Florida considers merging New College, Florida Poly into FSU, UF
Lawmakers and leaders of New College of Florida and Florida Polytechnic University are pushing back against a House plan that would merge the two schools into Florida State University and the University of Florida.
Two X-treme Air & Home Care technicians arrested for exploiting the elderly
Lakeland police arrested Carl Hassel, 39, and Joshua O’Neal, 33, for grand theft and exploitation of the elderly after they allegedly charged a woman in her 70s hundreds of dollars for work that was not completed.
Prescribed burn planned for Polk County Thursday
Where there is smoke, there is usually fire. And there will presumably a lot of smoke coming from a prescribed burn set by Florida Forest Service starting Thursday.
Florida lawmakers propose merging Florida Poly, New College with UF, FSU
Two of Florida’s smallest public universities could merge with two of the state’s larger schools.
Road surveyor dies in Lakeland crash, police say
A road surveyor passed away after the driver of a pickup truck crashed into him Monday afternoon, police said.
Lakeland mom steps in after 'crazy river otter' attacks dog, girl
A Polk County girl opened the door to help her dog escape an otter, then tried to shut the door quickly. But apparently not quickly enough. The otter squeezed in and attacked her, too.
Downtown Lakeland has 850 more parking spots, thanks to new garage
Finding a parking spot, especially when you’re in a hurry, can be frustrating.
Publix mechanic keeps supermarket’s iconic scales working
Publix mechanic Gene Anderson is the one and only person who fixes and refurbishes a unique Florida icon -- Publix's popular scales.
Third rabid raccoon leads to rabies alert extension in Polk County
The Polk County Department of Health is extending a rabies alert after discovering another rabid raccoon.
Study shows snowbirds are staying longer and spending more money
Snowbirds are flocking to Lakeland and it’s a bigger than usual invasion, which means a bigger boost for the local economy than in previous years.
Polk deputies injured after patrol car struck by wrong-way DUI driver
Two Polk County deputies were taken to the hospital after their patrol car was hit head-on by a drunk driver going the wrong way Tuesday night.
Polk deputies searching for teenager wanted on four counts of attempted murder
Deputies in Polk County are searching for Malakia Askew, 17, following a shooting on Norfolk Circle in unincorporated Lakeland.
Cold snap puts tropical fish farmers on edge
It's been a chilly couple of days in the Bay Area. Runners and walkers bundled up Wednesday morning on Bayshore Boulevard. Fortunately, the warmup has already started and temperatures are beginning to rise but for some, the damage from this week's cold snap will linger.
PCSO: Alcohol may have played a role in fatal pedestrian crash
A 56-year-old man died Saturday evening after being hit by a car while walking to a gas station in Lakeland, investigators said.
Memorial services for fallen Lakeland police officer begins Wednesday
The funeral for Lakeland police officer Paul Dunn is open to the public.
Murder suspect turns himself in to Polk County Sheriff's Office
A man wanted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office for a deadly shooting has turned himself in.
Funeral plans set for Lakeland police officer
The Lakeland Police Department said the public is welcome to attend funeral services for Officer Paul Dunn on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Lakes Church (formerly known as the First Baptist Church at the Mall), located at 1010 E Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland.
Lakeland police officer dies in motorcycle crash
A Lakeland police officer and Marine Corps veteran has passed away after crashing his motorcycle while he was on his way to work this morning, deputies have confirmed.
Officer killed in Lakeland motorcycle crash was a veteran with sons in the military
A Lakeland police officer who died Thursday morning in a motorcycle crash leaves behind a legacy of service to his community and his country.
PCSO: Lakeland man arrested for aggravated child abuse in death of 2-month-old baby
Kyle Reese is facing charges of aggravated child abuse after a 2-month-old baby died in his care in December, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.