Polk County Sheriff's Office introduces its 'gator unit' for April Fool's Day
You've heard of law enforcement K9s -- but how about G8Rs? The Polk County Sheriff's Office is putting the "gator" in "investigator" -- at least for one day.
53 arrests in illegal street racing operation in Polk County
Fans of street racing say it’s an adrenaline rush. It may be, but police say it is illegal. Hundreds of people were reminded of that Sunday afternoon when law enforcement officers raided an event in Lakeland.
Employees helped smuggle tobacco products into jail, Polk sheriff says
Two former civilian employees of a Polk County detention center were arrested Tuesday for helping smuggle smokeless tobacco to an inmate on the inside.
Nursing homes begin to receive visitors as restrictions ease
For some nursing home residents and their families, it's been more than a year since they were able to see one another, face-to-face. Despite the masks, the smiles were obvious at Lake Morton Plaza Tuesday.
Third Pasco family member involved in Lowe’s scam across several counties arrested, deputies say
The third suspect accused of making fraudulent transactions at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores across 11 Florida counties was arrested.
22-year-old suspect indicted in two Lakeland murders from 2020
A Lakeland man has been indicted for the murders of two people from nine months ago that investigators did not immediately realize were even related.
Pasco family made fraudulent transactions at Lowe’s stores in 11 Florida counties, deputies say
Polk County deputies say a Pasco family of three made fraudulent purchases at Lowe's stores across 11 counties. Two are behind bars, but they are still searching for one of the relatives.
Two Polk County women out more than $65,000 in so-called grandma scam
The scammers call older women and tell them some version of a story about their son or grandson being in legal trouble and that they have to pay tens of thousands to clear it up.
‘It makes our blood boil’: 2 elderly residents in Polk County scammed out of more than $65,000
Detectives in Polk County are warning residents after two Winter Haven women, both over the age of 80, were scammed and lost thousands of dollars.
Students in 2 Bay Area counties may have had identities stolen by hackers
An unknown number of Polk and Hernando County children have become the victims of cybercrime.
History mystery surrounds pink Lakeland home
Christopher Satterfield is in the process of renovating a more-than-100-year-old historic pink Victorian-style home in the Dixieland neighborhood of Lakeland. He says there's evidence it was built by none other than Henry B. Plant.
3 Polk County deputies arrested after evidence-tampering investigation
Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of three of his own deputies, who all face multiple felony charges over $723 that ended up missing from evidence.
Lake Wales police searching for 3 ‘armed and dangerous’ men wanted for attempted murder
The Lake Wales Police Department is searching for Derrious Bradwell, 30, of Lakes Wales, Matthew Bradwell, 25, of Bartow and Devonte Bradwell, 24, of Winter Haven after they say the three men were involved in two shootings on Thursday.
Florida lawmakers consider reducing role of standardized tests in schools
A Polk County mother who is allowing her eighth-grader to opt-out of standardized tests isn’t alone in believing that the tests have too much weight in determining school funding, grade promotion, graduation and teacher evaluations.
Deputy saves K9 from being drowned by fleeing suspect
They say dogs are man’s best friend. It can work the other way as well. Polk County Deputy Paul Wright just proved it to his best buddy and K9 partner, Albi.
New 911 system gives first responders real-time access to calls in Polk County
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new 911 system aimed at cutting response time and saving lives.
Semi plows into Polk County deputy's cruiser, injuring deputy, FHP trooper on I-4
A semi-truck driver veered off the road on Interstate 4, hitting patrol cars with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol Friday evening.
Polk college helps students become certified nursing assistants – for free
Traviss Technical College in Lakeland is making tuition-free for students in the certified nursing assistant program thanks to CARES Act funding.
Lakeland woman accused in Capitol riots allowed to stay out of jail until trial
Monday in a Washington DC courtroom, Corinne Montoni was allowed to stay out on bond with certain restrictions. The judge asked if she would comply with all of the conditions she quickly replied "yes."
Polk deputies arrest woman accused of spraying store employees with chemical while shoplifting
A Tampa woman is behind bars in Polk County after deputies said she went on a shoplifting spree, then sprayed store employees with a chemical while trying to get away.