New report details deadly alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park
A newly released report describes how a canoe startled an 11-foot alligator in shallow water, leading to a deadly attack on a woman at Lake Kissimmee State Park in May.
Florida man dressed in red lace bra accused of hiding gun under prosthetic silicone breasts: ‘It was ugly’
A Florida man landed behind bars after Polk County deputies say he had a gun hidden under prosthetic silicone breasts while he was trespassing at a construction site.
Central Florida development seen accelerating into 2026
Development dominated Central Florida headlines in 2025, and industry watchers say the pace is likely to accelerate rather than slow in the year ahead.
Lakeland family forced to euthanize sick puppy adopted from Polk County Animal Control Shelter
A Lakeland family is devastated after they said they were forced to euthanize their sick puppy before Christmas.
Auburndale church member with wife and kids arrested for child porn possession: PCSO
An active member of the First Baptist Church of Auburndale has been arrested on 76 counts of possessing child porn, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Golf cart driver crossing US-92 dies after being stuck by car: PCSO
A golf cart driver is dead after the Polk County Sheriff's Office says he drove across US-92 at the Schalamar Creek Drive intersection in Lakeland before he was struck by a Buick sedan on Tuesday evening.
Florida man beat, stabbed retired nurse to death with wine bottle & knife after being kicked out: PCSO
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said a 19-year-old man stabbed a 67-year-old retired nurse to death because he had been kicked out of the house and wanted to stay near his girlfriend.
Polk County deputies bust 3 accused of giving kids counterfeit money to spend at Lakeland businesses
A string of purchases made with counterfeit money in Polk County have been linked to three adults accused of giving children fake cash to buy items at Lakeland businesses.
Polk County caregiver arrested for violently shaking baby: PCSO
The day before Thanksgiving, the Polk County Sheriff's Office received an urgent 911 call about an unresponsive child at an Eagle Lake home.
Driver found with multiple weapons, container with radioactive warning label arrested in Polk County
A suspect is behind bars after police found him with multiple weapons and a plastic container with a radioactive warning label in his car late Friday evening in Polk County.
‘Nothing Short of a Miracle:' Polk County family welcomed home after 20 hours stranded at sea
Four generations of a Polk County family returned to church Sunday, one week after being rescued from their capsized boat.
‘Super speeders’ arrested in Brevard, Polk counties after topping 110 mph, deputies say
Two drivers are facing charges in separate incidents in Brevard and Polk counties after deputies say they were caught traveling well over 100 mph during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Florida man walking ‘buck naked’ in 36-degree weather claims he was doing a TikTok challenge: Grady Judd
A Florida man claiming to be taking part in a TikTok challenge was arrested after he was caught on camera walking ‘buck-naked’ down a Polk County street, according to the sheriff’s office.
Where is Samantha Fiddler? The mystery behind a Canadian mom's disappearance in Polk County
In a case that has puzzled authorities and left a family in anguish, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is intensifying its investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Samantha Fiddler, a Canadian mother of three.
Winter Haven police officer injured in crash
A Winter Haven police officer was injured early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash.
Florida mother arrested after boarding school bus, cursing at student and driver: Grady Judd
An angry mother who boarded a Polk County school bus and cursed at a student and the driver was arrested later, along with her daughter, while causing a disturbance at the Davenport High School front office, according to the Sheriff's Office.
'It was just a McMess:' Grady Judd describing angry McDonald's customer shot by employee after dispute
A Davenport McDonald's employee and two customers are facing charges after an argument in the drive-thru line ended with a shooting inside the store early on Sunday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Hooters manager running for mayor of Lakeland
A 24-year-old Lakelander is one of the youngest candidates ever running for mayor.
Lawsuit accuses Polk County Sheriff’s Office of failures during 2016 child rape investigation
A new lawsuit accuses the Polk County Sheriff’s Office of a "pattern, policy, practice and custom, of failing to adequately train and supervise its officers resulting in the deprivation of minors’ constitutional rights."
Florida man with thermos inserted in body caught sneaking it into Polk County Jail: ‘Put it up the exit ramp'
A Florida man who is no stranger to the law wound up back in jail and the subject of one of Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s most unusual "Morning Briefings" due to how he tried to smuggle a thermos inside the jail.