Lakeland nursing home makes the move to mandate vaccines
Florida is second only to Louisiana for the fewest number of nursing home workers who have been given the shot. A Lakeland nursing home is giving its staffers an ultimatum, either get vaccinated against COVID-19, or find a new job.
Masks will be optional for Polk County students, staff despite increased COVID-19 cases among children
Like most counties across Florida, masks will be optional for students and staff returning to school next week in Polk County, but a prominent Polk County physician says they should be mandatory.
8 staff members at Spessard Holland Elementary in Bartow test positive for COVID-19
Days before the students return to campus in Polk County, one elementary school reported at least eight cases of COVID-19 among its staff members.
COVID-19 cases double weekly in Polk County; majority are unvaccinated, health officials say
There are currently 275 patients being treated for COVID-19 at Lakeland Regional Health, which is about 100 more than the last peak. Just two weeks ago, there were only 41 patients being treated there for the virus.
Despite hiring 70 foreign teachers, Polk has more than 100 open positions days before new school year
Polk County had to hire more than 700 teachers this year due to the pandemic and more people retiring, so it brought in teachers from overseas. But they are still short 130 teachers less than a week before students return to school.
Florida’s first COVID-19 long-hauler clinic packed with patients, has 6-month waitlist
Watson Clinic’s COVID-19 long-haul clinic opened last fall with a handful of patients and now has more than 250 patients and a six-month waiting list.
Polk deputies: Teen driver crashes after swerving to avoid hitting bird in road; passenger dies
Polk County deputies said a 17-year-old driver was trying to avoid a bird in the road when he swerved and crashed the SUV. His passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died from her injuries.
Child playing with lighter causes apartment fire in Lakeland
Firefighters in Lakeland responded to a report of fire at an apartment building on East 1st Street Tuesday afternoon.
Polk sheriff: Disney employees, nurse and California man among 17 arrested in undercover child predator sting
Seventeen suspects thought they were speaking to young teens online, but it turned out they were speaking to undercover detectives across several agencies in central Florida. Among those arrested include Disney employees, a registered nurse, and a married man visiting from California, officials say.
One dead in 3-vehicle crash in Auburndale
Polk County deputies said one person was killed following a crash in Auburndale on Monday night.
Lakeland man arrested for have sexual contact with child, deputies say
Polk County deputies arrested a 32-year-old Lakeland man after inappropriately touching a child under the age of ten, they said.
Bay Area hospitals restrict visitors as Florida breaks records for COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations
Sarasota Memorial Hospital and AdventHealth hospitals in Polk County are among the medical facilities that are shifting to a no-visitor policy -- with some exceptions -- as Florida experiences record-breaking numbers in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Lakeland man hit, killed by SUV while walking along Mann Road
Gary Hedrick, 60, of Lakeland died Saturday night after being struck by an SUV while walking along Mann Road in unincorporated Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
COVID-19 outbreaks, lack of staff force Lakeland daycare center close its doors permanently
On Friday, the Learning Station Academy in North Lakeland its doors for good because financially it could not hold on any longer after temporarily closing several times due to COVID-19 and not being able to find staff.
Poinciana man killed in head-on collision
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed Daniel Muniz, 35, of Poinciana, Friday night.
Peppa Pig theme park set to open in Winter Haven in 2022
Anyone who has young children knows the popularity of Peppa Pig, but you know a character has reached true stardom when they get their own theme park. Now kids can experience the world of Peppa Pig in person at a new theme park in Winter Haven.
Veteran Lakeland officer beats brain cancer three times
Sergeant Chad Mumbauer has served his community as a member of the Lakeland Police Department for 20 years. The first responder has beat cancer three times.
Renters could get up to $12,000 for rent left unpaid during the pandemic
Anyone who hasn't been able to pay rent during the pandemic could be eligible for up to $12,000 to pay what's owed to a landlord.
Life-changing event leads former corrections officer to help others
When Michelle Threatt left law enforcement following an incident with an inmate, she pursued her passion, bought a food truck and feeds her Lake Wales neighborhood for free every Wednesday.
Lakeland bakery makes 'Forbes Next 1,000' list
Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s something on the menu at Born & Bread Bakehouse that’s sure to hit the spot.