Female fire rescue employees describe unwanted tickling, being watched during sleep by Polk County chiefs
Records obtained by FOX 13 News show a Polk County Fire Rescue battalion chief resigned last month after multiple female employees came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. A second battalion chief, Jeremiah Gilley, was accused of the same behavior and resigned before an investigation was completed.
Lake Morton swans sold to lucky lottery winners across Florida
"Welcome to the 2020 Swan Lottery!”
Police identify person of interest in Winter Haven double murder, ask for public's help to find him
Detectives are searching for 38-year-old Beloni Petitfrere in connection to the case, where officers found two bodies at the Rose Hotel while performing a welfare check.
Person wearing a hoodie seen going into Winter Haven hotel before double murder, police say
Police in Winter Haven say they are looking for a suspect after two bodies were found at the Rose Hotel.
Polk deputies shoot, kill man who charged at them with a machete in Frostproof
"Let's be abundantly clear," Sheriff Grady Judd said of the man, who was reportedly paranoid and likely schizophrenic. "None of my deputies are going to stand by and let someone like that run a machete through them."
State seeking death penalty against suspect in Frostproof triple murder
The State Attorney's Office is seeking the death penalty against a man charged in a triple homicide in Polk County. Tony "T.J." Wiggins is accused of brutally murdering three men in July who were fishing in Frostproof.
COVID-19 leaves Polk father of three in need of kidney transplant
A Dundee man suffered severe kidney damage and will have to be on dialysis three times a week until he can find a compatible kidney donor. Meanwhile, experts say his unfortunate situation is not unique.
Lakeland does away with mask mandate
For months, Lakeland residents and visitors have been required to wear a mask in public places.
Lottery to determine who can purchase Lakeland's famous swans
Following the annual swan roundup this year, Lakeland is setting aside part of the population for people to purchase them.
Winter Haven pastor who helped save woman from deadly fire: 'We were there for a reason'
Pastors usually try to save souls. On Thursday, one from Winter Haven helped save a woman’s life. “Once I got in and I realized what was happening, I said, ‘Lord, you got us in, you gotta get us out,’” he recalled.
Lakeland city employee arrested on video voyeurism charges involved 16-year-old
A 40-year-old man who works as a parking services supervisor for the city of Lakeland was accused of recording a 16-year-old while she was in the bathroom, and was charged with video voyeurism.
Lakeland's annual Swan Roundup turns 40
Tuesday was the day the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department looks forward to all year: The annual Swan Roundup. It’s a sight to behold as johnboats race across the lake trying to keep up with the swans.
Trappers busy after baby bat boom
As a wildlife trapper, life has gotten pretty busy for Dustin Hooper lately. The new crop of baby bats has arrived.
City of Lakeland allows mask mandate to expire
Lakeland is the latest local government in Tampa Bay to allow their mask mandate to end.
Polk suspect's attempt at fleeing comes to a halt after pickup truck partially lands on cruiser
While trying to flee, a suspect's truck ended up on top of a Polk County deputy's cruiser, according to the sheriff's office.
Silver Alert issued for Winter Haven man
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert for Thomas Lee Seymour, 78, of Santa Maria Drive in Winter Haven.
Winter Haven police searching for 4 armed robbery suspects
According to police, the armed robbers entered the Circle K located at 1000 First St. S. in Winter Haven around 3:50 a.m. Saturday.
Police safely locate missing man
The Lakeland Police Department safely found a 79-year-old man who was the center of a Silver Alert Saturday afternoon. No other details were released.
'Wonderful people of Polk County' thwart would-be carjacker four different times
An ex-felon was repeatedly rejected when he tried to carjack several vehicles while fleeing a hit-and-run crash in Lake Alfred this morning, even getting sprayed with gasoline and leaping from an overpass during the escapade.
Sheriff Judd: 'When President Trump comes here, he don’t have to wear a mask'
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd declined to answer a question about COVID-19 masks on Friday, hours after the White House confirmed President Trump had tested positive for the virus.