2 dead after plane crashes into Auburndale lake
Two people were killed Friday afternoon after a single-engine plane went down in Lake Arietta, according to the Auburndale Police Department.
Police searching for Winter Haven hotel robbery suspect
Winter Haven police are searching for a man accused of robbing an Econolodge early Friday morning.
18-year-old suspect strangled, stomped on Polk deputy's head after threatening to kill him, officials say
A Polk County man is accused of threatening to kill a deputy before an altercation occurred where he stomped on the deputy's head several times and strangled him.
Polk County considers new ideas to encourage correct recycling
Is it recyclable or is it trash? In Polk County, too often, officials say people are getting it wrong. Officials are trying to come up with ideas that not only make recycling easier but hold habitual offenders accountable.
FHP: Seffner man in stolen vehicle arrested after leading troopers on chase
A chase across Polk County came to an end Thursday morning with a PIT maneuver by Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
Polk prisoners handcraft hundreds of wooden toys to donate to Toys for Tots
For the past 20 years, prisoners at Polk Correctional Institution have made hundreds of wooden toys by hand each holiday season to donate to Toys for Tots.
Lakeland homeowner shoots, critically injures intruder who broke into his house, Polk deputies say
Polk deputies said the suspect threw a flower pot through the glass back door and forced his way into the house. That's when the homeowner shot him three times.
Polk-based disaster-response group mobilizes to help Kentucky tornado victims
It is going to take a massive effort to help Kentucky and the other areas devastated by the recent tornados.
Deputies: Video shows Lakeland High substitute teacher having sex with student
According to the deputies, the relationship had been going on for months but didn't come to light until a student told a school resource officer about the existence of a Snapchat video showing the two having sex.
1 horse, 1 person killed in Mulberry crash, deputies say
Polk County deputies said the horse and one of the people inside the vehicle have passed away.
30 years after enrolling, Southeastern student graduates with help from program for returning students
Southeastern University just graduated more than 400 members of the class of 2021. Most are 20-somethings – except Mark Macri. He is one ecstatic 52-year-old college graduate.
Suspect calls for help after fleeing Polk County deputy who shot him during struggle
A suspected thief thought he was going to escape arrest, but he was shot during a struggle with a deputy. He only made it a few blocks before realizing he had to call for help.
Child porn suspect who filmed sexual abuse among those arrested in undercover Polk sting, sheriff says
Four Polk County men were caught and accused of possessing and sharing child porn. One of them even recorded the sexual abuse of a child he knew, detectives said.
‘I think we’ve got the wrong house’: 1 arrested, 3 on the run after holding 2 adults, 5 kids at gunpoint
Polk County deputies have arrested Justin Jackson, 28, and are searching for three other suspects accused of breaking into a Polk County home and holding two adults and five children inside at gunpoint.
Thieves find potential gold mine inside stolen catalytic converters
A worldwide catalytic converter crime wave is hitting the Bay Area. Theft of the device, which reduces the amount of pollution emitted by cars, has tripled since last year.
Philanthropist, Publix Super Markets heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett dies at 65
Carol Jenkins Barnett, the daughter of Publix Super Markets founder George W. Jenkins, died Tuesday at the age of 65, the company confirmed. She had been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease back in 2016.
Lakeland teen receives perfect scores on 2 AP exams
A senior at Harrison High School for the Arts is one of only a dozen students around the world to receive perfect scores on the Advanced Placement 2D and 3D Art and Design exams.
Polk deputies search for driver in fatal hit-and-run crash involving bicyclist
A bicyclist passed away following a crash in Lakeland, and investigators are searching for the driver behind the wheel who fled.
Gas leak forces residents from Winter Haven nursing home
Traffic along Cypress Gardens Boulevard was blocked and a nursing home had to be evacuated after a gas leak in Winter Haven Monday morning.
Motorcyclist killed in Lakeland crash
Glen James McCord, 49, of Lakeland, was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.