'They may be living next to you': Over 1,400 charges filed against 16 child porn suspects in Polk County

While describing the 16 child porn suspects arrested in a recent operation, the Polk County sheriff had a warning for the public, saying those types of suspects can be someone you wouldn't expect.

Stabbing suspect fatally shot by deputies had history of mental health issues, sheriff says

A suspect who barricaded himself inside a Winter Haven apartment urged deputies to fatally shoot him after he stabbed his mother in the chest Wednesday morning, the sheriff said.

Assisted liviing facility faces moratorium on admissions

State regulators this week hit a Lakeland assisted-living facility with an admissions moratorium after the facility failed to take proper safeguards following the hospitalization of 33 of its residents because of COVID-19.

Peaceful protesters gather in Polk County; curfew in effect at 8 p.m.

Protests in Polk County were peaceful Monday night after a weekend of “civil unrest” on Saturday and Sunday prompted officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue a curfew through early Tuesday morning.

Officer holds 'free hugs' sign during peaceful protests in Polk County

During a peaceful protest in Polk County Monday, officers held signs saying "free hugs" and "don't blame all for actions of few."

Winter Haven, Polk County approve reopening of Legoland Florida; state must still sign off

Legoland Florida Resort has been given the green light to reopen by both the Winter Haven City Commission and Polk County; however, the state of Florida must still sign off on the plan.

'Ultra rare' metallic blue bee spotted in Florida

Researchers in Florida have rediscovered an “ultra-rare” metallic blue bee that hadn’t been spotted in years – so long that experts weren’t sure it still existed.

Police seeking tips in Lakeland homicide

Police in Lakeland are investigating after responding to a report of shots fired and discovering a man who died from an apparent gunshot wound. 

85-acre Lake Wales brush fire mostly contained

The scene of the blaze is off Tiger Lake Road in the Lake Wales area. Strong winds out of the north are sending the flames towards Highway 60.

Lakeland nursing facility reports 84 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths

Almost two weeks ago, 35 residents from Highlands Lake Center were hospitalized after either testing positive for, or showing symptoms of, COVID-19. 

35 Lakeland assisted living residents hospitalized; 29 positive for COVID-19, so far

Lakeland Regional Health says it took in 35 residents of Opis Highlands Lake Center in South Lakeland, 29 of whom have tested positive for COVID-19. The remaining six are awaiting test results.

Polk K-9 back to work after being stabbed in the head by suspect

A Polk sheriff's K-9 is back on the job just two-and-a-half weeks after being stabbed in the head by a burglary suspect.

Polk State College closing to students until March 29

Polk State College announced it is suspending all classes - including in-person, online, and hybrid -  starting Monday, March 16 to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Cops say man killed sleeping couple, buried bodies in swamp

Nichols said her stepfather called her and her boyfriend to clean up the crime scene and help bury the bodies.

Polk deputies arrest 3 after discovering decomposed bodies in Haines City

Polk County deputies arrested Todd Michael Jackson, 34, on two counts of first-degree murder after discovering two decomposed bodies in Haines City Friday evening.