Polk sheriff: Man wasn’t ‘standing his ground’ when he shot, killed ‘bizarre’ teen at apartment complex
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting at a Davenport apartment complex that left a 19-year-old dead.
V.P. of Lakeland Police Advisory Board says he was 'harassed' by 'bad apple' deputy
In a Facebook post about the incident, Demetrius Haynes identified the deputy and called her a "bad apple," which law enforcement officials say puts the deputy in danger.
Polk County looking for jurors again as trials resume
Polk County courts are ready to resume jury trials after the long COVID-19 hiatus, and officials will be seeking potential jurors to report for duty by the end of the month.
Officials confirm 6 cases of COVID-19 at Lakeland High School; won’t reveal number being quarantined
The Polk School District says there are six cases of COVID-19 at Lakeland High School. But it will not say if they are students or staff, or, as a result, how many people are being quarantined.
20 staff at Lake Wales Charter School on 2-week quarantine, sending students back to e-learning
Students at Lake Wales Charter High School were supposed to go back to class Monday, but didn’t.
Bay Area districts monitor trickle of COVID-19 cases as students return
School coronavirus plans are already being put to the test. Across the Bay Area, there are small numbers of cases in schools showing up almost on a daily basis.
No arrests after five separate shootings along Bay Area interstates
In the last two months, five shootings have left three people dead along interstates 75 and 4 in the Tampa Bay area. No arrests have been made, and while officials won’t discuss the investigations, they continue to ask the public for assistance.
Driver shot at on I-4 in Polk County, troopers searching for suspect
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a person suspected of shooting at a male driver on Interstate 4 near the 36 milepost westbound in Polk County Saturday afternoon.
Lakeland homeowner shoots, kills 'out-of-control' intruder during break-in, deputies say
A "bizarre" chain of events led up to a Lakeland homeowner shooting and killing a man who broke into his home.
NOAA Hurricane Hunters overhaul procedures to navigate storms, COVID-19
The NOAA Hurricane Hunters collect critical information used to forecast the path and strength of developing storms. Multiple crews worked around the clock flying directly into the path of Hurricane Laura before it made landfall.
Haines City couple arrested for running illegal gambling operation
Dexter Rhodes, 33, and Deget Lane, 27, are facing more than 300 charges after being were arrested Tuesday night for running an illegal virtual gambling operation.
COVID-19 changed disaster response; won’t keep Auburndale volunteers from doing relief work
Even though CDR has been doing relief work worldwide for more than three decades, the way they approach Hurricane Laura disaster relief is unique because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts warn of ‘twindemic’ as flu season approaches during the coronavirus pandemic
Experts are warning us of a so-called impending “twindemic”, the flu hitting us as we continue to battle COVID-19.
Polk deputies arrest 1, searching for 1 following Winter Haven armed robbery and carjacking
Polk County deputies arrested Jhamari Jones, 19, after he allegedly robbed two people at gunpoint and stole their car along with another suspect.
Pasco, Polk counties post number of COVID-19 cases in schools online
School is back in session and many families in our region are concerned about COVID-19 cases on campus. It’s the reason two area school districts are now posting that data online.
Downtown Lakeland parking spots could become permanent outdoor dining areas
Some of the parking spaces in downtown Lakeland may soon become so-called parklets, a parking space that has been turned into a public outdoor space.
Polk schools welcome students back to campus
Kids came back to a whole new world when they returned to class in Polk County on Monday. For tens of thousands of students, it was their first day back to school since March, when classes were canceled because of COVID-19.
New school year begins for several Tampa Bay school districts with precautions, challenges
After being shuttered for more than five months, thousands of students across the Bay Area officially began their first day of school. This includes kids in Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough, though it was not without technical glitches.
Students, teachers return to school Monday in many Bay Area counties
It’s been five long months since students in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas County schools stepped foot in a classroom. However, Monday that will all change as many students are welcomed back to their school for the first time since March.
Polk County homeowner shoots, kills burglary suspect
A Polk County homeowner shot and killed Joshua Mathieu, 34, who was breaking into her home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.