Teen runner dedicates one mile to fallen Polk County deputy killed by friendly fire
Family, friends and fellow law enforcement gathered for a one-mile tribute to remember fallen Polk County Deputy Blane Lane. They were led by a young runner who has put in hundreds of miles to honor the lives of heroes lost.
Polk State women's soccer team rebuild program in just three years
The Polk State women's soccer team completed a winless season in 2019, but turning the program around wouldn't take much time at all. That's thanks to the teams new Head Coach Jess Belli.
New school for air traffic controllers could open soon in Polk County
A new school could be opening soon in Polk County. It will train air traffic controllers, which are in short supply nationwide.
Former Haines City math teacher accused of sexually battering a student, police say
A former Haines City High School teacher has been arrested after police say he had inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old female student at the school.
Toys for Tots braces for busy holiday season in Polk County
With more than a month before Christmas, Polk County Toys for Tots is already in high gear.
Polk County man to run Boston Marathon to give back to medical center that fixed potentially fatal condition
A Polk County man will be among 30,000 people expected to run the Boston Marathon this year. He's raising money for Tufts Medical Center in Boston which performed corrective surgery on him twice to fix a condition he was born with that prevented his skull from growing normally.
Voter turnout drastically down compared to previous midterm election, officials say
We are one week away from Election Day eve and, with so much is on the line in these midterm contests. Voting is already well underway in all 67 Florida counties, but will we see the turnout we saw during the previous midterm?
Fragrance and flavor research company looks to Florida Poly for top talent
Florida Polytechnic University set out to draw in big tech companies with world-class STEM programs and graduates in Polk County. Now, Florida Poly has landed its first big firm, with hopes that more will follow.
Why do cars roll uphill at Spook Hill? Legends & science explain the thrill of Lake Wales’ gravity hill
A concoction of legends, science, and a dash of Florida weirdness all offer explanations for why tourists and residents continue to be thrilled by a hill in Lake Wales.
More than 20 Lakeland swans sold after big population growth on Lake Morton
The first swan sale since 2020 took place in Lakeland on Friday. This comes after the swan population on Lake Morton eclipsed 50, a key number for the City of Lakeland.
Accused Polk County Capitol rioters want evidence concealed from jury
Four Polk County residents accused of attacking Capitol police officers during the January 6, 2021 riot want evidence suppressed from a jury when they head to trial in March — asking for any images or testimony about weapons, ammunition, or body armor to be thrown out because they say it will inflame or prejudice jurors.
15-year-old arrested for threatening to shoot student with gun he brought to Lakeland school, deputies say
A 15-year-old boy was arrested after threatening another student with a gun he brought to Tenoroc High School in Lakeland, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
I-4 reopens in Polk County after jackknifed semi blocked eastbound lanes for hours during morning commute
A semi-truck jackknifed Wednesday morning causing all eastbound lanes of I-4 near CR-557 to shut down for several hours.
Lakeland clinic focuses on recovery for long COVID patients
Debilitating headaches, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems are just some things people with long COVID deal with daily, but a clinic in Lakeland hopes to help.
Sheriff: 3 trafficked drugs from Mexico to Polk County, leads to largest seizure of fentanyl in agency history
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says their latest drug bust resulted in the largest seizure of fentanyl in the history of the agency.
Volunteer organization helps Polk, Hardee residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Ian
A national volunteer organization is coming to the rescue for families in Fort Meade whose homes have been damaged by Hurricane Ian.
'Every day is a gift': Woman nearly fully recovered from COVID-19 says faith, music helped her beat the odds
It's now been two years since Cristie White was told by her doctors to call her family and say her goodbyes. Today, she's 90% recovered from COVID-19 and opening up about how her recovery journey inspired her to write a song and publish a Bible study book now available on Amazon.
Aircraft sprays Polk County for mosquitoes after uptick since Hurricane Ian
Mosquitos have been a big problem throughout Polk County since Hurricane Ian hit three weeks ago.
Man charged for killing witness planning on testifying against him in attempted murder trial, FDLE announces
Florida investigators said Marlon Burgess was arrested for killing a witness who was planning on testifying against him in an attempted murder trial. The 20-year-old victim had survived being shot by Burgess in 2019, and was getting ready to testify when he was found dead, FDLE said.
Time for a checkup: Lakeland rounds up Lake Morton swans for annual veterinary visit
For the 42nd year, the annual swan roundup started Tuesday morning on Lake Morton with local veterinarians hitting the water to check on all those beloved birds.