Lakeland family forced to euthanize sick puppy adopted from Polk County Animal Control Shelter
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A Lakeland family is devastated after they said they were forced to euthanize their sick puppy before Christmas. They adopted the puppy from the Polk County Animal Control Shelter, which is run by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. What they're saying:. Within a week, 10-week-old Ozzy...
McBusted: Polk County Sheriff Judd Fries A ‘McMope’ For Swiping Baby Formula
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd served up more than just justice during his morning briefing on Tuesday—he dished out a side of ridicule for a career criminal he dubbed a “McMope.”. Between sips of coffee, the Sheriff introduced the public to 48-year-old Robert...
West Central Florida Cold Alert: Freeze Watch Inland
Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events. Large portions of west central and southwest Florida are under a Cold Weather Advisory as unusually cold overnight conditions develop late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. According to the National...
Wesley Chapel family searches for answers after father hit, killed and left on roadside
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. - Florida Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Daniel Avena was hit by a vehicle along Boyette Road near Vienna Woods Lane in Wesley Chapel on the evening of Nov. 16. Troopers believe the vehicle involved was an SUV, possibly a Toyota 4Runner or something similar, traveling southbound. Investigators...
Tampa Bay sees spike in deadly crashes over holidays
As New Year’s Eve approaches, a deadly week on Tampa Bay roads is raising concerns and prompting warnings from law enforcement and safety advocates.
Shelters will open in Tampa Bay region for residents needing to escape frigid weather
Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties are opening shelters in anticipation of a cold front expected to bring freezing temperatures to the greater Tampa Bay region. Anyone without housing or proper heating devices can seek shelter. Hillsborough said its partner-provided shelters are for adults only....
Tampa, FL – Drug Bust: Deputies Find Narcotics, Firearm During Park Stop
Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events. Tampa, FL – A late-night patrol at Jackson Springs Skate Park led Hillsborough County deputies to a major drug bust early Saturday, December 28, 2025. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office,...
Tragedy On US-27: Medical Emergency Sends Davenport Man’s Car Into Marsh
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A morning commute turned tragic on Monday after a driver suffered a medical episode behind the wheel, sending his car careening off the highway and into a marsh. The fatal incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on US-27, just south of Bates Road. According to the...
Haines City Suspect Accused of Christmas Day Fire Station Burglary and Theft of Sheriff’s...
A Haines City man is facing burglary and theft charges following a Christmas Day break-in at a Winter Haven fire station. Daniel Puga, 22, is accused of stealing several items, including a “one of a kind” cowboy hat belonging to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, according to FOX 13 News.
Polk County officials ban personal fireworks amid dry spell
Polk County officials have a pretty clear message on this New Year's fireworks: don't try them at home.
