Lake Mirror: Lakeland's historic heart

In the heart of downtown Lakeland is a beautiful lake with a lot of history.  Lake Mirror covers 18 acres and is known for the fountain in the center of the water that shoots up over 30 feet.  

Above the gardens: Bird's-eye view of Bok Tower

Sitting atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida is an imposing historic landmark: The 205-foot-tall Bok Tower, constructed 90 years ago by magazine editor Edward Bok. 

On Polk's 'wall of sheriffs,' some faces missing

If you were a fan of ‘Gunsmoke,’ you have something in common with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. And the high-profile sheriff is also a fan of remembering previous sheriffs of Polk County. But pictures of some of them are scarce. 

Growers battle citrus greening with giant tent

You can't see it from the road, but tucked away in a remote area of Lake Wales in Polk County is a vast operation set up to protect on the state's most vital commodities: The citrus industry.

Sheriff blasts gun store after burglary

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is trying to find the suspects seen on surveillance video breaking into a gun store and smashing through several cases to steal guns.

NOAA's Hurricane Hunters moving to Lakeland

NOAA's famed Hurricane Hunters are getting a new home, but they won't be going far.  The agency's Aircraft Operations Center will be moving from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in time for the 2017 hurricane season.

Lakeland woman hopes to keep pet alligator, 'Rambo'

A Lakeland woman is hoping the Florida Wildlife Commission will allow her to keep her pet alligator, "Rambo," which is 15-years-old and has recently exceeded the allowable size for a pet alligator at a residence.

Polk sheriff under fire for outing transgender inmates

Hundreds of people get caught up in Polk County's prostitution stings every year. But four suspects in a sting called ‘Operation Naughty, Not Nice,’ is causing quite a stir nationally. The controversy is over the Polk County Sheriff's Office publicly identifying the suspects as transgender.