Lakeland man recently released from jail accused of cutting power, breaking into businesses
A 24-year-old Lakeland man released from jail less than a month ago is back behind bars at the Polk County Jail. He's accused of cutting the power to a shopping plaza to break into businesses.
Florida corrections officer accused of using bogus handicap permit at Publix
A Florida Department of Corrections officer was arrested Thursday after she was caught using a fraudulent handicap placard at Publix, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Black bear spotted roaming Lakeland neighborhood, FWC monitoring
Homeowners in a Lakeland neighborhood awoke to an unexpected visitor in their yards – a black bear.
Lottery ticket worth $35K sold at Publix in Polk County
A winning lottery ticket was sold at a Publix in Polk County over the weekend.
Correctional officer honking his horn to 'drive faster’ calls 911 after getting traffic citation: PCSO
An officer at the Polk Correctional Institute has been arrested after deputies say he called 911 because he was upset he got a citation for repeatedly honking his horn while driving.
Polk County resident cashes in on $52K lottery ticket
A Winter Haven resident recently became several thousand dollars richer after claiming a winning lottery ticket.
Polk County deputy arrested for DUI after drinking 3 coffee mugs of whiskey before duty: Sheriff Grady Judd
A deputy for the Polk County Sheriff's Office was arrested Saturday morning after he allegedly reported for duty while drunk, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Wanted Lakeland man caught after his phone rang while he was hiding in ceiling, deputies say
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says they arrested a wanted man after removing him from a ceiling on Saturday afternoon.
Polk County man accused of using 15-year-old to lure 10-year-old for sex
A 27-year-old man has found himself behind bars after he allegedly sparked an online relationship with a 15-year-old and used them to lure a 10-year-old to have sex with them, according to police.
Bald eagle rescued after being found at Polk County intersection
An American bald eagle is being cared for after it was found at a Polk County intersection.
Florida panther spotted on trail camera in Polk County
An endangered species in Florida, the panther, is popping up in Polk County.
Drunk Orlando man crashes head-on into Davenport police vehicle: officials
An Orlando man was arrested after he allegedly crashed head-on into a Davenport police patrol vehicle in a DUI crash early Sunday morning.
Publix's ice cream truck is coming to these Florida cities
On Tuesday, Publix announced the return of its ice cream truck.
Two kids seriously burned after coal was dumped from grill at Polk County lake
As parks all over the Tampa Bay area are getting busier this summer, one family is pleading with people to be more careful using shared amenities. It was a family vacation enjoying summer on a lake in Polk County when, in moments, two young cousins were rushed to the emergency room.
Pilot injured in airplane glider crash near Winter Haven High School: police
A pilot was injured after an airplane glider crashed in Polk County on Saturday afternoon, according to police.
Missing Polk County man may not be alive, search underway for 2 men he was last seen with: Grady Judd
It has been two weeks since a 21-year-old man went missing in Polk County, though Sheriff Grady Judd said he may or may not be alive.
Florida man with baby in car accused of pulling gun on driver at traffic light: ‘I will shoot you’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a Florida man was caught on camera threatening to shoot a driver at a red light while his one-year-old child was in the car.
Sheriff Grady Judd sheds light on deadly gunfight with ‘sovereign citizen’ that injured 2 Polk County deputies
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided more details after a man claiming to be a ‘sovereign citizen’ was killed early Saturday morning by deputies who say he opened fire on them, seriously injuring both, as they were investigating a suspicious vehicle at a county park.
High-speed chase along I-4 in Polk County leaves 5 injured, car shredded to pieces: FHP
The Camry broke into several pieces and the two men inside were ejected from the car during the crash, Florida Highway Patrol said.


















