Winter Haven man facing 49 child porn charges, accused of selling sexual content of minors: Police
A 24-year-old Winter Haven man faces 49 child pornography charges following an investigation that police say was sparked by a tip from California authorities.
Florida man arrested after high-speed chase, 6 vehicle crash in Lakeland
Jerell Carr, a 35-year-old man from Tampa, was arrested in Lakeland after a dangerous high-speed chase that ended in a multi-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Polk deputies accused of assaulting teen with disabilities while serving warrant, family seeks accountability
A Winter Haven family is calling for the Polk County Sheriff's Office to be held accountable after they say their 15-year-old son was wrongfully detained and traumatized during the execution of an arrest warrant.
Grady Judd and Florida's CFO want more restrictions placed on illegal immigrants
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia joined law enforcement officers from across the Bay Area to discuss the state’s illegal immigration policies and enforcement.
Winter Haven woman celebrating 111th birthday honored with special celebration
A Winter Haven woman who has lived through more than a century of history was honored on Wednesday with a celebration few ever reach.
Polk County approves plan to ease Lake Seward flooding — but it's not a permanent solution
Homeowners on Oakmont Lane near Lake Seward are still struggling more than a year after their homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Milton.
Winter Haven denies Florida attorney general's accusation of homeless takeover
The City of Winter Haven is responding to the Florida attorney general after he accused it of violating a state law that bans public camping and sleeping.
Grady Judd touts dismantling of Sex Money Murder gang as a jury convicts its leader
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said law enforcement officials ran through the Sex Money Murder gang like Sherman through Georgia during a press conference on Monday morning after its leader was convicted on five charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and three counts of directing criminal gang activities.
Driver dead, dog saved after SUV found partially submerged in Lake Marion: PCSO
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 64-year-old man whose SUV was found partially submerged in Lake Marion Friday evening.
Bok Tower Gardens president to retire after nearly 40 years, talks lasting legacy
In 2007, David Price was appointed president, a role he has held for the past 19 years.
Gov. DeSantis and Florida health leaders discuss baby formula concerns
Florida leaders are sounding the alarm when it comes to baby formula as Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Dr. Joseph Ladapo and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in Bartow on Friday to discuss their concerns about its safety.
Polk County deputies rescue abandoned rabbits in Lakeland field
Residents in the Lakeland neighborhood near Sligh Road and Majestic View Drive reported to deputies that someone dumped domestic animals in a nearby field.
Lakeland exhibit shows how portraits equaled power during the Renaissance
A new exhibition at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, "The Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence", showcases how portraits were a form of currency during the Renaissance.
Sonny’s BBQ fire destroys beloved Bartow restaurant
A fire broke out at Sonny’s BBQ in Bartow early Wednesday morning and destroyed the restaurant.
New report details deadly alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park
A newly released report describes how a canoe startled an 11-foot alligator in shallow water, leading to a deadly attack on a woman at Lake Kissimmee State Park in May.
Florida Attorney General sends violation notice to Winter Haven over homeless public sleeping complaints
The Florida Attorney General’s Office sent a notice of violation to the City of Winter Haven accusing the city of violating Florida’s law that bans public camping and public sleeping in certain public spaces.
Lakeland pioneers AI sensor technology to fix crumbling roadways
The city of Lakeland will soon use artificial intelligence technology to tackle the pothole problem on our roadways.
Uber driver kidnapped at gunpoint after picking up customer at Tampa strip club: PCSO
Polk County deputies have arrested a suspected gunman accused of forcing an Uber driver to go to Dundee after being picked up at a Tampa strip club.
Polk County Sheriff's Office opens for sixth district office in fast growing NE Polk County
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is opening another district office — this time in the northeast part of the county.
Convicted killer who murdered former Lakeland city commissioner and her husband sentenced to death
Convicted killer Marcelle Waldon was sentenced to death on Monday in Polk County in the killings of a former Lakeland city commissioner and her husband.