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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.
Man with hammer charged at Polk deputy who fatally shot him, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Man with hammer charged at Polk deputy who fatally shot him, sheriff’s office saysA Polk County deputy fatally shot a man accused of raising a hammer and charging at him, according to the sheriff’s office.
Orange County Corrections officer honored for stopping attempted kidnapping at bus stop
Read full article: Orange County Corrections officer honored for stopping attempted kidnapping at bus stopA local hero received the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Children’s Day Citizen of the Year by the Orange County Commission and by Orange County Corrections where he works as a jail officer for something he did as a dad.
Orange County jail officer honored for stopping attempted kidnapping at bus stop
Read full article: Orange County jail officer honored for stopping attempted kidnapping at bus stopA local hero was just honored by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as its Missing Children's Day Citizen of the Year
Search is on for driver accused of hitting Winter Haven police sergeant’s cruiser multiple times
Read full article: Search is on for driver accused of hitting Winter Haven police sergeant’s cruiser multiple timesA sergeant for the Winter Haven Police Department has been released from the hospital after an SUV struck his patrol vehicle multiple times at a red light before taking off, according to investigators.
Woman dead, 2 arrested after dispute between gang members leads to shooting in Polk County, sheriff says
Read full article: Woman dead, 2 arrested after dispute between gang members leads to shooting in Polk County, sheriff saysA woman is dead after being shot during a dispute between rival gang members in Polk County, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
Deputies shoot Polk County man after he threatens to kill wife on birthday, sheriff says
Read full article: Deputies shoot Polk County man after he threatens to kill wife on birthday, sheriff saysA Polk County man was fatally shot by deputies after making threats to kill himself and his wife on her birthday, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
41K gallons of syrup, 40K pounds of bee pollen substitute donated to Florida beekeepers impacted by hurricanes
Read full article: 41K gallons of syrup, 40K pounds of bee pollen substitute donated to Florida beekeepers impacted by hurricanesA nonprofit said they helped donate nearly 10 tankers of syrup and 40,000 pounds of bee pollen substitute to Florida beekeepers impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
UPDATED COUNTY-BY-COUNTY IMPACTS: How Hurricane Milton will affect Central Florida
Read full article: UPDATED COUNTY-BY-COUNTY IMPACTS: How Hurricane Milton will affect Central FloridaMilton officially made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Duke Energy preps for over 1 MILLION power outages in Florida from Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Duke Energy preps for over 1 MILLION power outages in Florida from Hurricane MiltonAhead of Milton’s landfall in the state, Duke Energy stated that it is already preparing around 10,000 responders — many from out of state — to help with recovery efforts.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Hurricane Milton will impact Central Florida
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Hurricane Milton will impact Central FloridaHurricane Milton will bring the potential for strong damaging winds, considerable rainfall, threat for flooding, tornadoes and even coastal storm surge through the duration of the storm.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Feel the fright at these Central Florida haunted houses, trails, Halloween events
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Feel the fright at these Central Florida haunted houses, trails, Halloween eventsIt’s that time of year where the dreams switch to nightmares, pumpkins turn into jack-o-lanterns and houses become haunted.
Man arrested after dead and malnourished dogs found at 2 Central Florida properties
Read full article: Man arrested after dead and malnourished dogs found at 2 Central Florida propertiesA 50-year old man faces multiple animal cruelty charges after dead and malnourished dogs were discovered at two different properties, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
‘For the thrill:’ Polk County deputy resigns after exposing self at apartment complex
Read full article: ‘For the thrill:’ Polk County deputy resigns after exposing self at apartment complexA Polk County deputy resigned after he was accused of exposing himself at a Davenport apartment complex, according to a news release.
Senate chairman demands answers from Brevard County hospital, others that denied care to pregnant patients
Read full article: Senate chairman demands answers from Brevard County hospital, others that denied care to pregnant patientsHospitals are facing questions about why they denied care to pregnant patients and whether state abortion bans have influenced how they treat those patients.
Driver killed in wrong-way crash with pickup truck in Lakeland, police say
Read full article: Driver killed in wrong-way crash with pickup truck in Lakeland, police sayA 50-year-old Lakeland man was killed in a wrong-way crash after his sedan struck a curb and entered the direct path of an oncoming pickup truck, according to police.
FALL GUIDE: Here are the must-do Central Florida fall festivals, events, mazes to check out
Read full article: FALL GUIDE: Here are the must-do Central Florida fall festivals, events, mazes to check outWhile Florida doesn’t really feel like fall because, well, it’s always hot here, we can make the most of the season by doing all the typical fall things.
