Pandemic puts new pressure on funeral homes
Many funeral homes are having a difficult time finding critical things such as cremation equipment and cold storage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parent of 12-year-old in ICU urges Polk County to take up mask mandates
The debate over masks mandates in schools was reignited Tuesday night at the Polk County school board meeting. The issue wasn't on the agenda, but parents on both sides of the issue still had a lot to say, including the father of a 12-year-old boy who is in the ICU battling COVID-19.
Sheriff Grady Judd: 'Don't listen to the politicians; get your vaccine'
One of the most respected sheriffs in the entire country just came out in favor of getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd says being vaccinated may have saved his life, but he won’t mandate it for his deputies.
Battling cancer and unable to get vaccine, teacher dies from COVID-19 complications
Kelly Peterson was being treated for leukemia and had a compromised immune system. Her doctor decided the vaccine may be too hard on her body and suggested she wait, but despite wearing a mask, she became infected with COVID-19 and died. Her family hopes Kelly's story will inspire others to get vaccinated.
Auburndale woman, grandson killed in Polk crash, deputies say
Polk County detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that led to the death of an Auburndale woman and her 13-year-old grandson.
Decorated Polk County deputy dies from COVID-19
A 32-year-old Polk County deputy and a father of five has lost his ongoing battle with COVID-19, the sheriff’s office announced.
Army veteran scrambles to help interpreter escape Afghanistan
“He had great belief in America, and he was excited to work with us,” said Joe Diebold, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “He was always there for us, anything we asked of him.”
Winter Haven man speeds away from traffic stop, rams into patrol vehicles, deputies say
A Winter Haven man is facing charges after fleeing from deputies and crashing into two patrol vehicles following a neighborhood disturbance, according to the sheriff's office.
Monoclonal antibody treatment sites open in Polk, Manatee counties
The monoclonal antibody treatment has been approved for emergency use since November. It combats COVID-19 by mimicking a person’s immune system and is meant for anyone 12 years old and up with mild symptoms.
Police arrest sex predator accused of exposing himself, crashing into patrol car while fleeing from officers
Leroy Towns, 61, a registered sexual predator with a criminal history, was arrested Thursday afternoon after allegedly exposing himself and then crashing into a police vehicle while trying to flee from officers.
Pedestrian dies in Lakeland crash, police say
A 75-year-old woman passed away following a traffic crash in Lakeland, according to police.
Peppa Pig offers sneak peek at new Winter Haven theme park
Peppa Pig, a wildly popular porcine with her own TV show and videos, showed up Thursday at what will be the Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven.
Polk fire chief: Leave 911 calls only for most serious emergencies
If you need an ambulance, you want one to arrive as quickly as possible. In Polk County, COVID-19 is causing "significant delays," according to the fire chief, who is asking residents to only call 911 for serious emergencies.
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center to postpone all elective surgeries
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center will postpone all of its non-urgent, elective surgeries, including same-day operations, beginning Monday, August 23 due to a high number of COVID-19 cases in the community and an increase in patient volume.
COVID-19 vaccine push comes to Latino communities
A new tent popped up Friday in a Tampa Latino neighborhood, part of a national effort to get help to those disproportionally affected by the virus.
Polk sheriff: Murder suspect, wife illegally towed vehicles belonging to 'poor, hardworking' residents
The owners of a Mulberry towing company – a husband and wife – are facing charges after illegally towing vehicles from a mobile home park, according to Polk County detectives. One of those owners was previously charged with murder.
BayCare pauses all elective surgeries in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk as COVID-19 cases increase
BayCare will pause elective surgeries and procedures at all of its hospitals in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties to reserve resources for severely ill patients and their immediate needs as cases of COVID-19 rise.
President Biden recognizes Polk County teen for creating ‘Silly Sock Saturdays’ for pediatric patients
Polk County teen Zach Kirkland is one of a few people who can say they have gotten a pat on the by the President of the United States.
Polk County’s first day of school opens with three new public schools
Willow Oak Elementary in Mulberry is one of three new schools opening Polk County on Tuesday, along with Davenport High and Bella Citta Elementary.
Polk deputy's hand seriously injured after homemade explosive device triggers shotgun round, officials say
Polk County officials said a deputy lost two fingers when a suspect's homemade gun exploded outside a Dundee motel.