Polk sheriff: Guatemalan man, in U.S. illegally, killed 5-year-old in DUI crash
Polk County deputies arrested a man who, they say, was illegally in the U.S. and fled from a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl.
Water skiers set sights on breaking world records in Polk County
Water skiers from around the world are in Polk County attempting to set more than a dozen towed watersport records for Guinness and the National Show Skiing Association.
Motorcyclist killed in crash with FHP cruiser, tractor-trailer on I-4 in Polk County
A motorcyclist was killed Monday night in a crash on Interstate 4 in Polk County involving an FHP trooper and a tractor-trailer, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Mom, sheriff get state to add special disability designation on driver's licenses
Like any parent, Caryn Readdy was a little nervous when her son Dalton wanted to get his driver’s license. Beyond the typical ‘new driver’ concerns was the fact that her son has autism.
Florida woman arrested after defrauding employer out of nearly half a million dollars, police say
Marion Chamberlain, 37, of Kissimmee is facing charges of grand theft after police say she wrote fraudulent checks to herself as an employee of Miracle Toyota.
Could Orlando and Tampa Bay form the next megaregion?
A region where boundaries between cities are no longer clear form a megaregion. Orlando to Tampa Bay has all the makings of being the next great one.
World's first 'Peppa Pig' theme park opening in February 2022 in Florida
The world's first "Peppa Pig" theme park is opening in February 2022 in Polk County.
60 international educators hired to fill teacher shortages in Polk County
Polk County Schools hired 60 teachers from all over the world to help fill vacancies they couldn't otherwise. It's part of a teacher exchange program where educators are provided housing and employed under J-1 visas.
Deputies: Suspect in I-4 biker gang shootout charged with murder
Deputies say they believe Ronald Donovan sparked the shootout on I-4 that left his girlfriend dead.
Winter Haven receives $9 million grant from state for road infrastructure, job growth
Governor Ron DeSantis said Winter Haven will receive more than $9 million to support “economic growth.”
Sheriff: Woman injured in I-4 biker shootout dies; man charged with murder
Ronald Donovan is now facing a 2nd degree murder charge.
Sheriff: Woman dies following motorcycle gang shootout on I-4; Boyfriend charged with second-degree murder
A 33-year-old woman from Brevard County has died following a motorcycle gang shootout on I-4 early Friday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
47-year-old Lakeland man posed as teenager to obtain nude photos of 14-year-old girl, sheriff says
Polk deputies arrested a 47-year-old Lakeland man who they said went on Snapchat and began messaging a 14-year-old girl, telling her he was 17 in order to get her to send him nude photos.
Auburndale police arrest teenage suspect accused of killing 17-year-old
Police in Auburndale arrested a 16-year-old suspect accused of shooting and killing a teenager.
Video shows trooper's maneuver that saved deputy during I-4 chase
A Polk County sheriff's deputy can thank an FHP trooper for possibly saving his life Monday during a police chase along Interstate 4.
‘I would have never let him out of custody’: Sheriff Grady Judd's reaction to search for Brian Laundrie
Sheriff Grady Judd is not involved in the Gabby Petito case, but the Polk County sheriff speculated on how he would’ve handled Brian Laundrie within his jurisdiction. For one, he said, Brian would have been taken into custody.
15 Kathleen High School students arrested after rowdy protest
It was a rough start to the week at Kathleen High School in Lakeland. Hundreds of students protested outside the school, and as tensions escalated, law enforcement was called in to keep the calm.
Polk sheriff: Lakeland man attacked deputy while being arrested for girlfriend's murder
A Lakeland man is accused of murdering his girlfriend and burying her body, then attacking a Polk deputy who tried to arrest him.