FHP arrests driver in Orlando after high-speed pursuit through 3 counties
Read full article: FHP arrests driver in Orlando after high-speed pursuit through 3 countiesThe Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man in Orlando after a high-speed pursuit through three counties that ended with a PIT maneuver on a Florida Turnpike exit ramp.
Driver arrested after high-speed pursuit ends in backyard of Belle Isle home, deputies say
Read full article: Driver arrested after high-speed pursuit ends in backyard of Belle Isle home, deputies sayA vehicle being chased by Polk County deputies was taken off the road with a PIT maneuver and ended up in the backyard of a Belle Isle residence, according to police.
Baby pull over! Couple welcomes newborn at Polk County Sheriff’s Office substation
Read full article: Baby pull over! Couple welcomes newborn at Polk County Sheriff’s Office substationMicah and Diam were on their way to the hospital around 7 a.m. on Saturday so Diam could give birth to their child, however, the baby couldn’t wait.
Central Florida school districts address safety amid threats, rumors, weapons on campus
Read full article: Central Florida school districts address safety amid threats, rumors, weapons on campusWith students at Central Florida public schools now about a month into their classes, a fair shake of primary and secondary campuses in our coverage area have already experienced some form of disruption in response to perceived threats.
‘I see a psychopath:’ Teen accused of stabbing, killing mother in Polk County after killing father, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘I see a psychopath:’ Teen accused of stabbing, killing mother in Polk County after killing father, sheriff saysA 17-year-old boy is accused of stabbing and killing his mother months after he shot and killed his father, according to the Polk County sheriff.
Sheriff Judd discusses arrest of Polk County attorney accused of grand theft
Read full article: Sheriff Judd discusses arrest of Polk County attorney accused of grand theftPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference on Thursday to discuss the arrest of an attorney who’s accused of grand theft.
Uncovering Florida’s quirkiest hidden gems: Viral stories behind Taintsville, Ratman, and more
Read full article: Uncovering Florida’s quirkiest hidden gems: Viral stories behind Taintsville, Ratman, and moreWhether it's the bizarre origins of a town’s name or the truth behind urban legends, News 6 continues to shed light on the peculiar and captivating stories that make Florida one of the most interesting places in the world.
Lakeland police announce arrest of man accused of trying to kill 2 detectives
Read full article: Lakeland police announce arrest of man accused of trying to kill 2 detectivesLakeland police have announced the arrest of a man accused of “clearly attempting” to shoot and kill two detectives on Tuesday.
Florida governor says he ‘never saw’ controversial state parks proposal, claims ‘left-wing group’ leaked info
Read full article: Florida governor says he ‘never saw’ controversial state parks proposal, claims ‘left-wing group’ leaked infoFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from a controversial state-level proposal to make such changes to some state parks as adding golf, pickleball and lodging.
🏙️ Cities with the most expensive homes in the Lakeland metro area
Read full article: 🏙️ Cities with the most expensive homes in the Lakeland metro areaPurchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value.
3 arrested in Polk County, accused of operating ‘mobile marijuana dispensary’
Read full article: 3 arrested in Polk County, accused of operating ‘mobile marijuana dispensary’Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference Friday morning to discuss the arrests of three people accused of operating a “mobile marijuana dispensary.”
‘Professional burglars:’ Suspects in $1.7M theft ring came to US illegally, Florida sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Professional burglars:’ Suspects in $1.7M theft ring came to US illegally, Florida sheriff saysOfficials said all of the suspects were in the U.S. illegally, targeting homes that belonged to small business owners.
Celebrate 20 years of Peppa Pig at Florida theme park dance party
Read full article: Celebrate 20 years of Peppa Pig at Florida theme park dance partyIn collaboration with Hasbro and Amazon, Peppa’s Dance Party will deliver engaging in-person and virtual play experiences for preschoolers and their families across the globe.
10 Central Florida Conn’s HomePlus locations to close after bankruptcy announcement
Read full article: 10 Central Florida Conn’s HomePlus locations to close after bankruptcy announcementConn’s HomePlus, a home goods store that has been around for 134 years, has filed for bankruptcy and will be closing nearly half of its 170 stores, according to CNN.
The grades are in for Central Florida school districts. Here’s how they fared in 2024
Read full article: The grades are in for Central Florida school districts. Here’s how they fared in 2024The Florida Department of Education announce that schools in the state have been scored under a new grading scale.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are safe meetup sites for online sales in Central Florida
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are safe meetup sites for online sales in Central FloridaSeveral law enforcement agencies throughout Central Florida have set up exchange zones in their parking lots to offer safe places to conduct online sales transactions.
