Single-engine plane crash in Lakeland, two occupants on board with injuries
Lakeland Police and Lakeland Fire Department are on the scene of a plane crash in Lakeland near the Lakeland Linder International Airport.
‘I wouldn’t trade it for anything': Veterans honored with trip to see war memorials in Washington D.C.
This week, for the sixth time, some of the Bay area's oldest veterans were treated to a very special trip.
‘Mastermind’ behind largest meth seizure in Polk history was operating from federal prison, sheriff says
A major drug bust led deputies to 120 gallons of liquid meth being transported in buckets by suspects from Georgia to Florida, overseen by a "mastermind" who ran the operation from federal prison, officials said Thursday.
It's not 'me;' it's 'we': Polk school board picks former Sarasota teacher as next superintendent
Polk County will soon have a new superintendent and he is no stranger to the Bay Area.
Polk County school board approves former Sarasota teacher as new superintendent
Polk County Public Schools has chosen a new superintendent after Jacqueline Byrd announced she will retire in June.
Lakeland's Midtown Lofts move city toward affordable housing goals
Lakeland is making a concerted effort to solve its affordable housing crisis with the newly-opened Midtown Lofts, a public-private partnership on North Lake Avenue.
Teens needed for COVID-19 vaccine study in Lakeland
A COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers is being tested in Lakeland. The company that is running the clinical trials, Accel Research Sites, is looking for young people who want to take part in the study.
NOAA testing new drone technology to hunt hurricanes
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Hunters in Lakeland are testing a new generation of hurricane-hunting, remote-controlled aircraft.
Florida Polytechnic students create wearable prototype for controlling skateboard with hand gestures
If you own a smartwatch, you can consider yourself a consumer of wearable technology. The concept has grown in popularity in recent years and now three students at Florida Polytechnic University are getting major funding for their own wearable prototype.
On anniversary of Korean War battle, Polk County honors legacy of Gen. Van Fleet
General James Van Fleet was in charge of American and other United Nations forces during the Battle of Kapyong, which started 70 years ago on April 23, 1951.
Mother also faces charges in Lakeland toddler's death
Police have arrested another person after the death of a 2-year old in Lakeland.
Mother and baby die in crash with train in Frostproof
A young mother and her 4-month-old died in a crash Thursday afternoon when the car they were riding in was hit by an Amtrak train in Polk County, the sheriff's office said.
Brain training research participants needed for dementia-prevention study
For the last three years, researchers at the University of South Florida have been analyzing the effectiveness of computer games on the brains of older adults and now they need more participants for a study that aims to prove its effectiveness.
Polk father charged after leaving gun in son's backpack
A Lakeland father is facing charges after a handgun was found in a kindergarten student's backpack.
Bay Area activists, leaders, citizens reflect on justice after Chauvin trial verdicts
Just less than a year after the world watched videos posted online of George Floyd telling Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin "I can’t breathe," citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement are reacting to guilty verdicts in Chauvin’s murder trial.
No appointment necessary for Polk County COVID-19 vaccinations
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
Gov. DeSantis signs anti-riot bill imposing harsher criminal penalties on violent protesters
Backed by law enforcement from all over Central Florida at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the governor signed his controversial anti-rioting bill into law on Monday. The measure is meant to stiffen penalties on violent protesters.
‘I’m going to die tonight’: Armed suspect shot, killed by Winter Haven police officer
Winter Haven police shot and killed Larry Jenkins, 52, Saturday night after they say he pulled a gun on them while responding to a 911 call.
No injuries reported after plane lands on Polk Parkway
A pilot and passenger are safe after landing a plane on the grass shoulder of the Polk Parkway near exit 4 Thursday afternoon, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Man accused of beating toddler to death for urinating on couch now faces murder charges
Alegray Jones, 30, was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter but is now facing a murder charge for the death of 2-year-old Jayden Hines.