Polk County high school teacher arrested for inappropriate relationship with student
A high school teacher in Lakeland was arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student, the Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Friday.
Police make arrest in fatal stabbing of teen at Winter Haven Publix
A 19-year-old has been charged with manslaughter after officers say he stabbed a teen to death at a Publix in Winter Haven.
‘Cold-hearted person’: Lakeland nurse fatally poisoned neighbor’s 3 pets, Sheriff Grady Judd says
A Lakeland nurse is facing three counts of animal cruelty after deputies say she purposely poisoned a neighbor’s two pet cats and their pregnant Chihuahua, which also killed the 8 puppies in the dog’s womb.
Florida man accused of exposing himself at Polk County Sky Zone: ‘Those pants were slapped to his ankles’
Brian Holeyfield may share the same last name as a famed boxer, though spelled differently, but Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said his lack of boxers landed him in jail.
Anti-human trafficking advocates want to see more from lawmakers in 2024
Some Bay Area anti-trafficking organizations are looking back at the year of progress they had in fighting human trafficking, and nonprofit One More Child said 2023 was a record year.
Sheriff Grady Judd reflects on 2023 crime in Polk County, touts decreases in key metrics
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is reflecting on 2023 and the challenges the year brought when it comes to crime, including an increase in auto thefts.
Polk County man arrested after intentionally ramming into vehicle that crashed into his girlfriend: Police
An Auburndale man was arrested after authorities said he intentionally rammed a vehicle that had been involved in a crash with his girlfriend.
Winter Haven nurse practitioner arrested for leaving scene of crash: PCSO
A nurse practitioner from Winter Haven was arrested after authorities said she left the scene of a minor crash with property damage.
Polk County looking at potentially protecting Lake Wales property for endangered species
As Polk County's population grows, the amount of land available for wildlife gets smaller and smaller. But now, the county is looking to conserve a property in Lake Wales that's home to endangered species.
Woman killed, 2 injured in New Year's Day crash in Polk County
A woman was killed and two others were injured in a crash near Mulberry on Monday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Polk County leaders resign over new controversial Florida law
Several elected officials in Polk County are no longer in office after a controversial new Florida law that went into effect on Jan. 1.
Man accused of identity theft arrested at Mulberry Taco Bell
A 25-year-old Winter Haven man under investigation for identity theft has been arrested in Mulberry.
Winter Haven woman dies on New Year's Eve after crash on US-27: PCSO
A 22-year-old Winter Haven woman died on New Year's Eve after veering off the road and crossing lanes, according to officials.
Plant City man caught speeding, arrested for fleeing traffic stop: FHP
A 23-year-old Plant City man was arrested on Friday night after speeding on I-4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Lakeland man thrown off motorcycle during fatal crash, deputies investigating
A 41-year-old Lakeland man died after being thrown off his motorcycle during a crash in the Kathleen area of Lakeland on Saturday night, according to investigators.
Candlelight vigil for Tonya Whipp, loved ones remain hopeful that she'll be found
Friends and family of Tonya Whipp, 38, gathered at a park in downtown for a candlelight vigil, hoping Tonya will find her way home.
83-year-old Lake Alfred woman dies at scene of crash: FHP
An 83-year-old Lake Alfred woman died Friday night after a crash at the intersection of US 92 and 21st St NW, according to troopers.
1 dead, 1 injured after crash in Polk County near Publix parking lot: FHP
A 58-year-old Haines City man died Friday night after a crash on US-17 North, according to officials.
What happened to Brian Klecha? Florida investigators need tips to solve Lakeland veteran’s cold case
It's now been six years since Lakeland Air Force veteran and Disney bus driver 35-year-old Brian Klecha vanished. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is hoping this week's anniversary will generate new tips in the cold case.
82-year-old woman 36 animals rescued from Polk County home in animal cruelty case: PCSO
The Polk County Sheriff's Office recovered 35 cats, and a dog, and relocated an 82-year-old woman from a home covered in feces and reeking of ammonia.