It’s an exceedingly rare epilepsy. Yet two Lakeland sisters have it
It was one of those landmark days for parents of a young child — a first trip to the beach. For William and Addison Smith, that excursion to Clearwater Beach in 2023 became a terrifying ordeal that radically altered the expected course of their lives. As the couple lolled on the sand, their 10-month-old daughter,...
Cross Creek Ranch closure leaves nearly 70 employees without jobs, dozens of weddings canceled
The sudden closure of Cross Creek Ranch has left nearly 70 employees out of work and forced dozens of couples to scramble to re-plan their weddings. A longtime wedding coordinator says the staff was blindsided by the shutdown, which owners attributed to "circumstances beyond our control and significant changes within...
Foundry Acquires Five Communities in Georgia, Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Foundry Commercial has acquired five communities located in Georgia and Florida. Totaling 320 units, the portfolio comprises two communities in Warner Robins and Boynton Ridge, Georgia — purchased in October 2025 — and three communities in Florida, which were acquired in February 2026. The Florida...
Teen rescued after golf cart accident
A teenager in Polk County is celebrating her birthday in the hospital after a serious accident that left her underneath a 900-pound golf cart. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
VIDEO: Winter Haven police seek to identify man holding gun that fired during group...
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) — The Winter Haven Public Safety Department posted surveillance footage of a shooting on Jan. 30, asking the public for any information about the man seen holding a gun. A group of around 13 people gathered outside building six of the Abbey Lane Apartments for a group photo, according to...
1 child dead, 1 critically injured in hit-and-run outside Winter Haven church
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— One child is dead and another critically injured after a hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. Detectives are looking for the person responsible for hitting two children outside of their church on Wednesday night. According to deputies, an 8-year-old child...
Hillsborough County student arrested for bringing firearm to school
DOVER, Florida - A 15-year-old student was arrested for bringing a firearm to Strawberry Crest High School, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. On March 9, 2026, at 1:01 p.m., Eddy Martinez Pedro, 15, was involved in a fight with another student and fled on foot after a school administrator...
Tampa Bay man survives flesh-eating bacteria after being given 10% chance of survival
A Tampa Bay man who was given a 10% chance of survival after contracting flesh-eating bacteria is beating the odds as he goes through rehab treatment.
Waverly Property Vandalized With Vulgar Imagery, Swastika; Polk County Detectives Seek Leads
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into a burglary and vandalism case involving hate speech on a private property in the Waverly area, east of Winter Haven. According to Case 26-10332, the incident occurred on March 5, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Former Air Force One pilot inspires new generation
The nation's 12th presidential pilot stopped in Polk County on Wednesday to talk about his successful career in the United States Air Force. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
