Teen cousins face murder charges in shooting of 17-year-old during drug deal at Bartow park
One day after Sheriff Grady Judd made a plea for help to find the suspects who “massacred” a high school student at a Bartow park, detectives announced two teenagers had been arrested for murder. "This was an ambush. An absolute ambush," Judd said.
'Angel' maid interrupted Lakeland youth pastor and teenage girl in hotel room, sheriff says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the pastor had been "informally counseling" the 17-year-old girl when he asked to see nude photographs of her. "Let me share a little counseling with Andrew here: Jesus don't like that," Judd said.
Lakeland man says mobile home park threatened eviction for pride flag
For many, the pride flag symbolizes equality, but one Lakeland man says his mobile home park won’t allow it. He says management is now warning him that if he doesn't take his flag down, he could be evicted.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd really wants you to adopt a kitten
June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat month and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd really wants everyone to adopt a kitten.
Video of gang members dancing on rival's grave led to series of Winter Haven shootouts, sheriff says
Three teens are facing attempted murder charges after a drive-by shooting in the Winter Haven area, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
Central Florida man wins $5 million on lucky scratch-off ticket
He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $4,450,000.
Florida deputies keep close watch over wayward alligator
Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office were called out to Davenport on Monday to help monitor a wayward alligator.
Fire guts Winter Haven restaurant; cooking oil accident blamed
Popular Winter Haven restaurant Floridino’s Italian Kitchen is closed after fire ripped through the building as employees prepared to open Sunday morning.
PCSO: 2 teens arrested for shooting 3 kids with pellet gun, capturing it on cell phone video
Jordan Hawes, 18, and a 17-year-old male have been arrested after deputies say the pair drove around a Polk County park and shot three children with a pellet gun.
County Road 640 reopens south of Bartow as crews surround brush fire
A brush fire that closed roads in Polk County overnight is now mostly contained, firefighters say.
Residents escape injury as fire destroys Lakeland apartments
It was around 7:30 a.m. when crews responded to the blaze along North Florida Avenue. They say everyone inside the single-story multi-unit building was able to evacuate on their own.
‘It was life-changing': Polk County deputy releases rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wild
A three-and-a-half-year-old female bald eagle who was found injured was released back into the wild at the Polk County Sheriff’s office on Friday.
Staff shortage hits Polk preschools, daycares as parents head back to the office
When the pandemic hit last year, parents began working remotely. As the number of kids dropped in class, daycare centers and preschools laid off employees. Now that parents are going back to work, centers are getting their little ones back.
‘Mastermind’ behind largest meth seizure in Polk history was operating from federal prison, sheriff says
A major drug bust led deputies to 120 gallons of liquid meth being transported in buckets by suspects from Georgia to Florida, overseen by a "mastermind" who ran the operation from federal prison, officials said Thursday.
Novavax seeks children 12-17 for paid COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial
Novavax Inc. is awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine. In Central Florida, the company is starting paid clinical trials in DeLand and Lakeland to see how effective the same vaccine is on teenagers.
No appointment necessary for Polk County COVID-19 vaccinations
Polk County residents no longer have to wait for their appointment to get a COVID-19 shot at a Health Department vaccination site. From now on, it is first-come, first-served.
'It's a pretty scary thing': Possible tornado touched down in Polk County
A possible tornado touched down in Polk County Sunday. A Winter Haven home had its roof completely torn off as severe winds ripped through the area.
Lakeland man beat child to death for urinating on couch, police say
Police arrested Alegray Jones, 30, after they say he killed his girlfriend’s two-year-old son while she was at work on Friday.
Florida couple charged with $5.8-million COVID relief fraud
A Polk County couple is accused of fraudulently collecting $5.8 million in COVID-19 relief money and using it to buy a luxury car, Louis Vuitton merchandise, and more, then flaunting it on Facebook.