Swatting call leads to massive police response at Ford's Garage in Lakeland
More than a dozen Lakeland police officers swarmed Ford's Garage Monday afternoon after a caller told 911 that an active shooter was inside the restaurant. Officers said it ended up being a prank known as swatting.
Polk County man with blood-stained shirt walks into Publix asking for help after stabbing 2, deputies say
Polk County deputies arrested a man who stabbed two victims in an 'unprovoked attack' and ran away. He then entered a Davenport Publix -- while wearing a blood-stained shirt and holding a pocket knife -- asking management for help.
Polk sheriff: 160 suspects arrested in sex sting, sex trafficking victims found
"Operation Fall Haul 2" lasted one week, and investigators tracked down 16 suspects in Polk County. The sheriff's office said two victims of sex trafficking were also found and their may be more.
Queen Elizabeth II gifted Lakeland with pair of swans in 1957
Queen Elizabeth left her mark in Polk County back in 1957 when she gifted a pair of royal swans to Lakeland. To this day, swans remain an iconic part of the city's culture.
Polk County opens sandbag sites with heavy rain expected for the next few days
With more storms expected to sweep over the Bay Area, officials in Polk County are getting residents ready by opening sandbag sites.
More than 4,000 Lakeland Electric customers are behind on their bill, company reports
Unfortunately, Lakeland Electric says the high price of fuel and electricity don't have an end in sight. The utility company says anyone who's behind on their bill should call to set up a payment plan.
Polk County military students learn discipline of dressage from former Marine
A former Polk County Marine is passing along the oldest form of military riding to the next generation.
Winter Haven truck driving school works to recruit more women as driver shortage continues
FleetForce Truck Driving School in Winter Haven is making a special effort to recruit and train women because of a severe truck driver shortage.
Georgia deputy police chief busted in prostitution sting with $180, pack of White Claw
A Georgia deputy police chief who was arrested last week for soliciting a prostitute in Florida, officials said. Prior to his arrest, he reportedly told undercover detectives that he had been conned out of $200 by a prostitute the night before.
Proposed youth league fees could go towards maintaining Lakeland fields
A majority of city commissioners seemed to be in favor of the fee, and they are expected to approve it next month.
Polk sheriff: Georgia deputy police chief conned by prostitute night before his arrest in undercover sting
A Georgia deputy police chief who was arrested last week for soliciting a prostitute during a sting operation in Polk County was in town for a polygraph seminar, investigators said. Prior to his arrest, he told undercover detectives that he had been conned out of $200 by a prostitute the night before.
FHP: Driver falls asleep at the wheel on I-4, causes deadly crash
Florida troopers say a driver fell asleep at the wheel while on Interstate 4 in Polk County early Tuesday morning, causing a crash that killed a passenger in his car.
'Where shopping is a pleasure': Publix celebrates 92 years
Publix, established in 1930 right in Polk County, Florida, officially turns 92.
Florida first responders surprise grandmothers with elaborate pregnancy reveal
A Davenport firefighter, a Sarasota paramedic, and a Venice PD marine officer conspired to carry out an elaborate pregnancy reveal, surprising both of the baby's grandmothers with the good news.
Georgia deputy police chief arrested in Polk County for soliciting prostitution
A Georgia deputy police chief was placed on administrative leave after he was arrested in Polk County on charges of soliciting another for prostitution.
Woman feeding cats attacked at Winter Haven Park, police say
Winter Haven police are searching for a man accused of attacking a woman as she fed feral cats at an area park.
New mega bed and breakfast opens in Davenport next to Orlando attractions
A new one-of-a-kind mega bed and breakfast in Davenport is just a stone trow away from the Orlando attractions. It's called Fantasy Island Resort Orlando.
Polk County School District providing laptops, iPads to every student this year
Florida's seventh largest school district is going digital this fall, announcing that each Polk County student will be receiving either an iPad or a laptop this year.
Winter Haven police warn of chocolate bars laced with hallucinogenic mushrooms
Winter Haven police are warning parents of hallucinogenic mushrooms that come in the form of a chocolate bar. The police chief said 10 of the bars were found during a bust at a suspected meth den.
‘It was heaven’: 92-year-old skydives, raises money for cancer research on anniversary of daughter’s death
A Polk County woman is taking a cancer fundraiser to new heights