A banner for every Fort Meade high school graduate will line the city's streets
Fort Meade is going out of its way to honor its high school graduates this year. It is hanging 90 banners from one end of the town to the other. Each one has the face of a graduate on it.
Polk County couple defrauded Warner University of almost $3,500, sheriff says
Two suspects, who were a couple at the time of the crime, were arrested after taking $3,454 worth of student loans from Warner University, detectives said.
Police searching for witnesses in murder of Winter Haven man
A 33-year-old man was shot and killed nearly a week ago, and detectives in Winter Haven say they are trying to find who is responsible.
Video shows massive alligators dueling in Circle B Bar Reserve canal
It’s not unusual to see alligators at Circle B Bar Reserve, but seeing two giant gators fighting there is enough to stop anyone in their tracks.
Polk County warns residents about disturbing text message scam
Back in February, the Polk County Sheriff's Office was receiving reports of residents receiving gruesome text messages that scares the receiver into paying money. Months later, the agency says people are still being targeted.
Officers in Lakeland honored during National Police Memorial Week
For families of law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price while serving their communities, National Police Memorial Week is a time to come together and pay tribute.
Restaurant staff slowly return to emptier tables, smaller checks
Bartus Taylor, a host and server at Fresco’s Southern Kitchen and Bar in downtown Lakeland, couldn’t be any happier.
Brothers arrested in Lakeland murder, police say
Lakeland police say they arrested two brothers after a man died from an apparent gunshot wound.
Police seeking tips in Lakeland homicide
Police in Lakeland are investigating after responding to a report of shots fired and discovering a man who died from an apparent gunshot wound.
Long-term care lockdown continues as COVID-19 cases, deaths rise
Long-term care facilities have been off-limits to visitors since mid-March, keeping families apart and residents isolated. Governor Ron DeSantis says the lockdown was to protect our most vulnerable, however, he signaled Friday he wants visitation restrictions at nursing homes relaxed soon.
Polk outlines plan for socially-distanced high school graduations
Polk County High School seniors, mark your calendars. The school district just announced that your graduations are scheduled for June.
Deputies: Polk County teacher arrested for DUI says she took a Xanax before driving
Polk County deputies said a teacher with the school district faces a DUI charge after possibly taking a Xanax before driving behind the wheel.
Sheriff: Suspect spit in deputy's face before rough arrest
Sheriff Grady Judd said an investigation into alleged brutality after a video circulated on social media of a Polk County deputy apparently striking a handcuffed man twice.
85-acre Lake Wales brush fire mostly contained
The scene of the blaze is off Tiger Lake Road in the Lake Wales area. Strong winds out of the north are sending the flames towards Highway 60.
Polk high school graduation ceremonies to be held in June
Polk County graduation ceremonies will take place at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in June.
Daughter says Lakeland nursing home did not want to test for COVID-19
Mercedes Quintero came to America, at the age of 28, aboard a so-called freedom flight during the now-famous Cuban Airlift. Polk County was where the refugee settled and never left. She built a life for herself in Lakeland, where she settled, worked backbreaking jobs in manufacturing, and raised three children.
Bartow ends grace period for overdue electric bills
Last month, as a result of soaring unemployment because of COVID-19, the city of Bartow gave residents who were having a hard time paying their electric bill a grace period. That grace period came to an end Monday.
Fatal crash leads to one dead, four injured including children, deputies say
A deadly crash in Lake Wales claimed the life of one person, deputies said. Three children and one woman were taken to a hospital for their injuries.
Lakeland nursing facility reports 84 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths
Almost two weeks ago, 35 residents from Highlands Lake Center were hospitalized after either testing positive for, or showing symptoms of, COVID-19.
Mother congratulates son on billboard after graduation canceled
The ads on the digital billboard above the Dairy Queen at the intersection of Lyle Pkwy. and Broadway in Bartow rotate for five minutes before the loop starts again.