Former Polk County deputy falsified time cards to collect thousands of dollars in overtime pay
A former Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing fraud charges after investigators say he falsified time cards.
Suspect steals wheelchair from para athlete training in Polk County
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the person or persons who stole a wheelchair from a para athlete while he was training on a lake.
Creation of Central Polk Parkway officially begins to reduce congestion in Polk County
Traffic tie-ups have unfortunately become a way of life in Tampa Bay, especially in Polk County where the population is exploding.
Fiery crash in Polk County kills female driver who stopped in middle of road, deputies say
Polk County investigators say a woman “hesitated” on the roadway, leading another driver to crash into her vehicle. The woman's vehicle caught fire, and she died from her injuries.
Bartow police arrest two suspects after man was shot in arm
Two men were arrested after shooting a man in the arm on Tuesday, according to Bartow police.
Polk County driver enters path of vehicle on U.S. 27 leading to crash that kills passenger, deputies say
A female passenger was killed in a crash on a major roadway in Frostproof after the driver decided to re-enter a lane and ended up in the path of another vehicle, according to Polk County deputies.
Lawmakers propose bill to conduct study on phosphogypsum
Decades ago before there were restrictions on the use of phosphogypsum, Parrish Road, just east of Fort Meade, was built with it.
Bodies of missing boaters recovered at Winter Haven lake
The search for two missing boaters ended after officials said their bodies were found near the bottom of a Winter Haven lake.
Lakeland, Bartow, Tarpon Springs among 30 cities that issued proclamations for fake country
No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to find the country of Kailasa on a map. That's because it doesn't exist.
DeSantis visits Winter Haven, says Florida COVID policies benefitted state's economy
The governor made comments against public health regulations on the three-year anniversary of the first confirmed cases of COVID in Florida.
Chemical leak at Auburndale Coca-Cola plant forces employees to evacuate, nearby residents to shelter in place
Polk County Fire Rescue crews have contained an ammonia leak at a Coca-Cola plant in Auburndale.
Polk detectives looking for three suspects who stole guns from Reflections West community
Polk detectives are looking for three suspects, presumably young men, who stole four guns from cars in the Reflections West community over the weekend.
Mom gives birth in car 6 minutes after leaving for Lakeland hospital
MylaRae and mother Stephanie are happy and healthy after the baby girl's quick entry to the world. And the little girl just happens to share a birthday with the sheriff of her county, Grady Judd.
Second plane in deadly Winter Haven collision removed from Lake Hartridge
Both planes involved in a midair collision Tuesday have been retrieved from Lake Hartidge in Winter Haven, one of which was submerged 21 feet underwater.
Polk County school bus attendant accused of striking child with belt 9 times
A school bus attendant is facing felony child abuse charges after investigators say she hit a child with a belt several times.
Polk deputies: 15-year-old arrested after stabbing classmate at Westwood Middle
A fight at a Winter Haven middle school led to a stabbing and the arrest of a 15-year-old.
Winter Haven plane crash victims identified as loved ones pay tribute
Tributes are pouring in for the four people killed Tuesday afternoon when two planes collided midair over a Winter Haven Lake.
Polk State College student, instructor among 4 killed in small plane crash over Winter Haven lake
A Polk State College student and a local flight instructor were among four killed after two small planes collided midair in Winter Haven Tuesday afternoon. The crash prompted a large response from local first responders.
PCSO: Motorcyclist dies in fiery Polk County crash
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that took place Saturday night in Lake Hamilton.
Lakeland PD: 13-year-old on probation arrested after accidentally shooting girl inside car at Salvation Army
An 11-year-old girl was shot in the leg outside a Lakeland Salvation Army, leading to the arrest of an armed 13-year-old boy, police said.