Winter Haven man arrested for manslaughter after man found dead
A Winter Haven man was arrested and charged with manslaughter after authorities say a gun he was holding fired and hit another man.
City of Lakeland agrees to pay nearly $1M to clean up wastewater spill caused by broken line
The city of Lakeland will be paying nearly $1 million to clean up a major wastewater spill.
Correctional officer honking his horn to 'drive faster’ calls 911 after getting traffic citation: PCSO
An officer at the Polk Correctional Institute has been arrested after deputies say he called 911 because he was upset he got a citation for repeatedly honking his horn while driving.
Grandparents of Lakeland toddler shot to death among 64 arrested in fentanyl trafficking bust: Grady Judd
Sixty-four people have been arrested and two Polk County businesses are closed after a multi-agency fentanyl investigation, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Grady Judd: Polk County men accused of stealing new air conditioning units from homes under construction
Two Polk County men are in jail, accused of stealing several new air conditioning units from homes that were under construction, Sheriff Grady Judd said Thursday.
Home Depot employee accused of secretly recording nude teen in bathroom also filmed women in store: PCSO
A Home Depot employee is facing video voyeurism charges after deputies say he secretly recorded a nude teenager inside a bathroom at his home and filmed women at the store where he works.
Gov. Ron DeSantis fast-tracks projects to ease congestion for Florida drivers
On Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vowed to ease congestion on I-75 and the I-4 corridor.
City of Winter Haven agrees to purchase struggling Historic Ritz Theatre
The Historic Ritz Theatre is now in the hands of the City of Winter Haven.
Lakeland Linder projects minimal noise increase with proposed facilities expansion
Lakeland Linder International Airport officials are seeking the public's input on a proposed expansion project.
Baby critically injured after ‘crazy woman’ intentionally runs him and a man over: Grady Judd
A man and a baby are recovering, and a woman accused of intentionally running them over is behind bars.
Hooters closing several 'underperforming' locations, including Tampa Bay area restaurant
Hooters has announced it is closing dozens of ‘underperforming’ restaurants across the country, including a location serving patrons close to home in Tampa Bay.
Polk County deputy arrested on DUI charge while on duty
A Polk County deputy has resigned following his arrest on a DUI charge while on duty, according to the sheriff's office.
Lakeland restaurant has served barbecue to loyal customers for almost 30 years
A lifelong love for barbecue inspired Granger Noles to take a chance on making his pastime his full-time job.
Shelter for veterans facing homelessness to open in North Lakeland
A Polk County non-profit is getting ready to open their new shelter for veterans facing homelessness.
Polk County mother-daughter duo sell personalized apparel that celebrates women
A Winter Haven woman who started making masks during the pandemic transitioned her business to inspirational and personalized apparel.
Polk County arts community reacts to Governor DeSantis vetoing cultural art grants
The arts community is rattled and shocked by Governor Ron DeSantis vetoing various cultural art grants.
Lake Wales man shot, killed over dispute between high school classmates: PCSO
A Lake Wales man was shot and killed after he and at least three others confronted a man he went to high school with on Tuesday night, according to authorities.
Peace River Center to improve domestic violence shelter, mental health services
The need to provide domestic violence victims with housing to keep them safe is increasing in Central Florida. It's why Peace River Center, a non-profit in Bartow, is using millions in state funds to improve one of their shelters, along with their mental health services in Polk and Highlands counties.
Polk County teachers face school board payroll issues
Hundreds of teachers in Polk County were missing a paycheck last Friday morning because of a payroll issue with the school board.
Lakeland McDonald’s employee accused of firing gun at customer’s car after drive-thru fight: Police
A McDonald's drive-thru employee in Lakeland was arrested for firing two gunshots at a customer's car early Friday morning.