The principal of Sikes Elementary School in Lakeland has been accused of raping and molesting an 11-year-old girl. The charges against Corey Lynn Swindler, 38, do not involve a student at the school. Swindler is not related to the girl but has had access to her for about 10 years through a domestic relationship, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. ...more

December 17, 2009

A Lakeland teenager is the sole survivor in an apparent murder-suicide that left his father, mother and two younger brothers dead, authorities say. ...more

May 4, 2009

A veterinarian and shelter workers are continuing to evaluate 123 animals seized Saturday from a home in Lakeland. ...more

November 25, 2008

A veterinarian and shelter workers are continuing to evaluate 123 animals seized this weekend from a home in Lakeland. More than half of the animals have been evaluated, and all of them had fleas and/or skin conditions, officials said. Seventeen of the dogs had ear infections, 15 tested positive for whipworms, 30 had overgrown toenails and 30 had mouth or gum problems. ...more

November 24, 2008

More than 120 animals that were kept in deplorable conditions in Lakeland are being treated and cleaned by Polk County Animal Control veterinarians. ...more

November 23, 2008

Funeral services have been set for a Lakeland grade school teacher with local ties who authorities say was the victim of a murder-suicide. ...more

August 25, 2008

Polk County sheriff's detectives are investigating the shooting deaths of Larry C. Rimmer, 40, and his 37-year-old wife, Heather L., in their home at 5802 Highridge Loop. ...more

August 23, 2008

Polk County authorities say they have caught a third person involved in a chase in which shots were fired at deputies. ...more

February 23, 2008

LAKELAND -- Polk County authorities say they have caught a third person who was involved in a chase in which shots were fired at deputies. ...more

February 22, 2008

POLK COUNTY - A motorcycle driven by a Polk County deputy ran off the road this morning east of Bartow. The deputy wasn't seriously injured. ...more

December 30, 2007