Drug trafficking investigation nets 51 arrests
In a sweeping multi-agency operation that spanned several months and crossed jurisdictional lines, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the dismantling of two massive drug trafficking syndicates on Friday morning during a press conference in Winter Haven. FOX 13's Carla...
Polk County firefighters remind of burn ban following brush fires
Firefighters in Polk County reminded residents Friday of the countywide burn ban after a recent uptick of brush fires.
Doordash driver arrested for stealing package from Lakeland home
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A DoorDash driver was arrested on Tuesday after a doorbell camera showed him stealing a package from a porch in Lakeland. An investigation began on Jan. 26 when deputies responded to a home in Lakeland regarding a stolen package. The resident of the home said...
New Coffee Spot Planned for Babson Park
In Babson Park, not far from Babson Park Elementary School, a new spot for coffee looks to be preparing for an opening. This week, What Now came across plan review documents submitted by Crooked Bean Cafe Inc. for a new restaurant project by that name (Crooked Bean Cafe), to open at 772 Scenic Highway N.
Undercover sting leads to arrest of Honduran national for luring minor: Auburndale police
Auburndale Police arrested 26-year-old Milton Reinierio Pena-Hernandez, a Honduran national in the U.S. illegally, after an undercover sting revealed he attempted to solicit a 14-year-old girl for sex. Despite stating he did not want "trouble" due to the victim’s age, Pena-Hernandez allegedly sent explicit materials...
51 people arrested in large drug operation in Florida
FLORIDA — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Grady Judd Friday morning in Winter Haven to announce the results of a large-scale drug trafficking investigation that resulted in 51 arrests. During the press conference, officials said the multi-agency operation targeted individuals involved in the...
Lakeland brush fire spreads, destroys home and sheds: PCFR
LAKELAND, Fla. - Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded Thursday afternoon to a brush fire in Lakeland that spread, burning through a home and a pair of sheds. PCFR says shortly after 2 p.m., firefighters arrived to find the blaze engulfing a home and two sheds at a residence. A neighboring structure and...
Winter Haven Hit‑and‑Run Suspect Arrested Polk County Sheriff’s Office Charges Man of Illegal Status
A hit-and-run incident in Winter Haven ended in an arrest after the Polk County Sheriff's Office pursued the suspect, who was allegedly in the country illegally from Mexico. According to the Sheriff's Office news release, the collision occurred on Tuesday, in the late afternoon when a victim was rear-ended by a...
The legacy of a local artist on view in Lakeland
Pat Percy produced hundreds of works during her lifetime, but never sold any to make money. Her friends are now making sure that her legacy is not forgotten in this display of her art. FOX 13 Photojournalist Barry Wong reports.
Flight to Honor Polk Mission 11 Accepting Applications
The one-day trip will depart and return to Lakeland Linder International Airport on May 5, 2026. Any U.S. armed forces veteran who has not previously participated in an Honor Flight or Flight to Honor is eligible, including those outside Polk County. The program prioritizes veterans with severe medical conditions and...
