Fatal Polk County crash under investigation
A Polk City woman lost her life in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office creates autism decals for those with special needs
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has a launched a new program that allows people to put decals on their homes and vehicles alerting deputies that someone inside has autism.
Florida panther killed in Polk County marks 11 deaths since start of 2022
The panther killed in Polk County was a two-year-old male, according to wildlife officials. Panthers, especially males are on the move as natural Florida shrinks at an alarming rate.
Family who lost twins in childbirth help March for Dimes cause
A Winter Haven family is channeling their sadness into helping others. Brittany and Joshua Chaney lost their twin girls during childbirth and are sharing their story and raising money for the March for Dimes, to help make a difference in the fight to save the lives of premature babies.
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital breaks ground on new Polk County clinic
The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital held a groundbreaking for its newest clinic in Polk County on Thursday. The Lakeland Consolidated Clinic will be centrally located just off Polk Parkway and Lakeland Highlands Road.
99-year-old war hero, educator, trailblazer honored by Polk County school
J.J. Corbett's name is now on the media center at Union Academy Middle School, serving as a reminder for future generations to live a life of service and heroism.
Former Polk firefighter suing county for denying $25,000 cancer benefit after her diagnosis
A former Polk County firefighter paramedic is going up against her former employer after being diagnosed with lung cancer while on the job, but being denied the $25,000 payment promised by the state.
Polk deputies: TSA officer created fake burglary report to use as tardiness excuse
A TSA officer who lives in Winter Haven had a habit of being late to work and recently lied about a burglary attempt, saying it was the reason she was tardy for another shift, according to Polk deputies. She created a fake report with the agency and was arrested.
2-year-old Florida panther struck, killed by vehicle; 11 total deaths in 2022
The remains of a 2-year-old male panther were found along Polk Parkway this week. It’s the 11th panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of 11 total deaths this year.
Airbnb owner in another state called Polk County sheriff about possible murder at rental home
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said an Airbnb owner in another state gave detectives the tip that led them to the scene of a murder.
Florida's top 'Sex Money Murder' members arrested in Polk County's first gang wiretap, sheriff says
Dozens of suspects are facing over 150 charges following a year-long racketeering investigation, officials say.
New archery range at Florida Polytechnic University aims to foster competitive spirit among STEM students
STEM students at a Florida university are now able to take their competitive spirit to the archery range.
Aerobatic helicopter pilot wows crowds at Sun 'n' Fun
You may not have heard of Chuck Aaron, but you may have witnessed his skills in videos of the iconic Red Bull helicopter performing at air shows across the country. He is one of only a few pilots in the United States certified to perform aerobatics in a helicopter.
Police investigating fatal Lakeland crash
A 28-year-old man is dead after crashing into the back of a parked semi-truck Sunday morning, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Polk County firefighter accused of extorting 14-year-old for nude videos for two years
Detectives say a Polk firefighter threatened a young girl on Snapchat, extorting her into sending him nude photos and videos for over two years. When she "couldn't take it anymore," she decided to look him up – and turned him in. “Instead of fighting a hot fire, you got a hot mess on your hands because you are in the county jail now.”
Polk teacher accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with 2 students; deputies concerned about more victims
Deputies arrested a teacher at a private school in Lakeland after two students accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct, and investigators are concerned there may be additional victims at the school.
Three 'gang bangers' indicted for murder following Winter Haven shootout in January, sheriff says
Three suspects were indicted on murder charges months after a "running gun battle" that killed a 20-year-old in Winter Haven, officials said.
How to help families through ‘March for Babies’ walks
Help save lives of premature babies and prevent birth defects by participating in a March of Dimes ‘March for Babies’ walk.
Lakeland officials hope artificial intelligence will prevent traffic crashes
Lakeland is using artificial intelligence to hopefully cut down on traffic crashes.
Baby Grady: Couple names newborn son after Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
"We think we're in love," the sheriff's office wrote. "Congratulations to this sweet little family!"