'Jesus ain't happy': Finance secretary accused of stealing $768,000 from Calvary Baptist Church
Over the last five years, a Polk County woman pocketed over $768,000 from a Winter Haven church, and used the money during trips to theme parks, for Amazon purchases and a Match.com account, the sheriff announced.
2 suspects charged with attempted murder after 15-year-old boy shot in Lake Wales
Two people face attempted murder charges following a shooting on Tuesday in Lake Wales that left a teenager seriously injured.
'They may be living next to you': Over 1,400 charges filed against 16 child porn suspects in Polk County
While describing the 16 child porn suspects arrested in a recent operation, the Polk County sheriff had a warning for the public, saying those types of suspects can be someone you wouldn't expect.
Stabbing suspect fatally shot by deputies had history of mental health issues, sheriff says
A suspect who barricaded himself inside a Winter Haven apartment urged deputies to fatally shoot him after he stabbed his mother in the chest Wednesday morning, the sheriff said.
Assisted liviing facility faces moratorium on admissions
State regulators this week hit a Lakeland assisted-living facility with an admissions moratorium after the facility failed to take proper safeguards following the hospitalization of 33 of its residents because of COVID-19.
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd recommends residents shoot looters who break into homes
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn't mince words at Monday's news conference when it came to looters.
Peaceful protesters gather in Polk County; curfew in effect at 8 p.m.
Protests in Polk County were peaceful Monday night after a weekend of “civil unrest” on Saturday and Sunday prompted officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue a curfew through early Tuesday morning.
Officer holds 'free hugs' sign during peaceful protests in Polk County
During a peaceful protest in Polk County Monday, officers held signs saying "free hugs" and "don't blame all for actions of few."
Winter Haven, Polk County approve reopening of Legoland Florida; state must still sign off
Legoland Florida Resort has been given the green light to reopen by both the Winter Haven City Commission and Polk County; however, the state of Florida must still sign off on the plan.
'Ultra rare' metallic blue bee spotted in Florida
Researchers in Florida have rediscovered an “ultra-rare” metallic blue bee that hadn’t been spotted in years – so long that experts weren’t sure it still existed.
'Nobody wants to see that': Polk County man arrested for flashing women while driving, sheriff says
An Avon Park man was arrested after deputies said he exposed himself to a woman while driving -- and investigators say he's done this before.
Police seeking tips in Lakeland homicide
Police in Lakeland are investigating after responding to a report of shots fired and discovering a man who died from an apparent gunshot wound.
85-acre Lake Wales brush fire mostly contained
The scene of the blaze is off Tiger Lake Road in the Lake Wales area. Strong winds out of the north are sending the flames towards Highway 60.
Lakeland nursing facility reports 84 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths
Almost two weeks ago, 35 residents from Highlands Lake Center were hospitalized after either testing positive for, or showing symptoms of, COVID-19.
Father illegally in the country arrested on 125 counts of possessing child pornography, Florida deputies say
The video files included young victims, some just 18-months-old, being sexually battered or exposed in a lewd manner.
35 Lakeland assisted living residents hospitalized; 29 positive for COVID-19, so far
Lakeland Regional Health says it took in 35 residents of Opis Highlands Lake Center in South Lakeland, 29 of whom have tested positive for COVID-19. The remaining six are awaiting test results.
Polk K-9 back to work after being stabbed in the head by suspect
A Polk sheriff's K-9 is back on the job just two-and-a-half weeks after being stabbed in the head by a burglary suspect.
Polk K-9 recovering after being stabbed repeatedly in the head by burglary suspect
A Polk sheriff's K-9 is recovering after deputies said a burglary suspect stabbed the dog repeatedly and caused significant injuries.
Polk State College closing to students until March 29
Polk State College announced it is suspending all classes - including in-person, online, and hybrid - starting Monday, March 16 to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
Man arrested compliments deputies for being 'polite' and 'professional,' Florida sheriff says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that the man appreciated