Woman 'near death' following I-4 shootout between motorcycle gangs in Polk; boyfriend arrested, sheriff says
After midnight, a shooting broke out between two motorcycle gangs along a stretch of highway in Polk County. One of the two who were shot will likely not survive, said Sheriff Grady Judd.
Polk County law enforcement honor officers who served to the end
Each year, Polk County honors law enforcement officers who passed during the last year. After last year's ceremony was canceled and this year's was delayed due to the pandemic, two more names were added to the memorial.
Lakeland firefighters relieved to work less overtime as COVID-19 surge slows
Lakeland firefighters, like many of their brethren, are working fewer hours these days. It's a welcome reprieve from the long shifts and overtime they endured during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant of the virus.
Central Florida farmers pull up roots to make room for massive warehouses
County Line Road is a choice spot for many big businesses because it is sandwiched between I-4 and State Road 60, two main arteries in the state. Giant distribution centers are replacing farm fields.
Three brothers arrested for burglarizing cars, stealing firearms in Polk County
After a rash of car burglaries in Lakeland, Polk County detectives say they found their suspects: three brothers, ages 14, 15 and 18.
Florida Polytechnic University kicks off school's first women’s sports team with soccer
Florida’s only STEM-based state university is now offering more than academics to women who attend.
'On-the-job disagreement' led to Davenport triple murder, sheriff says
Sheriff Grady Judd on Monday identified the three out-of-state contractors killed over the weekend in Davenport, allegedly by an angry co-worker.
3 killed after disgruntled employee goes on rampage in Polk County, sheriff says
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, three people have now died after an attack in unincorporated Davenport. Deputies say they now have a suspect in custody.
New video prompts judge to give bond to tow yard owner accused in shooting death
An accused murderer got a chance to get out of jail after being there for more than four months.
Elderly driver killed after front-end loader backs over car along Winter Haven road
Troopers say an elderly driver died after a front-end loader backed over her car in Winter Haven.
47-year-old Lakeland man posed as teenager to obtain nude photos of 14-year-old girl, sheriff says
Polk deputies arrested a 47-year-old Lakeland man who they said went on Snapchat and began messaging a 14-year-old girl, telling her he was 17 in order to get her to send him nude photos.
Auburndale police arrest teenage suspect accused of killing 17-year-old
Police in Auburndale arrested a 16-year-old suspect accused of shooting and killing a teenager.
Four more Kathleen High students arrested following Monday's rowdy protest against principal
Four more Kathleen High students were arrested following the rowdy protest that took place on-campus earlier this week.
$5,000 reward offered 3 years after Winter Haven man shot in his sleep
Three years after someone shot and killed a sleeping Polk County man, police still haven't identified a suspect or made any arrests. The victim's family holds out hope someone will have the courage to come forward with information.
Video shows trooper's maneuver that saved deputy during I-4 chase
A Polk County sheriff's deputy can thank an FHP trooper for possibly saving his life Monday during a police chase along Interstate 4.
Winter Haven police searching for man missing since August after telling family he was headed to hospital
Detectives in Winter Haven are continuing to search for 64-year-old Densley Brown, who family members last heard from on August 11 around 7:45 a.m.
Lakeland’s new flight school to train mechanics desperately needed by airline industry
Lakeland’s International Aero Tech Academy is offering qualified students a job, a signing bonus and money that can help repay student loans after they complete training.
Need for diaper donations increases 200% during pandemic
Anyone who has never had to buy diapers may not appreciate how expensive they can be. It can cost families $80 a month to diaper one child for a month.
15 Kathleen High School students arrested after rowdy protest
It was a rough start to the week at Kathleen High School in Lakeland. Hundreds of students protested outside the school, and as tensions escalated, law enforcement was called in to keep the calm.
Polk sheriff: Lakeland man attacked deputy while being arrested for girlfriend's murder
A Lakeland man is accused of murdering his girlfriend and burying her body, then attacking a Polk deputy who tried to arrest him.