Seeking Genuine Donation Centers: A Community Discussion
There are many people with surplus items such as clothes, blankets, and other random items that they no longer use and wish to donate. However, finding the right place to donate these items can be a challenge. Some people might think of Goodwill, but they may also be aware that this organization profits from these...
FDOT looks to test air taxis in Polk County
Flying cars are a step closer to reality in Florida, and Polk County is where research is being conducted to bring highways to the skies. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
Highways in the skies: FDOT outlines phased rollout of flying cars in Polk County
AUBURNDALE, Fla. - Flying cars are a step closer to reality in Florida, and Polk County is where research is being conducted to bring highways to the skies. SunTrax, a facility in Auburndale for testing transportation technology, is where vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are being researched and developed....
Honoring a transit ambassador for the city
Squeeze shuttle operator Marcellus Patterson was honored with a Citrus Connection GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award for his amazing relationships with his passengers. While we already knew that Marcellus was an incredible operator, an email from one of his passengers was sent to us outlining the joy he and his friend...
New Port Richey Man Arrested on Multiple Charges After Fleeing Traffic Stop Near Lakeland
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Jonas Christopher Kaiser, 28, of New Port Richey, was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop on I-4 near Lakeland. A Polk County Sheriff's deputy recorded Kaiser’s vehicle traveling at 89 mph in a 70 mph zone. During the stop, baggies of marijuana fell from his pocket, and Kaiser drove...
Local Gas Station Clerk Victim at Site of Overnight Burglary
An overnight burglary at a local gas station leaves a store clerk shaken as suspects are still at large. In the wee hours of the morning on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, the QP Gas Station, located at 704 N. Scenic Hwy. in Lake Wales, was the location of the burglary.
‘That’s not a mistake’: Florida sisters caught trying to steal nearly $2,500 worth of...
"When you walk into a store and try to leave with nearly $2,500 worth of unpaid merchandise, that’s not a mistake—that’s a crime," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. The post 'That's not a mistake': Florida sisters caught trying to steal nearly $2,500 worth of merchandise by covering their shopping carts with...
Auburndale Clerk Arrested After Underage Alcohol Sale During Local Sheriff Operation
On November 13, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office checked seven convenience stores in Auburndale and Lakeland. The checks were part of Operation Pop Top, which aims to stop the illegal sale of alcohol and restricted products to minors. The operation used Cadet 1000, a program for high school students interested...
Toxic Air Concerns at Polk County Animal Control Florida: A Hidden Danger to Staff,...
There are growing concerns about the air quality around the Polk County Animal Control facility due to its close proximity to the landfill. Landfills can release gases such as ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, as well as dust, mold, and bacteria that can travel through the air. This kind of...
1 dead after golf cart leaves road in Poinciana, firefighters say
POINCIANA, Fla. – A dead person was found Saturday morning in Poinciana near a golf cart that had left the road, according to Polk County Fire Rescue. First responders got the call around 9:13 a.m., arriving to the scene in the 60 block of Bell Tower Crossing to find the golf cart off the road, as well as the dead...
