Polk’s Child Crisis Sees More Than 500 Kids Removed From Homes This Year
More than 500 children were removed from their homes across Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties over the past year, according to local officials and the region’s child‑welfare lead agency. That sobering number is driving a renewed push as Heartland for Children and Polk County spotlight May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month. Advocates say teenagers and sibling groups are the hardest to place and...
Lake Wales Man Arrested After Shed Burglary, Stolen Weed-Whacker Recovered
On Monday, April 27th, at around 9:30 pm, 33-year-old John Southerland of Lake Wales was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. PCSO deputies responded to the area of Sally Street in Lake Wales Monday evening after a report of a suspicious man entering a shed without permission. Upon...
Lakeland Regional Health’s expert general surgeons are ready to help whenever you need them
When surgery becomes part of the conversation, having a trusted, experienced team nearby makes all the difference. At Lakeland Regional Health (LRH), patients can feel confident knowing expert care is always within reach — whether it’s planned or unexpected. Comprehensive care, close to home As the largest hospital in Polk County and one of the largest independent hospitals in Florida, LRH is equipped to handle...
Lakeland resident concerned with dangerous intersection on Kathleen Road
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland resident has concerns over an intersection on Kathleen Road he calls dangerous. Jared Williams has lived off Kathleen Road his whole life. To get to and from home, he has to get through the intersection at Campbell Road, just north of Duff Road.
Sandhill crane scares gator that came too close to its family on golf course
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Terri Wilson was enjoying a recent Sunday morning at the Swiss Golf and Tennis Club in Winter Haven, when she witnessed a confrontation that could only happen in wild Florida. A sandhill crane went on the attack when an alligator came too close to its...
Lakeland Cops Re-Air Chilling Video In July 4 Gas Station Killing
On April 27, 2026, Lakeland police took another run at a stubborn cold case, re-issuing surveillance video and asking the public to help identify two men seen near the Mobil gas station at 1615 West Memorial Boulevard in connection with a July 4, 2021 shooting that killed a 34-year-old man. Officers found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and rushed...
Sheriff Grady Judd sounds alarm for drivers passing stopped school buses
Sheriff Grady Judd is sounding the alarm about drivers not paying attention or failing to stop for school buses. He said the number of citations is not going down.
‘Have My Kids’: Polk County Deputy Fired And Arrested For Grooming Teen Cadet
Skylar Lamar Bush POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 29-year-old deputy sheriff in Florida is out...
Polk County Predator Sting Nets 19 Arrests Including Well-Known Local Figure
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is...
Davenport Assistant Manager Arrested After $7,800 Theft From Ace Hardware
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested 22-year-old Justin Johnson following a grand theft investigation at the Ace Hardware located at 1218 Finley Ave in Davenport. The investigation began on Monday, April 27, 2026, after the store owner reported a pattern of unusually high...