Woman killed, children among 3 injured in crash near Davenport, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Woman killed, children among 3 injured in crash near Davenport, sheriff’s office saysA Jacksonville woman was killed and her two children were among three others hurt in a single-vehicle crash near Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Man shot, killed in front of family by Polk deputy he rammed with car, tried to attack, sheriff says
Read full article: Man shot, killed in front of family by Polk deputy he rammed with car, tried to attack, sheriff saysA confrontation between a suspect and a Polk County deputy ended in the suspect’s death and left the deputy in the hospital, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
‘End of an Icon:’ Removal of I-4 Fantasy of Flight plane featured in documentary
Read full article: ‘End of an Icon:’ Removal of I-4 Fantasy of Flight plane featured in documentaryFor 25 years, it sat as a roadside landmark along I-4 in Polk County and different positions. Now, a new documentary will detail the removal of a World War II-era plane.
Deputies find 3 more victims in Polk County child voyeur case
Read full article: Deputies find 3 more victims in Polk County child voyeur caseThree more victims have come forward and new charges have been filed against a Polk County man who was arrested last month, accused of secretly photographing a teen in his bathroom.
1 shot, killed in Winter Haven as man claims gun went off while he cleaned it, police say
Read full article: 1 shot, killed in Winter Haven as man claims gun went off while he cleaned it, police sayWinter Haven police have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of fatally shooting another man in "an act that appears to be negligence in the handling of a firearm," according to Chief David Brannan.
These are the cleanest, dirtiest lakes in the US. Most are in Central Florida
Read full article: These are the cleanest, dirtiest lakes in the US. Most are in Central FloridaResearchers examined the chemical balance in these lakes to figure out which were the cleanest — and which ones left something to be desired.
Central Florida sheriff’s offices offer safe zones for child custody exchanges. Here’s where to find them
Read full article: Central Florida sheriff’s offices offer safe zones for child custody exchanges. Here’s where to find themNearly 200 new laws are now in effect in Florida as of July 1, and one of them is aimed at keeping parents, guardians and children safe during custody exchanges.
‘A family affair:’ 64 arrested as Polk sheriff’s office paralyzes Lakeland-based drug ring
Read full article: ‘A family affair:’ 64 arrested as Polk sheriff’s office paralyzes Lakeland-based drug ringPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference to discuss “Operation Rooske,” a three-year investigation into a Lakeland-based drug ring that recently culminated with its leading members named among 64 arrests.
Polk County man accused of taking pictures of nude teen; more victims possible
Read full article: Polk County man accused of taking pictures of nude teen; more victims possibleDeputies arrested a man Wednesday who they say was taking pictures of a nude teenage girl in his bathroom, without her knowledge, and they believe there may be more victims.
Lake Wales woman runs over man, baby with her car during argument, deputies say
Read full article: Lake Wales woman runs over man, baby with her car during argument, deputies sayA Lake Wales woman was arrested after running over a man, who was carrying a baby, with her car during an argument, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida deputy accused of showing up to work after drinking ‘coffee mugs of whiskey’
Read full article: Florida deputy accused of showing up to work after drinking ‘coffee mugs of whiskey’Everett admitted to drinking around three “coffee mugs of whiskey” the night prior, according to the sheriff's office.
Winter Haven girl, 16, seriously injured after being struck by SUV while sitting on curb, FHP says
Read full article: Winter Haven girl, 16, seriously injured after being struck by SUV while sitting on curb, FHP saysA 16-year-old girl was seriously injured when an SUV drove onto the sidewalk and struck her as she sat on a curb in Winter Haven, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Making a summer bucket list? Add these Central Florida activities
Read full article: Making a summer bucket list? Add these Central Florida activitiesSummer is a perfect opportunity to try new things in the area and spend time with your family. Here a listing of summer activity ideas, along with some specific events, in Central Florida to check out.
VIDEO: Florida McDonald’s employee accused of shooting at customers during drive-thru fight
Read full article: VIDEO: Florida McDonald’s employee accused of shooting at customers during drive-thru fightA 22-year-old Central Florida McDonald’s employee was arrested after she shot at customers during a drive-thru spat that was partially captured on surveillance cameras.
Orlando man accused of crashing into police cruiser while driving drunk in Polk County
Read full article: Orlando man accused of crashing into police cruiser while driving drunk in Polk CountyAn Orlando man was arrested Tuesday morning by Davenport Police following a dangerous collision and charged with three counts of serious traffic violations, according to the Davenport Police Department.
Florida Forest Service works to contain 4,500-acre brush fire in Polk County
Read full article: Florida Forest Service works to contain 4,500-acre brush fire in Polk CountyA brush fire that began Wednesday in Polk County is holding at 4,500 acres as of Saturday, according to the Florida Forest Service - Lakeland District.