Polk County Jail program teaches inmates how to braid hair, gives second chance
Hair braiding may seem easy, but instructor and salon owner Alisha Hinton explained it actually takes time, dedication and patience. It's those skills that female inmates at the Polk County Jail will get through a class on how to braid hair.
Polk County Sheriff's Office resurrects 'Haunted Jail Tour' in old downtown Bartow jail
The Polk County Sheriff's Office's "Haunted Jail Tour" is back with this year's theme being "Resurrection."
‘This is a criminal’: Suspect who pointed gun, carjacked couple shot by Bartow police officers
A violent suspect who pointed a gun at police is in critical condition after he was shot by two officers on US 98 in Bartow, authorities said. He's also accused of carjacking a couple and ramming the stolen vehicle into three other cars on the major road.
PCSO: Fort Meade man killed in head-on crash with semi-truck
A 55-year-old man died Wednesday afternoon after crashing head-on into a semi-truck on Homeland Garfield Road.
Bartow riding program executive director arrested after 8 horses found in bad condition
The executive director of a well-known riding program for veterans and kids with challenges has been arrested on abuse and neglect charges.
Polk County looking into ways to make dangerous curve on Dietz Road safer
As a Former Bartow Police Chief, Tony Sparks was used to dangerous workplace situations.
PCSO: Bartow man gunned down while riding dirt bike
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is asking for help catching a killer.
Bartow police arrest two suspects after man was shot in arm
Two men were arrested after shooting a man in the arm on Tuesday, according to Bartow police.
Lakeland, Bartow, Tarpon Springs among 30 cities that issued proclamations for fake country
No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to find the country of Kailasa on a map. That's because it doesn't exist.
Heartland for Children in Bartow looks for more foster parents as need grows urgent
Foster care agencies, including Heartland for Children in Bartow, are desperately looking for more foster parents.
Some residents still without power in Peace River Village after Hurricane Ian
Power has been restored for the vast majority of Floridians after Hurricane Ian, but it has not for many people who live in Peace River Village on SR 60 in Bartow, which is still flooded.
Faith community call for more for more diversion, fewer first-time offender arrests in Polk County
PEACE members chanted, held signs and prayed. They said too many first-time offenders are arrested for committing minor crimes. Instead, they want a lot more people to be put into a diversion program.
New IV manufacturer breaks ground in Bartow
The City of Bartow is making a name for itself in the health and technology world. A new company that manufactures medical equipment will be breaking ground there next month.
Bartow man drowns after boat capsizes in Mulberry pond, Polk deputies say
A Bartow man drowned Wednesday after a small boat capsized in a Mulberry pond. The man he was with attempted to save him but was unsuccessful.
40-year-old son recently discovers dad was one of the famous smokejumpers of WWII
Jerome Corbett was forty years old before he figured out that his dad was one of the famous smokejumpers, a member of the Triple Nickels in World War II.
Police: Polk paramedic punched handicapped patient in the head
Police in Bartow arrested a Polk County paramedic for felony battery after they say he put his knee on a 67-year-old handicapped patient's chest and punched the man in the head because he was being uncooperative. The victim was already being restrained by other first responders and was unable to move at the time, investigators said.
Emergency trash collection plan put in place for Polk County
Uncollected trash has been piling up in parts of unincorporated Polk County, but officials say a plan is now in place and residents will soon see improvements of their waste collection services.
Bartow 6-year-old dies after being hit by dirt bike
6-year-old Mikey Almeida, was crossing Summerlin Street when he was hit by an 18-year-old riding a dirt bike. Mikey has now died of his injuries and the bike's driver is still hospitalized.
Bartow honors groundbreaking golfer who's still giving back
A Bartow man never thought he would live to see the day that he would get such a prestigious accolade bestowed upon him. At 102, local golf icon Herbert Dixon just had the driving range at the Bartow Golf Course named after him.
Missing Bartow teen with autism found safe, police say
Bartow police say they are searching for a 15-year-old boy who has autism and went missing on Thursday.