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

Lakeland police are asking for the public's help in finding a man charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with a shooting on Monday. ...more

March 18, 2009

7:28 a.m.The lines at the polls seem to be moving quickly. At Precinct 251 on Carter Road in South Lakeland, where we've been all morning, the line is just barely out the door. Just a short time ago there were dozens of people lined around the building. Elections officials say they expected the early morning rush since the opening of the polls is traditionally a very busy time. Wait times at this point appear to be less than 15 minutes. ...more

November 4, 2008

6:22 a.m.: We are starting to see a steady stream of voters lining up at the polls in Polk County. At Precinct 251 in South Lakeland there are more than a dozen people already in line, and cars continue to flow into the parking lot. ...more

November 4, 2008

6:00 a.m.: Poll workers are arriving at precincts around Polk County. ...more

November 4, 2008

Mental health counselor Tina Yeager is an eternal optimist. "Life is about having hope. There's always hope. No matter where I am, if God is with me, that is my hope," she said. ...more

May 3, 2008

It looks innocent enough, just another storefront in a busy south Lakeland strip mall, nestled between Nail Boutique and Lynn's Fish 'n Pets. ...more

October 23, 2007

LAKELAND - It looks innocent enough, just another storefront in a busy south Lakeland strip mall, nestled right between "Nail Boutique" and "Lynn's Fish 'n Pets." But Polk County Sheriff's Office vice detectives say The Palms Redemption Arcade has been operating as an illegal gambling house full of video slot machines since it opened about two months ago. This afternoon, they arrested the owner of the business, Janet Bruggeman, 55, and her husband Joseph, 52. ...more

October 22, 2007

A Polk County jury on Friday convicted Heizel Gonzalez-Martinez, a 26-year-old woman accused of luring the father of her child to a violent death at the hands of her boyfriend, on second-degree murder and accessory charges. ...more

October 13, 2007

BARTOW - A Polk County jury has convicted Heizel Gonzalez-Martinez, a 26-year-old woman accused of luring the father of her child to a violent death at the hands of her boyfriend, on second-degree murder and accessory charges. Jurors returned their verdict just before noon after deliberating for about 2 1/2 hours. Gonzalez-Martinez could face life in prison. ...more

October 12, 2007