Florida city will recognize May 20 as slave emancipation day

The city commission plans to approve a resolution Monday declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day, a report says.

Polk County deputies encounter massive alligator near school in Lakeland

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office encountered a large alligator that was sunning on a sidewalk in Lakeland Thursday morning.

Polk fire captain accused of blackmailing paramedic in scheme to steal COVID-19 vaccine

A Polk County fire captain has turned himself in to authorities after he was accused of enlisting the help of a paramedic to steal COVID-19 vaccines meant for first responders.

Polk 'paramedic of the year' accused of stealing vials of coronavirus vaccine

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd had some fiery words for the 2020 Paramedic of the Year, who’s now accused of theft of coronavirus vaccines.

'Lowest of the low': Polk man accused of stealing from gravesite of Frostproof triple murder victim

Polk County deputies arrested a Fort Meade man for removing solar lights at the gravesite for one of the three men murdered last year in Frostproof during a fishing trip, officials said.

Lakeland father and son celebrate in living room as Bucs claim Super Bowl spot

A Lakeland father and his young son were very excited when the Bucs won the NFC championship, making history as the first NFL team to play the Super Bowl at home!

PCSO: Deputy arrested for threats of Capitol violence
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The Polk County Sheriff?s Office says one of their deputies has been arrested over threats he made against the Capitol in Washington.

PCSO: Deputy arrested for threats of Capitol violence

Sheriff Grady Judd says what started as a rant by Deputy Peter Heneen turned into a disturbing series of texts, where the 29-year-old threatened to "shoot the feds" and "make the streets of DC run red with the blood of tyrants."

Attendant, student arrested after Polk County school bus fight

Algarene Richards, 68, and a 15-year-old male, both of Lake Wales, were arrested Wednesday after an altercation on a school bus, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Judd sworn-in for fifth term
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One of Florida's most vocal law enforcement officers begins his fifth term as Polk County Sheriff. It is a position Grady Judd holds close to his heart.

Haines City woman wanted for hit-and-run crash, child abuse

Police in Haines City are searching for a woman who faces multiple charges for allegedly driving head-on into a garbage truck, causing an unrestrained child in her car to be injured.

FWC attacked on the job in Polk County
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A third suspect has been arrested in the attack of an FWC officer in Polk County.

Polk County offering rent and mortgage assistance beginning Tuesday

Polk County will begin using leftover CARES Act funds to help residents who need help with their rent or mortgage payments.

‘Gary’ the turkey that quickly became popular in Lakeland neighborhood found dead

Gary the turkey joined the swans of Lake Morton back in September, and grew popular in the Lakeland neighborhood. Sadly, city officials say he was found dead over the weekend.

Lakeland couple sings to celebrate wife's coronavirus recovery

A Lakeland man who used music to help his wife cope with COVID-19 in the hospital is now reunited with her just in time for Christmas.