5 arrested after ‘high-volume’ drug trafficker leads Polk County deputies to supplier
Lisa Radina, 55, and four others were arrested after she asked an undercover deputy to drive her to her supplier’s home to pick up approximately seven grams of fentanyl, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida’s hurricane hunter team getting new aircraft
The Florida-based hurricane hunter team is getting a new aircraft to help chase fierce storms. NOAA’s squad will add a Gulfstream 550 to the three other aircraft at its home base at Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Haines City police officer arrested for sexual battery, burglary
Deputies in central Florida arrested 38-year-old Haines City Police Officer Jason Roldos on Sunday, charging him with sexual battery on a physically helpless victim as well as burglary with assault or battery.
Woman suffers critical injuries after being beaten by man with violent criminal history, police say
A woman is in critical condition after police say she was violently beaten by Charles Aaron Armstrong Jr., 39, of Lake Wales early Saturday morning.
Census Bureau names Lake Wales Florida's population center
A city in Polk County has been named Florida's population center – the heart of the state – by the U.S. Census Bureau. The designation is the result of a geographic population calculation done by the agency every decade to summarize population shifts across the country.
Polk deputies shoot 2 armed burglary suspects in Mulberry
Sheriff Grady Judd says deputies were forced to open fire when two armed burglary suspects turned around and drove right at them: The driver is now in a medically-induced coma after being shot in the head.
Sheriff: Deputy was justified in killing woman armed with shovel
Polk County's sheriff is defending the actions of one of his deputies who killed a woman who was armed with a shovel, calling it a deadly weapon.
Polk County holds clinics to help kids get vaccinated
They were rolling up their sleeves at Lake Gibson Senior High School on Thursday. The Polk County Health Department held a clinic there to get as many young kids as possible vaccinated against COVID-19.
Polk County commissioners show support for high-speed rail connecting Tampa to Orlando
It's been in talks for years, but the Bay Area may now be closer than ever to seeing high-speed rail service connecting Tampa to Orlando become a reality.
Peppa Pig Theme Park trains employees, creates sensitivity guide for families with autism
When Central Florida’s newest theme park opens early next year, it is going to offer families dealing with autism something that many attractions don’t offer- -- peace of mind.
Toy shortage, higher prices could complicate holiday shopping trips
Experts are predicting a toy shortage this holiday season and encouraging parents to start their Christmas shopping early, while retailers struggle to keep up with the demand.
Bartow police look for shooter who targeted motorist
Police in Bartow are hoping you can help them track down the motorist who fired into another car early Saturday morning.
Winter Haven dancers eager to star in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
While most of us will be gobbling down anything within reach this Thanksgiving, some local teens will be working off the calories in front of millions of people.
Polk Sheriff's Charities giving away up to 1,200 turkeys
The turkeys will be distributed Saturday, November 20; one per family, one per vehicle, on a first-come, first-served basis. The sheriff’s office says no identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey.
Florida judge awards nearly $35 million in improper HOA fees to residents of Polk County neighborhood
Residents of a central Florida 55-plus neighborhood have been awarded nearly $35 million in a civil case following a judge's ruling that they were charged improper homeowners' association fees.
Mockingbird faces new challengers as Florida state symbol
Florida has a range of state symbols, including the Florida panther, the manatee, the American alligator, and orange juice. But frustration over Florida's state bird is mounting as lawmakers propose ditching the mockingbird for something a little more representative of the Sunshine State's winged population.
Polk County mother killed by deputy she threatened with shovel
A Polk County woman was shot and killed by a deputy she threatened with a shovel, according to investigators, who said she had a record of "violent felonies." But her friends and family say she struggled with mental illness and didn't deserve to die.
From bakery clerks to warehouse workers, Publix is hiring
Companies around the U.S. say they are struggling to deal with a shortage of workers, including one of the largest employers in the state. Lakeland-based Publix is looking to fill a wide variety of jobs.
Polk deputies recover SUV from pond with body of missing Zephyrhills man inside
Deputies in Polk County say they recovered an SUV submerged in a pond with the body of a missing Zephyrhills man inside.
Polk County deputy shoots, kills woman attacking him with shovel
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a deputy shot and killed a woman he says was attacking him with a shovel.