Too drunk to drive? Polk deputies can offer rides home as last resort during NYE festivities, sheriff says
With 8 people dead in the past 44 hours due to fatal crashes in Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd says the agency will offer free rides home -- as a last resort -- to those who become too intoxicated during this weekend's celebrations.
'Crazy, wild, out of control': Fleeing driver who caused quadruple-fatal in Polk County identified by sheriff
Polk County detectives publicly identified the suspect who fled from deputies, sped away and crashed into three vehicles, killing three others and himself.
4th person dies following Polk crash caused by speeding driver who fled from deputies, officials say
Polk County investigators say a total of four people have died following Monday's multi-vehicle crash after a driver fled from deputies.
Sheriff: Driver fleeing Polk deputies dies in crash, killing 2 others
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed three people in the Haines City area, and deputies said three trauma alert patients were being flown to area hospitals via helicopter.
Polk County Bully Project helps changes perceptions of 'bully breeds'
When Angie Lorio and Shannon Medina found out Polk County Animal Control does not put pit bulls up for adoption, they founded the Polk County Bully Project, which has helped more than 1,000 'bully breed' dogs find forever homes.
Deputies: Video shows Lakeland High substitute teacher having sex with student
According to the deputies, the relationship had been going on for months but didn't come to light until a student told a school resource officer about the existence of a Snapchat video showing the two having sex.
1 horse, 1 person killed in Mulberry crash, deputies say
Polk County deputies said the horse and one of the people inside the vehicle have passed away.
Florida doctor helps treat long-haul COVID-19 patients, mental health symptoms
Dr. Kathleen Haggerty at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland is treating long-haul COVID patients, including those experiencing mental health symptoms.
Lakeland teen receives perfect scores on 2 AP exams
A senior at Harrison High School for the Arts is one of only a dozen students around the world to receive perfect scores on the Advanced Placement 2D and 3D Art and Design exams.
Polk deputies search for driver in fatal hit-and-run crash involving bicyclist
A bicyclist passed away following a crash in Lakeland, and investigators are searching for the driver behind the wheel who fled.
Florida won’t become California, Minnesota with new crime initiative, AG Moody says
Florida AG announces theft, organized crime database to track repeat offenders.
You can chop down your own Christmas tree for $10 at this Polk County park
Christmas tree prices are higher this year for a variety of reasons. But there’s one way to cut your cost and have a woodsy adventure all at the same time: How about trekking into the forest and cutting down your own tree?
LPD: 2 Lakeland officers shoot, kill man parked in I-4 construction zone after he fired first
A 61-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning by two police officers who say he shot at them as he sat in a vehicle parked in a construction zone on I-4 in Lakeland.
Lakeland woman arrested for DUI after Holiday man killed in crash
Deputies in Polk County say a school secretary from Lakeland was drunk when she crashed into two vehicles along Interstate 4 on Wednesday, killing a Pasco County man.
Haines City police officer facing allegation of sexual battery on 'physically helpless victim'
A Haines City police officer has been suspended after he was arrested by deputies in Orange County, the police department said.
Sheriff: Deputy was justified in killing woman armed with shovel
Polk County's sheriff is defending the actions of one of his deputies who killed a woman who was armed with a shovel, calling it a deadly weapon.
Polk County commissioners show support for high-speed rail connecting Tampa to Orlando
It's been in talks for years, but the Bay Area may now be closer than ever to seeing high-speed rail service connecting Tampa to Orlando become a reality.
Polk County mother killed by deputy she threatened with shovel
A Polk County woman was shot and killed by a deputy she threatened with a shovel, according to investigators, who said she had a record of "violent felonies." But her friends and family say she struggled with mental illness and didn't deserve to die.
22-year-old, in U.S. illegally, arrested after attacking coworker with box cutter in Davenport, sheriff says
A construction worker, who was in the U.S. illegally, was arrested for attempted murder after slashing one of his co-workers following an argument in Davenport, according to Polk County deputies.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis speaks at Florida Air Museum
Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to speak at the Florida Air Museum on Thursday. He is expected to begin speaking at 10 a.m.