Polk County | Tampa Florida Local News

STORM SEASON

Hi-res satellite image of Hurricane Milton (Courtesy / NOAA/CIRA)

21:32

STORM SEASON

Tampa Bay's complete guide to Storm Season 2025

Coming off of a tough 2024 season, the Tampa Bay community has been forever changed.

21:32

Tampa1 day ago

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday at Jersey Commons in Polk County. (Spectrum News/Fadia Patterson)

2:24

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A new kind of housing for those in need

The Bay area’s affordable housing crisis impacts a variety of people across the region.

2:24

Polk County2 days ago

EVERYDAY HERO

Sean Sweat is a firefighter and Army veteran. (Spectrum News)

1:59

EVERYDAY HERO

Sean Sweat runs Lake Hollingsworth with flags to honor veterans

Sean Sweat runs with flags to honor veterans. He started 15 years ago to honor his old platoon leader who was killed in the line of duty.

1:59

Tampa3 days ago

AIR TRAVEL

The $1.2 million system, along with a dedicated radio frequency, is awaiting FAA approval. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

1:21

AIR TRAVEL

Winter Haven to launch nation’s first digital remote tower

Officials hope the new digital system will help increase safety and efficiency for pilots.

1:21

Polk County5 days ago

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

AAA spokesperson Andre El Khouri says this year, AAA is expecting 2.6 million travelers in Florida alone and of those 2.6 million, almost 2.3 million are going to use their cars. (File photo)

1:18

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Crowded airport, busy roads expected across Bay area during holiday weekend

And Bay area roads will be crowded for the holiday weekend, along with Tampa International Airport.

1:18

Tampa6 days ago

PROJECT WEATHER

1:35

PROJECT WEATHER

Project Weather: Spectrum Bay News 9 announces 2025 winners

A $1,000 check will be awarded to six high school seniors in public, private or parochial schools who excel in science.

1:35

Florida6 days ago

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC has additional officers working Memorial Day weekend to patrol the waters of Tampa Bay (Angie Angers).

3:17

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC ups staffing, prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend also marks the last major holiday before the state’s new Boater Freedom Act goes into effect.

3:17

Tampa1 week ago

LOCAL COLLEGE

Florida Southern College's Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. (Spectrum News)

2:04

LOCAL COLLEGE

Florida Southern fights to preserve historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure

According to a lawsuit filed by the college, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel started experiencing water leaks after a roof installation.

2:04

Polk County1 week ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shows the knife that was used in an incident where a suspect is accused of stabbing an 81-year-old man at an independent living facility in Bartow. (Spectrum News)

3:15

PUBLIC SAFETY

18-year-old charged with murdering 81-year-old Bartow man

Moses Ojeda, according to Sheriff Grady Judd, stabbed the victim a total of 113 times in the weekend incident.

3:15

Polk County1 week ago

EDUCATION

Nasier Berrien graduated from Fort Meade Middle Senior High School and will be receiving a $1,000 Spectrum Scholarship. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Fallon Silcox)

2:16

EDUCATION

High School Scholar: Nasier Berrien of Fort Meade Senior High stays committed to his faith, and his future

Nasier Berrien's teachers say he’s an exemplary student who is committed to his faith, and his future.

2:16

Polk County1 week ago

LOCAL HOUSING

Representatives from Gospel Inc. host an open house Friday at its 72-unit development. (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

1:44

LOCAL HOUSING

Gospel Inc. hosts open house for the new 72-unit development expected to be complete in December

Officials with Gospel Inc. say the development should be completely finished in December.

1:44

Polk County1 week ago

LOCAL LANDMARK

Bok Tower Gardens is a tranquil piece of open space in eastern Polk County that's been around for roughly 100 years. (Spectrum News)

3:06

LOCAL LANDMARK

Bok Tower officials relieved over adjusted FDOT proposed parkway

Two of the proposed routes would be nearly 2,500 feet away from the property.

3:06

Polk County1 week ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

Polk County Sheriff's Office photo taken Monday, May 12, 2025.

1:17

PUBLIC SAFETY

6 face charges in Secret Cove double-murder, Polk sheriff's office says

The incident happened when a car crashed into a home in what authorities said started as a drug transaction.

1:17

Polk County2 weeks ago

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

Riders at Harley Davidson's Riding Academy in Brandon work on skills to pass their license endorsement class. (Spectrum News)

1:36

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

With a eye on rider safety, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month

At the Rider Academy at Harley Davidson in Brandon, a class of students learns skills and works toward their motorcycle endorsements.

1:36

Tampa2 weeks ago

EDUCATION

Zoraya (left) and Ethan Brandon (right) have been enrolled in Polk Virtual School since the pandemic. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)

2:18

EDUCATION

Polk Virtual School to shutter at conclusion of school year

Some Polk County families say they’re left scrambling for options.

