Deputy, trooper suffer minor injuries after multi-vehicle crash on I-4
Patrol cars with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol were involved in a multi-vehicle crash on I-4 Friday evening.
Sexual battery investigation leads to large drug seizure, recovery of stolen firearm, police say
Lake Wales police arrested Johnny Hamilton, 55, after they say they found illegal drugs and a stolen gun inside his home while investigating a sexual battery complaint.
‘He is proud of me’: MIT’s first Black student president is granddaughter of Winter Haven’s first Black mayor
Just getting into a top-flight school like MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a great accomplishment, but Danielle Geathers, granddaughter of Lemuel Geathers, took that a step further by becoming the first Black woman president of the student body
‘Insurrection Act coming in hot;’ Social media posts lead to arrest of Lakeland woman for U.S. Capitol riot
A Lakeland woman has been arrested after FBI investigators say she took part in the Capitol riots on Jan. 6.
'Lowest of the low': Polk teacher arrested, accused of stealing $66K from her grandmother
A Polk County middle school teacher is behind bars after deputies say she stole more than $66,000 from her own grandmother.
Missing Winter Haven teen may be heading to Jacksonville to meet 29-year-old
A 15-year-old reported missing Wednesday could be making her way to Jacksonville to be with a 29-year-old man, according to Winter Haven police.
Bay Area school districts work overtime to feed hungry students over spring break
School district officials are working overtime this year to make sure children are not forced to take a break from nutrition during spring break.
Graduation plans announced for Bay Area schools
Graduation for the class of 2020 was likely not the day they imagined. High school seniors in the Bay Area marked commencement online or attended very scaled back and socially distant celebrations.
Private travel takes off during pandemic
While many businesses struggle to just stay open during the pandemic, one at Lakeland Linder International Airport says it is taking off.
Two dead following semi-truck crash in Winter Haven
Two people passed away following the crash, which occurred just south of the intersection of U.S. 27 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven.
Lakeland woman charged with being at U.S. Capitol attack
Another Florida woman was arrested Tuesday for participating in the January attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Polk County organization will pay for childcare for working parents
The coalition is willing to pay up to $200 a week towards a family’s child care bill, as long as they meet certain requirements.
Florida pastors use influence to promote vaccination
Preachers, especially ones with large African American congregations, are talking about more than just salvation these days.
Officer shoots, kills man who shot woman in front of police at Lakeland townhome community
A Lakeland police officer shot and killed a man Sunday morning after witnessing the man shoot a woman at the Cobblestone Landing Townhomes.
Photo exhibit celebrates Polk County’s innovative, inspirational women
March is Women’s History Month and Polk County is celebrating in a way that brings the past and present together with a unique photo exhibit.
IMG Academy soccer coach arrested for DUI
Polk County deputies arrested Joshua Kiper, 38, of Plant City, early Saturday morning for DUI following a traffic stop.
PCSO: Hit-and-run driver killed after car crashes into tree, bursts into flames while fleeing the scene
Baylee Simpson, 25, of Mulberry was killed Friday afternoon after deputies say her car struck a tree and caught fire while she was fleeing the scene of a crash.
Haines City police arrest substitute teacher accused of attacking two students
Haines City police arrested a substitute teacher accused of hitting two students at Boone Middle School.
‘A legend in his own right’: Winter Haven mourns loss of its first Black mayor, Lemuel Geathers
Lemuel Geathers shattered the race barrier in 1981 when he was elected as Winter Haven’s first Black mayor.
Senior vaccination pods open in Polk, Pasco counties
Two senior vaccination pods opened Wednesday in Polk and Pasco counties.