News across Polk County
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Published September 17News Update for 09/17/26
The trial of TJ Wiggins is moving forward in Polk County over the 2020 Frostproof killings of three men. On the second day of testimony, a medical examiner detailed the victims’ fatal injuries, while prosecutors showed surveillance video from businesses visited by Wiggins and the…
Daily Ridge
Published September 1629 Year-Old Driver Killed In I-4 Crash Involving Lakeland Man Near SR 33
A 29-year-old Riverview man was killed Wednesday morning in a crash on Interstate 4 involving a pickup truck driven by a Lakeland man. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, near the State Road 33 Exit 38…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Additional Details After Florida Attorney General Announces Charges Against Man Accused of Videotaping 8-Year-Old Child For Exploitation
Lakeland, Florida – A child exploitation case announced Tuesday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has roots in a Polk County investigation dating back more than a year, after a woman allegedly discovered a disturbing video on a phone used by the suspect. Rafiq Osborne…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Polk State Revives Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program With Florida Department of Education
Polk State College is bringing back a registered apprenticeship program aimed at preparing local students for cybersecurity jobs while helping Polk County employers fill a growing need for skilled workers. The college announced Wednesday that it is revitalizing its Cybersecurity…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Florida Attorney General Charges Man Who Allegedly Sexually Exploited An 8 Yr Old Child In Polk & Orange Counties
A 34-year-old man is facing charges that could send him to prison for life after investigators say he sexually abused a child under the age of 12, recorded the abuse and possessed child sexual abuse material. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that Rafiq…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Polk County Animal Control Confirms 6th Case of Rabies in Polk County
The 6th case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in the Eloise area of Winter Haven. On Thursday, September 10, 2026, a resident on 8th Street picked up what she thought was a mouse in her yard, and then realized it was a live bat. Animal Control Officers…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Yellow Jackets Swarm Bloodhounds, Defense ends Auburndale’s Perfect Start
By Ethan Jones Coming into Friday night, the (2-0) Auburndale Bloodhounds had been one of the hottest teams in Polk County. After opening the season 2-0, Auburndale scored 107 points while allowing zero, looking nearly unstoppable through its first two games. But standing in…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16CareerSource Polk Executive Director Fired in 3–2 County Commission Vote
CareerSource Polk Executive Director Fired in 3–2 County Commission Voteby James Coulter After being temporarily removed amid allegations of mismanagement, deception, and noncompliance, Stacy Campbell‑Domineck has now been permanently removed as President and CEO of CareerSource…
FlaglerLive
Published September 16The Eagle, or At Least the Sheriff’s Bird, Has Landed at Mosquito Control After Months of Storage in Lakeland
The Flagler County Sheriff's newly acquired helicopter landed at the East Flagler Mosquito Control District Tuesday and is now permanently housed at the district's hangar. Both agencies signed an interlocal agreement outlining shared ground operations. An attempt to run Flagler…
Daily Ridge
Published September 16Future Land Use Change Approved for Site of Kathleen Government Center in Lakeland
Future Land Use Change Approved for Site of Kathleen Government Center in Lakelandby James Coulter Residents in North Lakeland are one step closer to a new government building where they can obtain building permits, pay water bills, and attend public meetings now that a future…
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Driver Accused of Leaving Bicyclist to Die After Reynolds Road Crash Is Legal Immigrant, Now Held on ICE Detainer
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a vehicle vs bicycle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at approximately 9:10 p.m. at Sunshine Ave. and Reynolds Rd. in Lakeland. According to evidence and witness…
St Pete Catalyst
Published September 15Bob Dylan’s 1976 bay area swing coming in massive CD set
Included are complete shows from St. Petersburg, Tampa, Lakeland ... and the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.