“Operation Pop Top”, Two Lakeland Store Clerks Charged with Illegal Alcohol Sales to Minor
In a focused clampdown on illegal alcohol sales in Polk County, two convenience store sales clerks have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, deputies report. The incident took place during a sting operation dubbed “Operation Pop Top” headed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The sting involved checking...
Lakeland couple arrested after series of armed robberies in Tampa: DOJ
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)—A Lakeland couple was arrested for committing a series of armed robberies, the Department of Justice announced. Andres Correa, 39, and Cassandra Kerr, 46, were both arrested after a complaint alleged that Correa committed a series of armed robberies while Kerr aided and abetted Correa in...
Florida woman arrested for unlicensed dental work denied bond after latest arrest
TAMPA, Fla. - A woman accused of practicing cosmetic dentistry without a license will stay in jail after a Tampa judge revoked her bond on Friday. Emely Martinez faces charges in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Investigators say she advertised her services on social media as a veneer technician, promising...
Lakeland Linder International Airport planning expansion to help meet 20 year growth demand
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s been a little over a year since passenger flights started back up at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Avelo airlines became the first passenger airline to take off from the airport in more than a decade. Airport officials say foot traffic has increased, and so...
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These monthly events always happen on the same day in downtown areas and historic districts across Polk County and beyond.
Polk County firefighters reunite with baby they helped deliver
The Polk County firefighters reunited with the family whose baby they helped deliver earlier this month.
Florida Man Busted Again, Now For Trying To Use Debit Card As Driver’s License
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven man with a lengthy rap sheet is back behind bars after a traffic stop led to his seventh arrest and more charges. On Wednesday, 57-year-old William Lee Walters was pulled over in Lakeland by a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy who noticed his white Cadillac SUV swerving over the double...
‘Horrific’: 3 dogs rescued after they were found abandoned in the woods
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Three dogs were rescued after they were found abandoned in the woods in Hillsborough County. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay took to social media on Thursday, saying Blessing, Hope and Spirit — all Pointer/Hound mixes — were found behind Blessings Gas Station on US 41 in Lutz.
Affidavit: Man claimed he had bomb in his backpack while walking near Polk County...
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man was arrested after he claimed he had a bomb in his backpack while walking near a school in Polk County, according to arrest records. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Taylor Roca, 20, is facing multiple charges, including false report of a bomb,...
‘Best thing I’ve ever done’: 20 years ago, Lakeland man rescued animals after Katrina
Joel Hunter is the kind of guy who heads out on a 50-mile bike ride and comes home with a stray dog he found along the way nestled under his jersey. The Lakeland resident retired early from his job as a gerontologist with a nonprofit after his bosses told him to stop picking up abandoned dogs he saw while driving on...
