BREAKING NEWS
‘A good thing for sure:’ FDOT opens relief lanes on I-4 in Osceola, Polk counties
Read full article: ‘A good thing for sure:’ FDOT opens relief lanes on I-4 in Osceola, Polk countiesDrivers along one section of Interstate 4 are seeing shorter travel times with the opening of new congestion relief lanes.
These are the 9 best Florida cities to retire with a monthly budget of $2K, study shows
Read full article: These are the 9 best Florida cities to retire with a monthly budget of $2K, study showsThis month, FinanceBuzz has released its list of the best Florida cities for retirees living on a budget of $2,000 or less each month.
2 truck drivers arrested in elaborate fuel theft operation in Florida, investigators say
Read full article: 2 truck drivers arrested in elaborate fuel theft operation in Florida, investigators sayBoth individuals were arrested in Polk and Broward counties and face felony charges for fuel theft and fraud, with prosecution pending in Santa Rosa County’s First Judicial Circuit.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alerts
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alertsFrom boil water notices to sand bag locations to shelters, emergency alerts are sent out by the county to get important information to its residents — especially during a major storm or hurricane.
Central Florida sees elevated fire danger with picture-perfect day on tap; fire warning issued for parts of area
Read full article: Central Florida sees elevated fire danger with picture-perfect day on tap; fire warning issued for parts of areaIf you’re celebrating Easter, you’re in luck — Mother Nature is bringing the sunshine!
‘You’re not God:’ Gunman killed, 2 law enforcement officers hit during shootout near Polk County Publix
Read full article: ‘You’re not God:’ Gunman killed, 2 law enforcement officers hit during shootout near Polk County PublixA Polk County deputy and a Bartow police officer have been injured during a shooting in Bartow, according to the sheriff’s office.
5 robbery suspects were linked to Venezuelan gang, Polk County sheriff says
Read full article: 5 robbery suspects were linked to Venezuelan gang, Polk County sheriff saysThe Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five men for organized theft crimes that they say also had ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren De Argua and were in the country illegally.
Looking for good weather? This Central Florida city has the best in the state
Read full article: Looking for good weather? This Central Florida city has the best in the stateFlorida is called the "Sunshine State" for a reason, though it turns out that one city reigns above the rest when it comes to weather.
Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns River
Read full article: Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns RiverOf all the roads in central Florida, I-4 is one of the busiest. And if you live in Seminole County, you've probably sat in traffic where it gets backed up over the St. Johns River Bridge.
Florida high school head football coach accused of voyeurism, inappropriate conduct toward students
Read full article: Florida high school head football coach accused of voyeurism, inappropriate conduct toward studentsThe head football coach at Bartow High School is accused of voyeurism and inappropriate conduct toward students.
This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account for
Read full article: This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account forThe Bureau of Economic Business and Research is contracted by the state to tell cities and counties how much growth they need to accommodate in the coming years.
REPORT: Here are 9 Florida cities where you can live off Social Security alone
Read full article: REPORT: Here are 9 Florida cities where you can live off Social Security aloneWith so many people moving to Florida over the past few years, it’s little surprise that housing costs have become a big concern for many.
Florida woman runs over another woman after seeing her with estranged husband, deputies say
Read full article: Florida woman runs over another woman after seeing her with estranged husband, deputies sayA Florida woman on probation struck a woman with her vehicle and ran her over after seeing the victim walking with her estranged husband, according to sheriff’s officials.
Florida assistant principal forced student to rub her feet, called him ‘Sexy Chocolate,’ deputies say
Read full article: Florida assistant principal forced student to rub her feet, called him ‘Sexy Chocolate,’ deputies sayAn assistant principal of a middle school in Poinciana has been arrested on allegations that she behaved inappropriately with a 13-year-old student.
