LAKELAND

Lakeland's Maddox Ranch will be awash in the sounds of the Grateful Dead and the smell of patchouli this autumn, when the first Grateful Gathering...

LAKELAND, Fla. — Select Florida Publix locations are now accepting donations to help with Hurricane Fiona relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The Lakeland-based grocer said donations can be made at checkout at any Publix store in the Jacksonville, Lakeland and Miami divisions, and 100% of the donations will go to the American Red Cross. “Our Publix family extends beyond our local neighborhoods,” said Publix Director of Community Relations Dwaine Stevens in a statement. Read: Happening Thursday: Publix hiring eventPublix Super Markets Charities is also making a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help support relief efforts. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix said it will host another hiring event this Thursday, and the grocery giant wants you to know that all of its stores are participating. It’s the last in a series of three in-store opportunities that Publix has offered this month. Publix (WFTV.com News Staff)However, organizers said that job candidates must first begin an online application before arriving in person. READ: Happening this month: Rosen Hotels & Resorts hosting hiring eventClick here to apply online and to learn more about Thursday’s hiring event. READ: For restaurants, hiring remains ‘a challenge’ beyond pandemic recoveryPublix recallClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

No injuries were reported after a train collided with a semi-truck hauling boxes of Pedialyte in Lakeland, Florida, early Sunday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the players’ association will submit union authorization cards to an arbitrator on Wednesday under an agreement with Major League Baseball that will lead to collective bargaining for approximately 5,500 farmhands.

The FBI announced a $30,000 reward for a Lakeland man wanted in connection with the Capitol Riots on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a release by the agency.

Major League Baseball is ready to voluntarily accept the formation of a minor league union, a key step that will lead to collective bargaining and possibly a strike threat at the start of next season.

LAKELAND, Fla. — The FBI is upping the reward offered for information leading to the arrest of a Central Florida man accused of assaulting multiple police officers with a deadly weapon during the Capitol riot. A reward of up to $30,000 is now available in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jonathan Daniel Pollock, 23, of Lakeland. The FBI said Pollock is believed to have friends and family throughout central and north Florida, as well as in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The FBI said anyone with information about Pollock should contact the nearest FBI field office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The FBI Tampa Field Office can be reached 24 hours a day at 813-253-1000, or information can also be submitted to www.tips.fbi.gov.

The Major League Baseball Players Association is asking MLB management to voluntarily accept the union as the bargaining agent for minor leaguers.

POLK COUNTY Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will be making a stop in Polk County Wednesday morning. READ: Trial to begin Wednesday for Seminole County ‘ghost candidate’ caseThe event will be held at LifeScience Logistics Distribution Center in Lakeland. Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. READ: Florida man pleads guilty to $2.6M COVID-19 relief fraudClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a news conference in Lakeland.

A vehicle takes a dip in a country club swimming pool.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland police are investigating a fatal crash involving a single SUV that crashed and rolled over multiple times. The crash happened Sunday, around 2:30 a.m. near Memorial Boulevard and the Interstate 4 access ramp. According to a news release, the driver attempted to correct and negotiate the curve and then hit a concrete median, causing the SUV to roll over multiple times. The 31-year-old passenger, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Read: IRS faces criticism over backlog of unprocessed tax returnsAccording to police, speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

One person was hurt when two tractor-trailers collided on I-4 in the Lakeland area.

Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department on Sunday asked the public what they knew about the death of a 24-year-old man who was found shot Saturday evening at an apartment complex off of Highway 98.

(Kali9/Getty Images)LAKELAND, Fla. — An investigation is underway following a fatal shooting inside a Lakeland apartment. Lakeland police responded to a shooting call at the Big Oaks Apartments on Big Oaks Drive around 4:45 a.m. on Saturday. When officers arrived, they found a 24-year-old male inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. According to a news release, officers attempted life-saving measures until the Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. Read: City of Orlando releases apology after controversial Fourth of July statementPolice have not released any other information regarding this shooting.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man whom deputies describe as a “career felon” was arrested in connection with the robbery of a Polk County bank last week. Deputies arrested 39-year-old Jason Cherry of Lakeland after getting a tip from a Polk County resident. Read: Florida woman accused of stealing nearly $15,000 worth of fireworks from her jobSouthState bank robbery flyer (Polk County Sheriff)After getting a tip, detectives identified Cherry as the robber and he was later arrested at a Lakeland motel without incident. Read: Woman critically injured in road-rage shooting near OviedoCherry is also considered a suspect in another bank robbery in the city of Lakeland, by the Lakeland Police Department. Cherry is currently being held in the Polk County Jail without bond.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Saturday night at the RP Funding Center’s Youkey Theatre in Lakeland, Miss Seminole County, Lindsay Bettis, took home the coveted Miss Florida tiara in her final year of eligibility. This was the seventh time 26-year-old Lindsay Bettis has competed for the crown. Bettis is a University of Central Florida graduate. READ: DeSantis signs nearly 3 dozen bills, including banning smoking and giving grandparents more rightsEarlier in the evening, Miss Wekiva Springs’ Outstanding Teen, Aashna Shah, took home the title of Florida’s Outstanding Teen. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition will be held this August in Texas.

