Polk County man serving 90-year sentence for non-violent marijuana offense hopes for clemency
Attorneys for a Polk County man who is serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense hope their client will soon be released.
Polk County launches COVID-19 hotline as case numbers continue rising
There’s a new way for parents and others to separate fact from fiction about COVID-19.
Polk deputies find missing, endangered man
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office located a man they said was missing and endangered on Sunday. Deputies say he has returned home and is safe. No additional details were released.
Older poll workers pass baton to next generation for 2020 election
Whether you early vote or go to the polls on Election Day, you may see some new faces, considerably younger ones.
Lift Lakeland initiative aims to address issues of racial inequity
Leaders in Lakeland are working with the community to develop an in-depth plan to address the city’s racial tensions and issues.
Is another COVID-19 surge on the way? Polk County hospitals prepare for round 2 as coronavirus cases rise
Hospitals are hiring additional nurses and staff and bringing in more cardiac and pulmonary equipment that COVID-19 patients may need as they prepare for a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
8,000 Polk students head back to in-person classes
The alarm bell came as a bit of a shock to a lot of Polk County kids Wednesday morning. After months of e-learning, 8,000 children in Polk just went back to face-to-face learning in brick-and mortar-schools.
Guillain-Barré syndrome no match for Lakeland paramedic, determined to overcome debilitating condition
Steve Connors couldn’t have been any happier going back to work as a paramedic at the Lakeland Fire Department Tuesday.
Florida man stole bulldozer, ran down Biden signs in Haines City neighborhood, police say
The 26-year-old man is accused of stealing a bulldozer from a construction site, then driving it into a Haines City neighborhood to plow down Joe Biden campaign signs.
Kathleen Middle School continues to rebuild one year after tornado strike
Kathleen Middle School principal Sheila Gregory reflected on the one-year anniversary of that tornado touchdown and talked about how repairs are going.
Man loses 3 family members, including 2 children, in Lake Wales wrong-way crash
Wagner Salvador, 42, lost three family members Friday night after the car he was driving was hit nearly head-on by Phillip Penatello, 83, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Bay Area participates in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Anyone with unused prescription drugs can safely dispose of them on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at several Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Sarasota County locatio
Polk pastor attempts to bridge ‘digital divide’ with free wi-fi
A Lakeland pastor built an 8-foot tower at the church and contracted with an internet provider so people in his area could have around-the-clock wi-fi. Now, he wants to help other churches provide free wi-fi to help close the so-called “digital divide.”
Controversial Lakeland cell phone tower project heads to commission despite residents' concerns
Dixieland is considered an up-and-coming area of Lakeland. But many residents say it’s going to slide downhill if a proposed cell phone tower is built there.
Lakeland man wins $1 million from scratch-off lotto ticket
A man in Lakeland took home a $1 million prize after buying a lucky lotto ticket at a gas station.
Rays superfan with Down syndrome gets surprise trip to World Series
Winter Haven’s Ellis Allanson loves the Rays In his words, he’s the “biggest fan in the world.” And that’s what made a surprise over the weekend so special. His parents surprised him at work with tickets to see his favorite team in person: Game Four of the World Series.
Lakeland opens tip line to crack down on illegal dumping
Lakeland has set up a hotline to report illegal dumping and may reward those who report it.
26-year Polk County deputy raises funds for Speech and Hearing Center
Law enforcement officers have a duty is to serve and protect. One Polk County deputy is sacrificing time and money to do just that. His commitment to his community is what's right with Tampa Bay.
Tasty beverages with a side of gut health fermented in Tampa Bay
Fermented foods and drinks have become go-to fare for health-conscious people all over the world.
Haines City pastor accused of targeting elderly victim, performing shoddy home repairs for $35K
Haines City police say 46-year-old Abner Anibal Rolon, who serves as the pastor of Calvary First Assembly church, faces several charges after he targeted an 85-year-old woman with visual, hearing and mobility impairments.