2:18

Polk County2 weeks ago

BURN BANS

Hillsborough County issued an emergency burn ban Friday on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county. (FILE IMAGE)

BURN BANS

Hernando County rescinds countywide burn ban

The county cited recent heavy rainfall and projected weather conditions.

Tampa2 weeks ago

FLUORIDE BAN

City of Bartow's Vice Mayor, Laura Simpson (Courtesy: Spectrum News)

FLUORIDE BAN

Bartow city leader weighs in on state fluoride ban

Bartow leaders are weighing in as Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to sign a bill that will ban the use of fluoride.

Polk County2 weeks ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

1:32

PUBLIC SAFETY

Vehicle crashes into Lakeland home; 2 killed

Sheriff Grady Judd says it happened on Pirates Way around 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoon during a “potential drug transaction.”

1:32

Polk County2 weeks ago

HUMAN INTEREST

Ava Thompson, 9, makes lemonade with her 6-year-old sister Zoey. The two started a free lemonade stand to raise epilepsy awareness and support for children living with the condition. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

2:21

HUMAN INTEREST

Polk County girl creates lemonade stand to support children with epilepsy

Ava Thompson was diagnosed with the neurological condition in May 2023 after a family friend noticed she was having seizures.

2:21

Polk County3 weeks ago

STORM SEASON

3:51

STORM SEASON

Inside NOAA's Aircraft Ops Center as personnel prepare for storm season

Learn how missions into hurricanes like Beryl and Milton are more than just jobs; they're life-saving operations.

3:51

Polk County3 weeks ago

CONGESTION RELIEF LANES

2:10

CONGESTION RELIEF LANES

Commuter sees relief as new congestion lanes open on I-4

Just days after the Florida Department of Transportation opened the lanes, drivers say they're already seeing improvements.

2:10

Polk County3 weeks ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

Wildfire mitigation specialist Todd Chalanda speaks with Florida Forest Service dispatchers. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

1:49

PUBLIC SAFETY

Polk County fire crews work to keep wildfires from spreading

The Florida Forest Service responded to multiple wildfires last week, with experts warning that Florida’s dry season may last longer than usual.

1:49

Polk County3 weeks ago

WEEKEND SHOOTING

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a Sunday morning shooting that left tree Osceola County High School students with minor injuries. (Spectrum News)

2:47

WEEKEND SHOOTING

Polk County deputies search for suspects in weekend shooting that injured 3 high school students

Officials say two of the students were grazed by bullets, and one got debris in his or her eye.

2:47

Polk County3 weeks ago

LOCAL HERO

Madalynne Brooks' daughter, Beverly Boatright visiting Webster Park in lakeland. (Spectrum News)

1:39

LOCAL HERO

Bay area civil rights activist may soon get park in her honor

Lakeland city commission plans to vote on a resolution today to rename Webster Park after Madalynne “Nellie” Brooks.

1:39

Polk County3 weeks ago

WEATHER

Damage to a Florida home after storm and tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton. (Courtesy Betty Queen)

WEATHER

Floridians mark Hurricane Preparedness Week before season starts

As Floridians continue to prepare for the upcoming storm season, state officials are focusing on safety with Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Florida3 weeks ago

EVERYDAY HERO

Lakeland's Jennifer Rader catches feral cats to give them a better life. (Spectrum News)

2:46

EVERYDAY HERO

Lakeland's Jennifer Rader traps feral cats to give them a better life

The cats are fixed and vaccinated, and released back where they were caught. She also has a cat rescue for tame cats and she finds them forever homes.

2:46

Tampa3 weeks ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Morgan McKenna Porter makes a “juicer” of citrus in a grove by her Polk County home for her son, Lee. The farmer, and her cousin, represent the fifth generation, carrying on the legacy of McKenna Brothers, Inc. (Spectrum News/Julie Gargotta)

2:38

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Fifth-generation citrus farmer forges path forward

Alongside a cousin, Morgan McKenna Porter returns to the family farm to carry on the citrus tradition, relying upon research to move forward.

2:38

Polk County3 weeks ago

PREP SPORTS

The Avengers Christian Academy offers a full curriculum and will soon offer sports. (Spectrum News)

2:18

PREP SPORTS

Faith, education and sports assembling at new Polk County school

Avengers Christian Academy in Winter Haven is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

2:18

Tampa4 weeks ago

CITRUS FUNDING

Citrus farmer Kyle Story. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

1:51

CITRUS FUNDING

Florida citrus industry could get $200 million in funding

A large portion of the funding would go toward field trials for new plantings and the rehabilitation of trees.

1:51

Polk County1 month ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bartow Fire Department firefighter Shane Evans arriving at Bartow fire station after responding to a call. (Spectrum News)

2:16

PUBLIC SAFETY

Polk County and Bartow fire departments to build joint station

Officials say the upcoming station will help improve response times, especially on the north side of Bartow.