‘A lot of people are not moving over:’ Law enforcement hands out more than 17K ‘Move-Over’ tickets
Read full article: ‘A lot of people are not moving over:’ Law enforcement hands out more than 17K ‘Move-Over’ ticketsIt was a little good news, in the epidemic of Florida hit-and-run crashes: The Florida Highway Patrol made an arrest of a 49-year-old driver from Davenport after two case-cracking anonymous tips.
Driver behind Florida hit-and-run spree dies after crashing into tree, police say
Read full article: Driver behind Florida hit-and-run spree dies after crashing into tree, police sayThe driver behind a hit-and-run spree in Auburndale died in a crash on Tuesday morning, according to the police department.
‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central Florida
Read full article: ‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central FloridaA child pornography investigation spanning multiple countries has led to several arrests in Central Florida, according to state officials on Monday.
6-year-old struck in Auburndale hit-and-run; woman pretended to be driver to protect daughter, police say
Read full article: 6-year-old struck in Auburndale hit-and-run; woman pretended to be driver to protect daughter, police sayA woman pretended to be behind the wheel of an SUV that struck a 6-year-old boy in a hit-and-run crash to “protect” her daughter from getting arrested, according to the Auburndale Police Department.
Man accused of aiming gun during road rage incident in Polk County, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Man accused of aiming gun during road rage incident in Polk County, sheriff’s office saysA 22-year-old man arrested in Polk County will face charges in a road rage incident that the victims caught on dashcam, according to the sheriff’s office.
‘Trust the science:’ Road made of radioactive waste coming to Central Florida. Here’s why
Read full article: ‘Trust the science:’ Road made of radioactive waste coming to Central Florida. Here’s whyOn a small plot of land in Polk County, a company is hard at work crafting a road out of radioactive materials.
How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Florida’s counties
Read full article: How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Florida’s countiesIf you need help getting out of an abusive situation, you can find shelters and groups in almost every Central Florida county.
Firefighters make progress on containing some Carolina wildfires, but others grow
Read full article: Firefighters make progress on containing some Carolina wildfires, but others growFirefighters have announced progress on containing two of the largest wildfires burning in the North Carolina mountains, but are warning that fire danger remains from dry and windy conditions.
Firefighters in the Carolinas battle multiple wildfires as New Jersey crews contain a forest blaze
Read full article: Firefighters in the Carolinas battle multiple wildfires as New Jersey crews contain a forest blazeFirefighters in North and South Carolina are battling multiple wind-driven wildfires.
Hit by storms and disease, Florida's citrus growers try to survive until bug-free trees arrive
Read full article: Hit by storms and disease, Florida's citrus growers try to survive until bug-free trees arriveFlorida’s citrus growers are struggling to survive the one-two punch of hurricanes and disease.
Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?Earlier this week during a Winter Haven news conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made several jabs at states like California and New York.
Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies say
Read full article: Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies sayA motorcycle driver was killed in Lakeland after a collision with a FedEx truck Monday afternoon, according to a social media post from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
‘Just eliminate it entirely:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis vows to axe rent, property taxes
Read full article: ‘Just eliminate it entirely:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis vows to axe rent, property taxesOn Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged to eliminate business rent taxes as he touted the state's economic success.
Teens in stolen car lead I-4 chase that ends in crash on Lee Road in Orange County, deputies say
Read full article: Teens in stolen car lead I-4 chase that ends in crash on Lee Road in Orange County, deputies sayA stolen vehicle carrying seven people led law enforcement on a chase, ending in a crash on Lee Road in Orange County, according to sheriff’s officials.
Silver Alert issued after missing elderly Florida man’s car spotted along I-4
Read full article: Silver Alert issued after missing elderly Florida man’s car spotted along I-4A 79-year-old Melbourne man sparked a Silver Alert on Wednesday after his car was spotted along Interstate 4, according to the police department.
‘Prototype’ Publix store coming to Central Florida. Here’s what you should know
Read full article: ‘Prototype’ Publix store coming to Central Florida. Here’s what you should knowA “prototype” Publix store is coming to Central Florida, bringing some new features for customers in the area, according to a company spokesperson.
