Polk man convicted of murder in death of woman he intentionally ran over with church van
A jury convicted 20-year-old Elijah Stansell of first-degree murder for the death of beloved Polk City librarian Suzette Penton, who died in 2020 after she was intentionally run over by a van. Stansell was behind the wheel and trying to flee after he and several other teens had attacked the victim's son.
A jury convicted 20-year-old Elijah Stansell of first-degree murder for the death of beloved Polk City librarian Suzette Penton, who died in 2020 after she was intentionally run over by a van. Stansell was behind the wheel and trying to flee after he and several other teens had attacked the victim's son.
Disney bus driver among 12 suspects arrested in Polk undercover child predator investigation
An online child predator investigation resulted in the arrest of a dozen suspects, including a Walt Disney World bus driver who was taken into custody while he was still in his work uniform.
An online child predator investigation resulted in the arrest of a dozen suspects, including a Walt Disney World bus driver who was taken into custody while he was still in his work uniform.
Polk County paramedic dies on duty, fire rescue says
Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of 56-year-old paramedic Douglas Clemons, who died Tuesday while on duty at his fire station. Clemons was a 27-year veteran of Polk County EMS.
Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of 56-year-old paramedic Douglas Clemons, who died Tuesday while on duty at his fire station. Clemons was a 27-year veteran of Polk County EMS.
Polk County sheriff's Office investigating shooting in Lakeland involving deputy
A Polk County sheriff's deputy has been involved in a shooting incident, according to the agency.
A Polk County sheriff's deputy has been involved in a shooting incident, according to the agency.
Westbound lanes of I-4 reopen after crash near Osceola-Polk county line
The Florida Highway Patrol is responding to a multiple-vehicle crash near the Osceola-Polk county line with injuries reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol is responding to a multiple-vehicle crash near the Osceola-Polk county line with injuries reported.
Grady Judd: Unlocked door, slow response time in Uvalde school shooting 'is unacceptable'
"The doors weren’t locked, and he was in the school for an hour before they neutralized the threat. That is unacceptable," Sheriff Grady Judd in regards to the police response to the Texas school shooting.
"The doors weren’t locked, and he was in the school for an hour before they neutralized the threat. That is unacceptable," Sheriff Grady Judd in regards to the police response to the Texas school shooting.
‘I was smoking my meth pipe’: Florida man totals tractor-trailer during delivery to Publix shopping center
A tractor-trailer delivery driver is facing possession of methamphetamine charges after crashing into the back of a Publix shopping center in Haines City on Thursday afternoon.
A tractor-trailer delivery driver is facing possession of methamphetamine charges after crashing into the back of a Publix shopping center in Haines City on Thursday afternoon.
Polk deputies search for suspect who broke into Davenport vacation rental while family was sleeping
Polk County deputies are searching for a home invasion suspect who they say entered a vacation rental home in the middle of the night while a family was sleeping.
Polk County deputies are searching for a home invasion suspect who they say entered a vacation rental home in the middle of the night while a family was sleeping.
Lakeland owner's pet cat euthanized after unknown person shot it, deputies say
Polk County deputies are searching for the person who shot a cat outside a Lakeland home, injuring the feline's spine. Officials said it had to be euthanized.
Polk County deputies are searching for the person who shot a cat outside a Lakeland home, injuring the feline's spine. Officials said it had to be euthanized.
Police searching for man accused of attacking 73-year-old outside Publix in Winter Haven
Police say the victim confronted a driver who he says almost drove into him. They say that's when the driver got out of his truck and punched the older man who said he would call police.
Police say the victim confronted a driver who he says almost drove into him. They say that's when the driver got out of his truck and punched the older man who said he would call police.
Florida wildlife officials on lookout for sick turtles
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking members of the public to report freshwater turtles that appear sick, act strangely or are dead.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking members of the public to report freshwater turtles that appear sick, act strangely or are dead.
Auburndale man arrested in Georgia following 'suspicious disappearance' of 81-year-old man, deputies say
A Polk County man is facing a murder charge after he was found and arrested in Georgia.
A Polk County man is facing a murder charge after he was found and arrested in Georgia.
Polk Co. sheriff may seek extradition from China for man who allegedly had child porn
Polk County detectives say four local men were arrested and another is wanted for allegedly possessing child porn. The wanted man is currently in China with his wife and children, and Sheriff Grady Judd said he could seek extradition if he doesn't return.
Polk County detectives say four local men were arrested and another is wanted for allegedly possessing child porn. The wanted man is currently in China with his wife and children, and Sheriff Grady Judd said he could seek extradition if he doesn't return.
Second suspect in Polk Co. crime spree in custody
A crime spree through Polk County Saturday ended with deputies shooting and seriously injuring a man. A day later, deputies said they arrested the woman who was with him.
A crime spree through Polk County Saturday ended with deputies shooting and seriously injuring a man. A day later, deputies said they arrested the woman who was with him.
Family of man shot by police at wedding reception speaks
The family of a man shot and killed by police during a wedding reception in Winter Park over the weekend is speaking for the first time since the deadly incident. Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. held a news conference with the family to discuss the matter and plans going forward.
The family of a man shot and killed by police during a wedding reception in Winter Park over the weekend is speaking for the first time since the deadly incident. Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. held a news conference with the family to discuss the matter and plans going forward.
Polk County hopes to catch up on trash pickup with new plan
Frustrated residents have been trashing the county and FCC, the trash hauling company that serves the west part of Polk County, for months.
Frustrated residents have been trashing the county and FCC, the trash hauling company that serves the west part of Polk County, for months.
Body believed to be missing Lakeland woman found inside Polk retention pond
A sign that says 'Road ends in water' now stands where a woman apparently drove off Victoria Road last April and apparently drowned.
A sign that says 'Road ends in water' now stands where a woman apparently drove off Victoria Road last April and apparently drowned.
Bartow golfer reflects on historic, barrier-breaking career
Herbert Dixon is 102 years old and still finds time to golf at Bartow's Municipal Course three days a week.
Herbert Dixon is 102 years old and still finds time to golf at Bartow's Municipal Course three days a week.
Missing Polk County puppy reunited with family after being located in Nebraska
A puppy that disappeared from its Polk County home last month and was recently dropped off at a Humane Society in Nebraska, was reunited with her family on Saturday.
A puppy that disappeared from its Polk County home last month and was recently dropped off at a Humane Society in Nebraska, was reunited with her family on Saturday.
Felon wanted by ATF shot by deputy after two-county chase, Hillsborough sheriff says
A convicted felon who was wanted by the ATF sprayed bullets at deputies and officers across two Bay Area counties Wednesday, forcing a deputy to return fire, seriously injuring the suspect, according to the Hillsborough County sheriff.
A convicted felon who was wanted by the ATF sprayed bullets at deputies and officers across two Bay Area counties Wednesday, forcing a deputy to return fire, seriously injuring the suspect, according to the Hillsborough County sheriff.