Lakeland recruits NYPD officers as 'anti-police sentiment' grows in big cities
“He said, ‘You can park your police vehicle in front of your house,’ and to me, that was mind-blowing. I used to lie about what I did. I used to tell people I was a bartender. I was ashamed to be a law enforcement officer,” said a former NYPD officer who moved to Lakeland.
Polk sheriff: Guatemalan man, in U.S. illegally, killed 5-year-old in DUI crash
Polk County deputies arrested a man who, they say, was illegally in the U.S. and fled from a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl.
Water skiers set sights on breaking world records in Polk County
Water skiers from around the world are in Polk County attempting to set more than a dozen towed watersport records for Guinness and the National Show Skiing Association.
Deputy seriously injured in crash with vehicle in Auburndale
A Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy has been hospitalized after a crash with another vehicle Friday.
Polk deputies nab killer, released early from prison, wanted for new murder in New Jersey
Prosecutors in New Jersey say James Lewis fatally shot a man back on September 18 during a carjacking. They say he tied up the victim’s girlfriend and stole the vehicle with her in it, before crashing a short time later.
New video shows Lakeland man attacking Capitol officers on January 6, FBI says
The FBI is renewing its push to capture a Lakeland man they say played a part in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Investigators say Jonathan Pollock can be seen in new video assaulting multiple police officers.
Lakeland's iconic swans rounded up for annual checkup
A wild tradition continued Tuesday in downtown Lakeland: the annual swan roundup at Lake Morton.
Fugitive Polk County murder suspect captured in Texas
Polk deputies say a local Crimestoppers tip helped U.S. Marshals track him down Aroldo Paz in Texas, where he allegedly confessed to murdering his adoptive mother.
Motorcyclist killed in crash with FHP cruiser, tractor-trailer on I-4 in Polk County
A motorcyclist was killed Monday night in a crash on Interstate 4 in Polk County involving an FHP trooper and a tractor-trailer, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Florida woman arrested after defrauding employer out of nearly half a million dollars, police say
Marion Chamberlain, 37, of Kissimmee is facing charges of grand theft after police say she wrote fraudulent checks to herself as an employee of Miracle Toyota.
Polk deputies searching for Texas man accused of murdering 74-year-old aunt who adopted him
A $3,000 reward is being offered for anyone who can help Polk County deputies locate and arrest 39-year-old Aroldo Paz, an illegal immigrant who allegedly murdered his aunt in Polk City.
Sexual misconduct allegation leads Southeastern University athletic trainer to relinquish license
The head athletic trainer for Southeastern University in Lakeland has voluntarily relinquished his license following a sexual misconduct complaint filed nearly a year ago by a 23-year-old volleyball player.
3 years after Winter Haven man shot while sleeping, reward increased to $9,500
A Winter Haven mother is hoping additional reward money will hopefully find her son’s killer.
The history of Cypress Gardens, Florida's first theme park
The Sunshine State’s major tourism industry began with a 'Good Housekeeping' article back in the 1930s. Today, Cypress Gardens lives on as part of LEGOLAND Florida.
Peppa Pig theme park in Winter Haven sets opening date for Feb. 24
There is an opening date now for the Winter Haven theme park dedicated to the popular character, Peppa Pig: Feb. 24, 2022.
Insanity considered for ex-Marine accused of murdering Lakeland family
An insanity defense is being considered for an ex-Marine accused of killing four members of a Polk County family -- including an infant who was found in his mother's arms -- last month.
60 international educators hired to fill teacher shortages in Polk County
Polk County Schools hired 60 teachers from all over the world to help fill vacancies they couldn't otherwise. It's part of a teacher exchange program where educators are provided housing and employed under J-1 visas.
Submerged car found in Lake Martha may belong to missing man
Police in Winter Haven say a car spotted underwater in Lake Martha matches the description of one belonging to a man missing since August.
Winter Haven receives $9 million grant from state for road infrastructure, job growth
Governor Ron DeSantis said Winter Haven will receive more than $9 million to support “economic growth.”
Sheriff: Woman dies following motorcycle gang shootout on I-4; Boyfriend charged with second-degree murder
A 33-year-old woman from Brevard County has died following a motorcycle gang shootout on I-4 early Friday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.