Gator attacks woman who was ‘paddling’ at Tiger Creek Preserve in Florida, wildlife officials say
Read full article: Gator attacks woman who was ‘paddling’ at Tiger Creek Preserve in Florida, wildlife officials sayA woman is in the hospital after being attacked by an alligator on Monday in Polk County, according to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Gator attacks woman who was ‘paddling’ in Tiger Creek Canal in Florida, wildlife officials say
Read full article: Gator attacks woman who was ‘paddling’ in Tiger Creek Canal in Florida, wildlife officials sayA woman is in the hospital after being attacked by an alligator on Monday in Polk County, according to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Florida woman accused of stealing electricity before Great Dane attacked deputy
Read full article: Florida woman accused of stealing electricity before Great Dane attacked deputyDeputies responded to the home after Duke Energy workers reported that she "released" her dogs at them, according to the sheriff's office.
4-year-old dies after accidentally shooting self in Davenport; police not seeking charges against parents
Read full article: 4-year-old dies after accidentally shooting self in Davenport; police not seeking charges against parentsA 4-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself with a handgun that he found in the family vehicle has died, according to Davenport police.
Driver grazed by bullet on I-4 in Polk County, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Driver grazed by bullet on I-4 in Polk County, sheriff’s office saysA person driving along Interstate 4 in Polk County was grazed by a bullet that was fired by someone in another vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Haines City couple falls victim to wire fraud during home purchase
Read full article: Haines City couple falls victim to wire fraud during home purchaseA Haines City couple found themselves in a financial nightmare after cybercriminals intercepted the money they were sending for a down payment on their new home.
Man wanted after black swans, eggs nabbed from Central Florida mobile home park
Read full article: Man wanted after black swans, eggs nabbed from Central Florida mobile home parkA man was arrested on Wednesday after a couple of black swans and their six eggs were stolen from a mobile home park in Polk County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Driver killed when box truck rear-ends tractor-trailer in Polk County, troopers say
Read full article: Driver killed when box truck rear-ends tractor-trailer in Polk County, troopers sayA driver died when the box truck they were taking through Polk County struck the rear of a tractor-trailer and caught fire, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Depression-era New Deal murals still hang in these Florida post offices
Read full article: Depression-era New Deal murals still hang in these Florida post officesOver 90 years ago, artists put their stamp on Florida history after they were hired to paint murals across the U.S. during President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s plan to get Americans back to work.
Joann Fabrics will close 500 of its 800 stores, including these Central Florida stores
Read full article: Joann Fabrics will close 500 of its 800 stores, including these Central Florida storesJoann Fabrics will close almost all of its Central Florida stores as it grapples with bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.
New Publix store coming to Central Florida next month. Here’s what to expect
Read full article: New Publix store coming to Central Florida next month. Here’s what to expectIt’s a brand-new year, but that’s not stopping Florida’s ever-popular grocery chain from expanding with even more store openings.
These are the deadliest areas in Florida for car crashes. Which ranked No. 1?
Read full article: These are the deadliest areas in Florida for car crashes. Which ranked No. 1?With 2024 all wrapped up, Florida officials have now released last year's statewide crash data. However, some might be surprised by which counties ranked among the deadliest.
More lanes coming to I-4 in Polk, Osceola counties to help reduce congestion. Here’s the timing
Read full article: More lanes coming to I-4 in Polk, Osceola counties to help reduce congestion. Here’s the timingConstruction work will ramp up along Interstate 4 in Polk and Osceola counties to add more lanes and reduce congestion, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Lakeland man dies after hit-and-run crash while changing wheel in Pinellas County, FHP says
Read full article: Lakeland man dies after hit-and-run crash while changing wheel in Pinellas County, FHP saysA 37-year-old Lakeland man died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash along an interstate in Pinellas County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Man wanted on ‘half dozen arrest warrants’ out of Orange County arrested in Polk County
Read full article: Man wanted on ‘half dozen arrest warrants’ out of Orange County arrested in Polk CountyA 40-year-old Lake Hamilton man wanted in Orange County for “a half dozen arrest warrants,” including attempted murder, was arrested in Polk County, according to a news release.
