Deputy-involved shooting has counselors warning about holiday depression
From the outside looking in, everything seemed relatively OK. However, according to Polk County deputies, 60-year-old Kenneth Layton was fighting a battle he didn't feel like he would win.
Polk deputy forced to shoot, kill 'distraught' widower, sheriff says
A 60-year-old Polk County man was “exceptionally distraught,” possibly over the death of his wife, when he forced a Polk deputy to shoot him Friday morning, Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Church pays off $1.62-million of medical debt for families
“We found out that there’s over $3 million in deferred medical debt in our city,” said Access Church’s lead pastor Jason Burns. "This $3 million is owned by people who live at less than half of the federal poverty line.”
Volunteers deliver hundreds of meals to Polk seniors, along with some holiday cheer
Thanksgiving may be tomorrow for most of us, but the holiday came early for an incredible number of seniors in Polk County. Volunteers spent the afternoon delivering Thanksgiving dinners to folks who might not have one otherwise.
Driver who crashed into Fort Meade legislator's office was high, deputies say
At 8 a.m. Tuesday, on the day constituents make appointments to discuss issues and causes with State Representative Melony Bell at her office on Broadway Avenue in Fort Meade, a city worker veered off the road and through the front door of Bell’s office.
Polk teen spends 7 days camping on top of semi, raises $10K for charity
A 14-year-old boy and his dad have been living on top of a semi truck in Polk County for seven days – and it’s all for a good cause.
Development boom brings thousands of residents, customers to downtown Lakeland
Two new apartment complexes and an office building are in the works in downtown Lakeland and will bring with them a tidal wave of new residents.
Man shot while trying to fight his way into home during custody handoff: sheriff
A father was shot during a custody exchange after he became tried to fight his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend's partner, who is referred to as the victim, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Father of 2-year-old boy shot, killed during custody handoff
Sheriff Grady Judd says investigators are still trying to piece the entire sequence of events together. It started with a 911 call from the eventual shooting victim – the boy's father – saying he was having “problems” with the exchange of custody.
Gamers become game-makers at Florida Poly
Students at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland showed off their class-made video games Thursday at the school’s Game Expo.
Polk County to allow public employees to carry concealed weapons at county worksites
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Polk County commissioners approved a new law allowing certain public employees to carry concealed weapons at county worksites and to fire back in an active-shooter scenario.
Amazon selects Auburndale for its next fulfillment center, bringing 500 new jobs to Polk County
Amazon says all jobs at the new Auburndale center will start at $15 an hour, with comprehensive benefits starting on day one.
Winter Haven police search for missing mother and baby
Police in Winter Haven are searching for a mother and baby who haven't been seen in two weeks.
Vehicle crashes into home day care in Lakeland; 4 taken to hospital "as precaution"
Three children and an adult were taken to the hospital after a vehicle crashed into a home day care, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.
Despite multiple hurdles, couple continues efforts to convert historic Deen House to preschool
Thomas and Madison Brawner just got another "no" in response to their idea to turn Lakeland's historic Deen House into a preschool.
No chairs allowed until day of Lakeland Christmas parade
The yearly tradition of putting chairs out early for the Lakeland Christmas parade is officials a thing of the past. The city said no one can put chairs out until the day of the parade, Thursday, Dec. 5.
15-year-old bitten by rabid raccoon in Polk County
In the tenth case of rabies confirmed in Polk County this year, a teen was bitten by a raccoon. He wants to warn others about animals that may seem a little too comfortable with humans.
Truck plows into Lakeland carport, drives away
Larry and Jeanie Everhart were fast asleep in their home on Handley Blvd. around 2 a.m. Saturday when they heard a horrific crash outside. When they peeked out of the house, they couldn’t believe what they saw.
Polk deputies: Man disagreed with umpire's call, punched him in the face
Polk County deputies arrested a Lakeland man who, they said, attacked a youth baseball league umpire after a game.
Crews battle fire at Lakeland wood recycling facility
Firefighters in Polk County have been at the scene of an industrial fire since Friday night.