Local News in Polk County
Community news from our local sources
Polk County 146 storiesWiden to Greater Lakeland
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.
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026
Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026by James Coulter Ever since a local philanthropist stepped in to support them during a difficult chapter in their lives, this musical duo has been returning the kindness, joining her in helping other families…
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Mother Calls Deputies After Son Allegedly Assaults Her, Investigation Leads To Incest & Adultery Arrest For Her
Daily Ridge Staff Lakeland, Florida- What began as a call to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an alleged assault between a Lakeland mother and her son took a bizarre turn when deputies learned the two were allegedly involved in a sexual relationship. Polk County Sheriff…
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 104th AED at Lake Alfred Lions Club
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another important milestone, placing its 104th AED at the Lake Alfred Lions Club September 8. The AED was donated as the foundation’s eighth Pay It Forward AED, made possible through Bingo for a Cause at Tanners Lakeside. The Lake Alfred…
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 14Nearly 600 books were banned from Florida schools last year
The removals were reported in just 10 of Florida’s 67 school districts. Three are in Central Florida: Orange, Polk and Sumter counties.