On Jan. 9, 2026, Andrew Ridgeway pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and tampering/fabricating with physical evidence.

TAMPA, Fla. — This Hispanic Heritage Month, Spectrum News is shining a light on leaders in the community who are making a difference and inspiring others. That’s the case for the first Hispanic Polk ...

Also, don’t miss IHOP GRAND OPENING - Lakeland Highlands - FREE BOTTOMLESS PANCAKES on the Lakeland Patch calendar ...

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to announce the conviction of Hernando Cortez ...

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier give an update to a yearlong investigation.

Bills filed by Polk County lawmakers cover artificial intelligence, homestead tax exemptions, prescription drugs, education ...

The Polk County Sheriff's Office recently settled a lawsuit over the death of Shaun Seaman, who was killed by a violent ...

Polk County is facing more lawsuits brought by individuals detained in the county jail by U.S. Immigration and Customs ...

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — One of the inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail called someone late Sunday to meet them before they broke free through a “compromised” area of the facility, officials ...

The manhunt for three Georgia inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail is over, and the community is safe again, Sheriff Melody Maddox announced Tuesday after all three men were captured in ...

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County man shot his family, leaving his wife dead and his 13-year-old stepdaughter in critical condition, before turning the gun on himself, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County man shot his family, leaving his wife dead and his 13-year-old stepdaughter in critical condition, before turning the gun on himself, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.