Lindsay Bettis, 26, takes home coveted tiara

A 35-year-old Lakeland man riding a bicycle was killed early Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 27, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Whether you love taking pictures or admiring art, we have compiled a list of murals around Central Florida.

A string of car burglaries a neighborhood near Lakeland earlier this week was solved after a teenage boy who joined in the thefts accidentally shot himself in the arm with a gun he stole, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Whether you want try something new or just relieve some stress, now you can enjoy axe-throwing all around Central Florida.

LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland City Commission voted to increase the electric fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers beginning next month. The city says the rate increase is due to the rising cost of natural gas. Read: Pain at the pump: Florida gas prices hold steady, national average jumps againBeginning July 1, customers will see an increase from 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. Read: Rising gas prices lead to juggling act for Kissimmee’s fleet managerTory Bombard with Lakeland Electric said that even with the change, the utility company has some of the lowest electric rates in the state. Read: ‘$5 a gallon is quickly becoming a very real possibility’: Gas hits another record high in FloridaThis is Lakeland Electric’s first fuel charge increase in 15 months.

A Lakeland man grabbed his gun and a machete to ward off another man who came into his back patio with permission, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Five children all younger than nine years old and their grandmother safely escaped from a Lakeland home on fire Friday evening, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.

LAKELAND, Fla. — A grandmother and her five grandchildren managed to escape a house fire in Lakeland. On Friday, at 5:30 p.m., the Lakeland Fire Department responded to a house fire on Blossom Circle East. Firefighters got the fire under control in less than 15 minutes and contained the fire to the kitchen area. According to a news release, the oldest child helped get the other kids out of the house safely but was unable to assist her grandmother out of the residence by herself. Read: TIMELINE: 10 homes damaged, 5 destroyed by wildfire in Brevard CountyA neighbor from across the street ran into the house and was able to help get the grandmother out.

A sheriff's deputy is arrested on allegations of choking a girl in Polk County.

A former Florida city commissioner has been sentenced to three years in prison for fatally shooting a shoplifter at his store.

A Lakeland man was arrested after telling deputies no one was in his home, despite lights turning off and “movement” being heard from inside, Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

LAKELAND, Fla — Sunday evening the Lakeland fire department responded to a fire call at 1207 Walnut St. and found a home completely consumed by fire. The flames and smoke were so strong that crews had to stay outside to fight the fire until it was under control. The fire spread to a van parked nearby and crews feared a store next door might fall victim to the flames as the fire grew so as a precaution they evacuated the store. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Central Florida home fully engulfed in flames Central Florida home fully engulfed in flamesOnce the fire was extinguished, firefighters determined the cause of the fire was an electrical issue. READ: Woman rescued from burning car meets with ‘hero’ firefighter from hospital bedNo injuries were reported and the American Red Cross is helping the family.

Fire destroys a house in Lakeland.

Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way out A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began t (WFTV)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A woman caught on video throwing a violent tantrum and twerking as she left a Polk County McDonald’s, has been arrested, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. They said one of Jones’ relatives came into the store to try to hold her back and calm her down. Read: Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way outDeputies said Jones was asked to leave multiple times, but she remained in the store, calling 911 to say, “I’m 5 months pregnant. Jones was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with burglary with assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and misuse of 911. McDonald's: What you need to know McDonald's: What you need to know (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way out A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began t (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began twerking Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)Investigators said Jones’ relative and another woman convinced her to leave the restaurant after about 10 minutes. Read the news release here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8ba7bb View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmdTs03GNs&t=27s Posted by Polk County Sheriff's Office on Friday, May 20, 2022Judd said Jones caused about $100 worth of damage. Anyone with information about Jones’ whereabouts is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-8477. McDonald's: What you need to know McDonald's: What you need to know (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began twerking Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Florida woman wanted after violent outburst at McDonald's 22-year-old Tianis Jones is facing charges of assault and burglary. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)LAKELAND, Fla. — Deputies are searching for a woman who threw a violent tantrum inside a Florida McDonalds that was caught on camera. …These people don’t know how to run a (expletive) McDonald’s!”“I don’t know what was wrong with her that night,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told WTVT. “I don’t know if she was just two fries short of a Happy Meal, but she created a McMess and acted like a McNut. … She ended up a McBurglar.”While there were no injuries, Judd told WFLA that Jones became a “McBurglar” when she went behind the counter and threw cups.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will hold a news conference at a fire station in Lakeland.

