Why charges were dropped for man who abandoned Trooper during Hurricane Milton
According to court documents, charges against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, of Ruskin, were dropped this week.
‘Quite severe bite wound’: Polk vet tech bit by rabid cat, rabies alert issued
A rabies alert is in effect in Polk County after a rabid cat bit a veterinary technician at a Lakeland animal hospital Sunday evening.
Gun fired inside a Davenport McDonald’s after argument over orders, Polk authorities say
DAVENPORT, Fla. — A routine Sunday at a Davenport McDonald’s escalated into a dangerous situation involving a gun after an argument over food orders, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. According to Sheriff Judd, the incident began when the restaurant started getting slammed with orders and culminated in...
Teen Armed With Rifle Leads To Massive Drug, Cash, And Weapons Seizure In Plant...
PLANT CITY, Fla. – A 17-year-old Plant City resident is facing numerous felony charges following an arrest on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that began with detectives observing him leave his residence armed with a rifle. The subsequent search of his vehicle and home on Jap Tucker Road uncovered a...
Lakeland to sell former J.C. Penney building and Orange Street garage to Publix for...
Lakeland is preparing to sell two downtown properties to Publix Super Markets for $10 each. City Attorney Palmer Davis told city commissioners on Friday that the $10 sale price stems from a deal negotiated 30 years ago, not a new incentive. The two buildings are part of the information technology...
Polk State College drops African-American Studies course to align with new state law
LAKELAND, Fla. - An African-American studies course is no longer being taught at Polk State College because, according to officials there, it didn't comply with state law. "Introduction to African-American Studies" at Polk State College surveyed the beginnings of slavery, the rise of abolitionism, the social and...
24-Year-Old Hooter’s Manager Runs For Florida City Mayor
A 24-year-old Lakeland resident has announced her candidacy for mayor, seeking to bring a new perspective to local government and represent younger voters.
Lakeland Police Department is Seeking Ordained Clergy for Volunteer Chaplain Program
Are you an ordained minister seeking to bring your pastoral calling into a vital service field? The Lakeland Police Department is seeking ordained clergy with a heart for service and community to join our dedicated team as Volunteer Police Chaplains. As a Chaplain, you’ll play a vital role in providing...
Mobile mammography units move across Bay Area
Advent Health has three mobile mammography units to allow more women to be screened for breast cancer. FOX 13’s Kailey Tracy reports.
Pleasant conditions continue through the weekend
Mainly sunny skies Friday morning will eventually give way to partly cloudy skies for the afternoon. While dew points are slightly higher, humidity will stay generally comfortable as high temperatures climb above-average into the upper 80s. Expect rain-free conditions to continue into Saturday, along with mostly...