Man accused of molesting child, featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted,’ moved to Osceola jail
Read full article: Man accused of molesting child, featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted,’ moved to Osceola jailA man arrested last year in Polk County, accused of molesting a child, has been transferred to the Osceola County Jail, court records show.
‘Golden opportunity:’ DeSantis outlines immigration priorities ahead of Trump’s new presidency
Read full article: ‘Golden opportunity:’ DeSantis outlines immigration priorities ahead of Trump’s new presidencyFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to pledge partnership from all levels state to local with soon-to-be President Donald Trump’s administration on tackling illegal immigration.
Honduran man shoots off own finger during murder attempt, Florida police say
Read full article: Honduran man shoots off own finger during murder attempt, Florida police sayPolice said he attacked his ex-partner's boyfriend after coming in through a window, though he shot his own finger off during the process.
BIG changes on the way after cold front sweeps through Central Florida. Here’s what to expect
Read full article: BIG changes on the way after cold front sweeps through Central Florida. Here’s what to expectMajor weather changes are on the horizon in Central Florida following the recent cold front. Stay updated on the latest weather developments with our forecasts.
Crazy video: Jeep Gladiator rams into vehicle in Winter Haven hit-and-run crash
Read full article: Crazy video: Jeep Gladiator rams into vehicle in Winter Haven hit-and-run crashThe Winter Haven Police Department is searching for a Jeep Gladiator that was caught on video ramming into a vehicle in a neighborhood earlier this month before driving off.
‘Delay, Deny, Depose:’ Florida woman accused of threatening insurance company with same words in CEO shooting
Read full article: ‘Delay, Deny, Depose:’ Florida woman accused of threatening insurance company with same words in CEO shootingA Florida woman is accused of threatening her insurance company by using words that were written on ammunition used in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO last week, according to law enforcement.
Legoland offers free kids’ tickets with Toys for Tots donation Sunday
Read full article: Legoland offers free kids’ tickets with Toys for Tots donation SundayLegoland Florida is teaming up with Coca-Cola to get more gifts for children in need this Christmas, and on Sunday that means free tickets for kids into the park.
Florida man accused of killing father, shooting mother arrested in Orlando
Read full article: Florida man accused of killing father, shooting mother arrested in OrlandoA Florida man accused of killing his father and shooting his mother reportedly told detectives that his father was upset with him about spending his time playing video games and not getting a job.
Merlin Entertainments announces ticket sale for Legoland Florida
Read full article: Merlin Entertainments announces ticket sale for Legoland FloridaThe kickoff to the Christmas shopping season is a week away, but before Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Floridians can take advantage of more theme park ticket deals.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 season
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 seasonFrom markets to festivals to drive-through displays, the options are endless when it comes to holiday fun.
FBI, Polk deputies dismantle gang’s massive check fraud ring, sheriff says
Read full article: FBI, Polk deputies dismantle gang’s massive check fraud ring, sheriff saysAn investigation by the FBI and Polk County Sheriff’s Office dismantled a gang’s massive check fraud ring that had more than 200 victims, according to law enforcement.
Nurse accused of stealing over $140K from blind, elderly Polk County man
Read full article: Nurse accused of stealing over $140K from blind, elderly Polk County manDetectives said the nurse was originally hired as a home health nurse to take care of the victim’s wife, though the wife passed away in 2020.
Boy among 4 arrested after armed robbery at Lakeland memorial service, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Boy among 4 arrested after armed robbery at Lakeland memorial service, sheriff’s office saysA 17-year-old boy was among four people arrested over the last week following an armed robbery at a memorial service in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.