Church pays off $1.62-million of medical debt for families
“We found out that there’s over $3 million in deferred medical debt in our city,” said Access Church’s lead pastor Jason Burns. "This $3 million is owned by people who live at less than half of the federal poverty line.”
Development boom brings thousands of residents, customers to downtown Lakeland
Two new apartment complexes and an office building are in the works in downtown Lakeland and will bring with them a tidal wave of new residents.
Man shot while trying to fight his way into home during custody handoff: sheriff
A father was shot during a custody exchange after he became tried to fight his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend's partner, who is referred to as the victim, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Gamers become game-makers at Florida Poly
Students at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland showed off their class-made video games Thursday at the school’s Game Expo.
Vehicle crashes into home day care in Lakeland; 4 taken to hospital "as precaution"
Three children and an adult were taken to the hospital after a vehicle crashed into a home day care, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.
Despite multiple hurdles, couple continues efforts to convert historic Deen House to preschool
Thomas and Madison Brawner just got another "no" in response to their idea to turn Lakeland's historic Deen House into a preschool.
No chairs allowed until day of Lakeland Christmas parade
The yearly tradition of putting chairs out early for the Lakeland Christmas parade is officials a thing of the past. The city said no one can put chairs out until the day of the parade, Thursday, Dec. 5.
Truck plows into Lakeland carport, drives away
Larry and Jeanie Everhart were fast asleep in their home on Handley Blvd. around 2 a.m. Saturday when they heard a horrific crash outside. When they peeked out of the house, they couldn’t believe what they saw.
Crews battle fire at Lakeland wood recycling facility
Firefighters in Polk County have been at the scene of an industrial fire since Friday night.
Lakeland antique mall closes without little warning for vendors
The Wildwood Antique Mall in Lakeland has drawn in customers from all over the state for years, but it's sudden closure Wednesday night caught customers and vendors off guard.
Proposal to convert historic home into preschool draws concerns about traffic, preservation
The Deen House in Lakeland's Lake Morton Historic District is under contract to be sold to a couple who would like to convert the home into a community preschool, but neighbors have lots of questions about what the means for them.
Polk youth baseball executives accused of stealing $55,000 from league
Two top leaders of a popular Polk County youth baseball league were arrested this week, accused of stealing over $50,000 in funds, spending it on everything from cell phone bills to grocery orders.
Polk deputies search for home invasion suspects
Polk County deputies are asking the public for help in finding the men responsible for a violent home invasion, they said.
Boy suffered broken bones, brain injury after falling from zip line, mother says
Kimberly Barnes told reporters Tuesday she still can't believe this happened to her son.
Lakeland officer arrested for DUI in police SUV
Officer Chad Landry was charged with DUI Saturday after being pulled over in a police SUV by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The deputy said that Landry, who was recently assigned to the canine unit, was driving erratically, swerving, and hit a median.
Family sues Lakeland zip line attraction after boy falls 20 feet
A Lakeland family is suing an amusement park after a 10-year-old boy fell 20 feet from a zipline.
Last dairy in Polk County may close following October tornado
The last dairy in Polk County may close after getting slammed by a tornado that swept through the Lakeland area in October.
Watch: Trick-or-treater puts candy in empty bowl outside Lakeland home
Parents encourage their kids to be polite while trick-or-treating on Halloween, but the parents of one Lakeland child can be proud of her considerate nature.
Train hits flatbed trailer at Lakeland crossing
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on tracks adjacent to Combee Road North at U.S. Hwy 92 East.
Lakeland Electric engineer faked credentials, pretended to be mayor in email, detectives say
Fake transcripts and fake credentials were enough to land a man a job at Lakeland Electric for six years until he was up for a promotion and ended up in jail - charged with fraud.