Winter Haven pregnancy center vandalized after supreme court overturned abortion rights
Almost two dozen volunteers from Winter Haven Worship Center arrived with paint and brushes in hand at the LifeChoice Pregnancy Center Monday morning to undo damage done over the weekend.
Nearly 3 dozen women compete for Miss Florida title in Lakeland
One young woman’s hopes and dreams of being crowned Miss Florida are going to culminate at the R.P. Funding Center in Lakeland this weekend.
Polk County voters should expect change in voting after 30 polling places permanently close
Before trying to cast a ballot in Florida this year, voters should check to see if their polling location has changed.
Lakeland gets new armed security guard while city requests 30 new police officers
Downtown Lakeland’s new private armed security guard has been on the beat for about six weeks now.
Polk man convicted of murder in death of woman he intentionally ran over with church van
A jury convicted 20-year-old Elijah Stansell of first-degree murder for the death of beloved Polk City librarian Suzette Penton, who died in 2020 after she was intentionally run over by a van. Stansell was behind the wheel and trying to flee after he and several other teens had attacked the victim's son.
No boys allowed: Women-only, cross-country air race takes flight from Lakeland
Fifty teams of women aviators will be taking off from Lakeland Linder International Airport on Tuesday morning for the 2,500-mile cross-country Air Race Classic. It is the only race exclusively for women in the entire country.
Police investigating death at Lakeland mall
A death investigation is underway at the Shoppes of Lakeland Shopping Center in North Lakeland.
Disney bus driver among 12 suspects arrested in Polk undercover child predator investigation
An online child predator investigation resulted in the arrest of a dozen suspects, including a Walt Disney World bus driver who was taken into custody while he was still in his work uniform.
Winter Haven police arrest 3, confiscate enough fentanyl to potentially kill 1,600 people
A potentially lethal amount of fentanyl has been taken off the street after police received tips about drug sales taking place at a Winter Haven home.
Polk County paramedic dies on duty, fire rescue says
Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of 56-year-old paramedic Douglas Clemons, who died Tuesday while on duty at his fire station. Clemons was a 27-year veteran of Polk County EMS.
Nearly a dozen Polk County first responders recognized for heroism in Lakeland
Nearly a dozen first responders in Polk County were recognized for their heroism at the 53rd Annual President’s Roundtable Public Safety Awards Banquet. It was held at the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland.
Lakeland police: Man shot and killed in parking lot of Webster Park
A 46-year-old man was shot and killed Sunday evening in the parking lot of Webster Park, the Lakeland Police Department said. Officers said they responded to the shooting at around 8 p.m. in 900 block of West 6th Street.
Accused Polk County Capitol rioter wants trial held in Tampa, not Washington D.C.
Fresh off his latest victory in court, accused Capitol rioter and Polk County resident Joshua Doolin is mounting another legal battle.
Polk teen receives full scholarship to college after helping farm labor community during pandemic
A Polk County teen just received a full scholarship to Michigan State University after managing to keep up with exemplary grades and helping those in need during the pandemic.
Ice cream man arrested in fatal hit-and-run crash, deputies say
An ice cream man who deputies say did not have a driver’s license because he was in the country illegally is accused of causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed a 21-year-old man in Polk County and leaving the scene.
Capitol Riots: Complete list of Tampa Bay area arrests in Jan. 6 attack
More than 800 people have been arrested for their alleged role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Of those 800, more have been rounded up in Florida than any other state and many of the people arrested, charged and sentenced to prison were in the Tampa Bay area, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Summer Trades Camp brings career options, life skills to Lakeland teens
Local teens will learn about construction, electrical plumbing and more during a free two-week Trades Summer Camp sponsored by the Lakeland Police Department.
More than 100 at-risk kids go 'fishin' with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
More than 100 children spent Wednesday morning with Polk County deputies, learning how to bait a hook, cast a line and patiently wait for a bite before reeling in a fish.
Two Bay Area men face federal judge after being arrested for role in Capitol riots
Two Bay Area men were arrested for their role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot last week.
FHP: Fatal crash claims life of Plant City teen
A Plant City teenager was killed Friday night in a vehicle crash on I-4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.