from homeowner, never started project
A Polk County man was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Davenport homeowner's construction project, but never began the work.
A Polk County man was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Davenport homeowner's construction project, but never began the work.
HCSO: Suspects behind Tampa Save A Lot robbery may have lengthy, violent criminal histories
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the suspects behind Sunday's armed robbery of a Tampa Save A Lot are believed to have lengthy and violent criminal histories in neighboring Polk County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the suspects behind Sunday's armed robbery of a Tampa Save A Lot are believed to have lengthy and violent criminal histories in neighboring Polk County.
Investigators searching for masked robbers targeting Central Florida cell phone stores
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for up to five people believed to be targeting phone stores across Central Florida.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for up to five people believed to be targeting phone stores across Central Florida.
'Road diet' intended to fix narrow lanes on Lakeland road, but not everyone's happy
A lot of people are complaining about one of Lakeland's busiest streets – after it was put on a so-called road diet.
A lot of people are complaining about one of Lakeland's busiest streets – after it was put on a so-called road diet.
Winter Haven man arrested for fatally shooting victim at apartment, police say
A Winter Haven man was arrested for murder after claiming self-defense, but witnesses said he chased after the shooting victim, according to police.
A Winter Haven man was arrested for murder after claiming self-defense, but witnesses said he chased after the shooting victim, according to police.
Annual hot air balloon festival takes to Lakeland skies
Approximately 40 colorful balloons will fill the skies above Lakeland this weekend.
Approximately 40 colorful balloons will fill the skies above Lakeland this weekend.
Amazon driver’s sidewalk chalk note brings smile to face of Lakeland girl battling cancer
When an Amazon driver left something behind for Aubrey Hutson, an 8-year-old battling cancer, he never imagined it would have people talking worldwide.
When an Amazon driver left something behind for Aubrey Hutson, an 8-year-old battling cancer, he never imagined it would have people talking worldwide.
Private security guard added to patrol downtown Lakeland
The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority added an armed private security guard to patrol downtown. Officials said the guard brings consistency and added security to the businesses and patrons of the growing area.
The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority added an armed private security guard to patrol downtown. Officials said the guard brings consistency and added security to the businesses and patrons of the growing area.
Foster homes needed for Pitbulls, bully breed rescue dogs as Polk County shelter fills up
The Polk County Bully Project, which rescues Pitbulls and other bully breeds, is desperately looking for foster homes, and finding them quickly could help save lives. Otherwise, the founders said the future could be dire for many dogs.
The Polk County Bully Project, which rescues Pitbulls and other bully breeds, is desperately looking for foster homes, and finding them quickly could help save lives. Otherwise, the founders said the future could be dire for many dogs.
Polk County WWII, Korea, Vietnam veterans visit war memorials in Washington DC
More than 80 Lakeland area veterans touched down in the nation's capital to spend the day touring their war memorials.
More than 80 Lakeland area veterans touched down in the nation's capital to spend the day touring their war memorials.
New Lakeland lounge offers zero-gravity massage experience
A first of its kind massage studio in Lakeland is offering a zero-gravity relaxation experience.
A first of its kind massage studio in Lakeland is offering a zero-gravity relaxation experience.
Sheriff: 'Violent... dangerous... bad man' arrested for murder in Polk campground
Polk County deputies arrested a man described as "violent" and "dangerous," who they say killed another man who was "pleasuring himself" while in a public area.
Polk County deputies arrested a man described as "violent" and "dangerous," who they say killed another man who was "pleasuring himself" while in a public area.