Local News in Polk County
Community news from our local sources
Polk County 152 storiesWiden to Greater Lakeland
Positively Osceola
Published August 29Harmony’s Kane Dow Delivers Pick-Six in Longhorns’ Tough Road Battle Against Victory Christian
Junior cornerback provides the play of the night for Harmony against Victory Christian Academy LAKELAND, Fla. — The final score may not have gone Harmony’s way Friday night, but junior […]
Daily Ridge
Published August 29Road Work Expected in Haines City Monday, August 31
City of Haines City – Government: Attention Residents & Commuters C and B Civil will be conducting road work at the corner of 30th St N and Hinson Ave on August 31th, 2026. The following areas will be affected: Southbound lane on 30th St N at intersectionThe road work is expected…
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Published August 27Pinellas sheriff re-booked migrants to bypass federal law limiting detention time, says report
After allegedly being assaulted by her husband, Soumia Bensalah was taken into custody by police in Polk County. Despite having no local criminal charges, she spent the following weeks two counties over, being booked and re-booked into the Pinellas County Jail on behalf of U.S.…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Winter Haven Police Call Case “Absolutely Heartbreaking” as Grandmother Faces Manslaughter Charge – After Child Died In Hot Car
A 74-year-old grandmother has been taken into custody and charged in the death of her 17-month-old granddaughter. In a heartbreaking event back on March 31, 2026, a 17-month-old girl was in a car seat in the back seat of her grandmother’s car after being picked up along with a…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Alert Neighbor Calls Police While Juvenile Burglarizing Vehicles In Neighborhood
On August 25, 2026 at approximately 1:45 a.m., Winter Haven officers responded to a residence on Salisbury Dr. in Winter Haven where a neighbor was watching someone burglarize vehicles in the neighborhood. The caller watched the subject enter two vehicles and attempt to enter…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Polk County Commissioner to Reconsider Property Maintenance Ordinance to Exempt Vegetables and Other Edible Plants
Polk County Commissioner to Reconsider Property Maintenance Ordinance to Exempt Vegetables and Other Edible Plantsby James Coulter Would the county cut down tomato plants and other garden vegetables if they grow taller than 18 inches? That’s a scenario commissioners want to avoid…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Expanding Industrial Space and Infrastructure Could Put Lake Wales on a “Pathway to Prosperity,” Study Shows
Expanding Industrial Space and Infrastructure Could Put Lake Wales on a “Pathway to Prosperity,” Study Shows by James Coulter Lake Wales faces a pivotal moment. To secure equitable growth and long‑term prosperity, the city must capitalize on its airport, expand its limited…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Polk County High School Football Preview Week 2
By Ethan Jones Polk County High School Football Preview Week 2 After an action-packed opening week of high school football across Polk County, teams now turn their attention to Week 2 with plenty still to prove. Some programs are looking to build on strong Week 1 performances,…
Daily Ridge
Published August 26Crystal Lake Park Offers a Peaceful Outdoor Escape in Lakeland
Looking for a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors and get away from the hustle and bustle? Crystal Lake Park in Lakeland offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Located at 2500 N. Crystal Lake Drive, the park is open from dawn until dusk and features…
WMNF 88.5
Published August 25City of Bartow schedules community meetings on proposed Amendment 3
The City of Bartow will host three community meetings to discuss its proposed 2026–27 budget, city priorities and the potential local effects of Florida’s proposed constitutional Amendment 3 ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. City Manager Mike Herr is expected to discuss city…
Daily Ridge
Published August 25Winter Haven Man Arrested on Active Polk County Warrant After Off-Duty Deputy Spots Him at Restaurant
Arrested by PCSO: 37-year-old Hunter Wayne Kemp of Winter Haven. On Sunday, August 23, 2026, at around 7 pm, an off-duty deputy was at a Winter Haven restaurant when he noticed Hunter Wayne Kemp was there too. The deputy was quite aware that Hunter had an active Polk County…
WMNF 88.5
Published August 17Appeals court approves the use of radioactive waste in a road paving test in Polk County.
The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency over its approval of phosphogypsum as a road paving material.