2:16

Polk County1 month ago

EDUCATION

Kaitlyn and Joshua Ostergaard on Southeastern University's campus. (Spectrum News)

1:51

EDUCATION

Two Polk County siblings make history at Southeastern University graduation

Kaitlyn Ostergaard surpassed a record held by her brother, Joshua, who graduated last year at 17.

1:51

Polk County1 month ago

HEALTH

Dr. Francisco Chebly visits patient Janet Pruett at her home. (Spectrum News)

2:23

HEALTH

Lakeland Regional Health launches Hospital at Home Program

The program is inspired by remote inpatient care models developed during the pandemic.

2:23

Polk County1 month ago

BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

Traffic lights again working in Haines City after earlier outages

About 4,000 Duke Energy customers were without power at one point.

Polk County1 month ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bartow football coach facing charges of lewd behavior toward student

According to the Polk Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Eden engaged in sexual talk with at least one student and unzipped a hoodie jacket of a female student.

Polk County1 month ago

FSU SHOOTING

2:32

FSU SHOOTING

Other campuses stepping up security in wake of FSU shooting

After Thursday’s fatal shooting at Florida State University, other universities are stepping up on-campus security, including in the Bay area.

2:32

Tampa1 month ago

SPORTS

2:05

SPORTS

Elite international archery competition makes its Florida debut

The top archers from all over the world competed in Polk County.

2:05

Tampa1 month ago

ENVIRONMENT

3:46

ENVIRONMENT

Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s EPA approved project to build a road with radioactive waste material

A local environmental advocate says the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

3:46

Polk County1 month ago

TRAFFIC

2:41

TRAFFIC

Bartow set to launch red-light camera program this month

While some residents look forward to the red-light cameras, others call the program excessive.

2:41

Polk County1 month ago

TAX DAY

Tuesday is April 15, which means tax returns are due. But for some filers in the Bay area, the deadline has been pushed back. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

TAX DAY

Florida's Tax Day deadline pushed back due to storms

The Internal Revenue Service pushed the deadline back to May 1 for those directly impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Florida1 month ago

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

1:56

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Haines City breaks ground on major commercial development

Haines City broke ground on Crossroads Village Center, a 120-acre commercial project that will include a Target.

1:56

Polk County1 month ago

WEATHER

The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

WEATHER

Hurricane Milton by the numbers

Milton was one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.

Tampa1 month ago

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

2:58

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL

It’s peach-picking season at Ridge Island Groves in Haines City

For over 30 years, the place has been a destination to pick fruit and purchase fruits and vegetables at their marketplace.

2:58

Polk County1 month ago

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

A memorial photo of Rhonda was put together by Travis Doodles and posted online. It's already received millions of views. (Photo Courtesy: Travis Doodles)

3:15

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

Popular Polk Co. YouTuber mourns the loss of a close friend he's helped over the years

Rhonda and Travis Doodles' videos would get hundreds of millions of views. Despite declining health, Travis is still processing Rhonda's passing.

3:15

Polk County1 month ago

MEDICAID

2:57

MEDICAID

Polk County mother works to prevent proposed cuts to healthcare programs

Barbra Harris says Medicaid was the only way she could get healthcare for her daughter.

2:57

Polk County1 month ago

TPS REVOCATION

Dawn Chappelear, left, and Stacey Angulo are advocating to keep their loved ones from being deported to Haiti. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

2:50

TPS REVOCATION

Polk County mothers fight to protect their Haitian loved ones from deportation

Dawn Chappelear and Stacey Angulo are advocating to keep their loved ones from being deported to Haiti.

2:50

Polk County1 month ago

FORECLOSURES

Real estate broker Bob Miller knows firsthand how it feels to lose a home. (Spectrum News)

2:46

FORECLOSURES

Study shows Lakeland ranked highest in the nation for foreclosures

A real estate broker says the number one contributor is high insurance premiums.

2:46

Polk County1 month ago

EASTER 2025

Easter eggs scattered in a field. (Spectrum News 1/Jordan Kudisch)

EASTER 2025

Easter events 'egg'-spected to take place across Tampa Bay for 2025

Easter is hopping into Tampa Bay on Sunday, April 20.

Tampa1 month ago

CARNEGIE MEDAL

2:42

CARNEGIE MEDAL

Lakeland man who rescued child from burning car receives Carnegie Medal

The Carnegie Medal is considered North America’s highest award for civilian heroism.

2:42

Polk County1 month ago

AIRSHOW EVENT

This is the first year that commercial flights will take place during the Sun 'n Fun airshow at Lakeland Linder Airport, requiring careful coordination to ensure safe operations. (Spectrum News/Alexis Jones)

2:55

AIRSHOW EVENT

Lakeland Linder Airport navigates safety operations during historic year of Sun 'n Fun

It’s the first time in history commercial flights at the airport will take place during the air shows.

2:55

Polk County1 month ago

ELECTION RESULTS

Municipal election results from Polk County

Several municipalities across the county elected new officials on Tuesday.

Polk County1 month ago

POLK COUNTY NEWS

AROUND THE TAMPA BAY AREA