Married couple stole nearly $8,000 from Mulberry Dixie Youth Baseball League, sheriff says
Detectives said a husband and wife used their roles on the board of a Mulberry youth baseball league to steal thousands of dollars.
Polk County asking for input on what upcoming school year will look like
Polk County is asking what parents and others think with an online survey.
Stabbing suspect fatally shot by deputies had history of mental health issues, sheriff says
A suspect who barricaded himself inside a Winter Haven apartment urged deputies to fatally shoot him after he stabbed his mother in the chest Wednesday morning, the sheriff said.
Bay Area law enforcement make small changes, reinforce existing policies on use-of-force
The Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg police departments say their policies are sufficient but are reminding officers of the rules. Sarasota PD banned choke-holds. But for the most part, Bay Area law enforcement are only making small changes in response to big outcry for reform.
Polk County leaders hear passionate pleas from community ready for change
Law enforcement, black community leaders and elected officials met Monday night to recap the massive Black Lives Matter demonstration over the weekend and discuss partnerships in the future.
Five arrested following May 31 protest in Lakeland
Five suspects were arrested on various charges following a protest in Lakeland on May 31. Detectives said one of those suspects tried to convince others to burn down a courthouse.
Winter Haven police find missing man with dementia
Winter Haven police were searching for a missing man, but say he has since been found safe.
Black Lives Matter rally is largest gathering Polk County has ever seen, organizers say
Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk hosted one of the largest gatherings Polk County has ever seen, with 2,000 people marching through the city and gathering at Munn Park on Sunday.
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of seniors graduating high school in Polk County
With their biggest fans filling the stadium, rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of high school seniors in Polk County Saturday morning.
Lakeland Police Department launches Citizens Advisory Board
In this time of national unrest over race issues, the Lakeland Police Department is launching a new Citizens Advisory Board.
Police: Man waves at Walmart employee as he walks out with cart full of stolen electronics
Winter Haven police are looking for the man who was recorded by Walmart surveillance cameras waving to an employee as he walked out with more than $2,000 of electronics.
State cracks down on Grace Manor after they say it failed to take proper COVID-19 safeguards
The state just issued an emergency order imposing a moratorium on the nursing home from taking in any new residents.
I-4 crashes slow traffic through Lakeland; at least 1 person killed
At least two crashes closed part of Interstate 4 through Polk County this morning.
Protest organizers meet with Polk community leaders to discuss demonstration planned for Sunday
Black Lives Matter Polk Restoration met with community leaders Wednesday night at the Dream Center in Lakeland to discuss a demonstration planned for this weekend.
Volunteers hand out masks to virus-vulnerable migrant workers
A group by the name of “Called to Serve Farmworkers” is launching a new effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd recommends residents shoot looters who break into homes
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn't mince words at Monday's news conference when it came to looters.
Peaceful protesters gather in Polk County; curfew in effect at 8 p.m.
Protests in Polk County were peaceful Monday night after a weekend of “civil unrest” on Saturday and Sunday prompted officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue a curfew through early Tuesday morning.
Officer holds 'free hugs' sign during peaceful protests in Polk County
During a peaceful protest in Polk County Monday, officers held signs saying "free hugs" and "don't blame all for actions of few."
Sheriff issues overnight curfew for Polk County
Citing “serious incidents” in Lakeland, Sheriff Grady Judd has issued a countywide curfew for Polk County tonight, starting at 10 p.m.
Polk County Sheriff’s office seeking public’s help in fatal hit-and-run investigation
The Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit is asking for information surrounding a hit-and-run crash that killed Scott Andrew Matthies, 36, around 4:45 a.m. Saturday morning on the entrance to Interstate 4 eastbound from U.S. Highway 27.