Otter saved: A baby otter was pulled out of a Minnesota river by a three-legged Goldendoodle earlier this month. ( Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images)LAKELAND, Minn. — A three-legged dog battling cancer still had enough pep to rescue a baby otter from a Minnesota river on Easter Sunday. >> Read more trending newsThe 6-year-old Goldendoodle, named Gus, jumped into the St. Croix River to pull the young otter out of the water, WCCO-TV reported. “The otter is much too young to be in the water,” the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. “We were quite concerned the first 36 hours,” the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota wrote on Facebook.

New album ‘The Funk Will Prevail’ builds on production duties for Lupe Fiasco, Kaytranada, Exo + more

Rachel Balkovec was a winner as the first woman to manage a minor league affiliate of a Major League Baseball team.

Baseball’s regular season begins this week, so that means the abbreviated spring training session for teams, which started late due to the offseason lockout, is over.

Program ending: Publix, which began offering several prescriptions for free in 2007, is reportedly ending the program on June 1. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images)LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is ending a program that allows customers access to some prescription drugs for free, according to published reports. The free prescriptions include medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes, according to WFOR-TV. @Publix reportedly plans to end free prescriptions at pharmacies. The free prescription program began in 2007, according to the newspaper.

A $15,000 reward is being offered for any information that could lead to the arrest of a Lakeland man accused of assaulting multiple police officers during the Capitol riot, the FBI announced Friday.

More than 50 Volkswagen makes and models, from antiques to current, with air-cooled and water-cooled engines.

Another day, another alligator on a Florida golf course.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Two Orlando men are among four Floridians accused of attempting to tamper with gas pumps to steal fuel in recent weeks. Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement said they were alerted in late February and early March about fuel pump tampering at gas stations in Lakeland and Lutz. On March 10, investigators said they saw Yordian Diaz-Benitez, of Tampa, using a pulsar manipulation device to steal diesel fuel at a Circle K in Lutz and on March 12, Marlon Rosel-Rodriguez, also of Tampa, was also observed attempting to install a pulsar manipulation device at the same location. READ: High gas prices lead to spike in gas theft, authorities sayTwo days later, investigators said they observed Yulier Garcia-Martinez and Rogelio Llerena, both of Orlando, attempting to steal fuel by installing a pulsar manipulation device inside one of the pumps at a Circle K in Lakeland. “Whether individuals are trying to steal fuel like in these situations or credit card data with skimmers, know that our department will continue to crackdown on crimes at our gas pumps,” commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement.

Two Orlando residents were arrested for tampering with a fuel pump in Lakeland, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland man is Florida’s newest multi-millionaire after he claimed a $5 million scratch-off prize, the Florida Lottery announced. Marty Moon, 63, of Lakeland, claimed a $5 million top prize from the GOLD RUSH LIMITED scratch-off game at the Lottery’s Tampa District Office. The Florida Lottery said Moon chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $3,960,000. READ: Florida Lottery launches new scratch-off game with record-breaking top prizeMoore purchased his winning ticket from Nick’s Food Mart at 1219 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, the Florida Lottery said. The Florida Lottery said the scratch-off game features 32 top prizes of $5 million and 100 prizes of $1 million.

A Lakeland man scratched his way to $5 million.

A carbon monoxide leak prompted the evacuation of a hotel in Lakeland on Sunday and led to the hospitalization of eight people, including four children, according to the Lakeland Fire Department.

Benjamin Paniagua and Zachary Allam are turning the popular food truck Wafu into a brick-and-mortar business, setting up shop on the second floor of Orlando's East End Market.

New policy: Publix has relaxed its mask mandate for most of its fully vaccinated employees. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)LAKELAND, Fla. — Most employees at Publix supermarkets no longer have to wear masks if they are fully vaccinated, the grocery store chain announced Monday. “Pharmacy associates, regardless of vaccination status, are still required to wear face coverings when administering vaccines. >> Publix makes face-coverings optional for fully vaccinated shoppersPublix does not require customers to wear face coverings in its stores, according to WFTS-TV. In May 2021, Publix made masks optional for fully vaccinated shoppers.

Lakeland will soon be home to Polk County's first 4 Rivers Smokehouse location, according to the restaurant chain.

Polk County deputy-involved shooting A man accused of stealing two cars and stabbing a man in Lakeland was shot by a Polk County deputy six times Tuesday morning, deputies said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of stealing two cars and stabbing a man in Lakeland was shot by a Polk County deputy six times Tuesday morning, deputies said. READ: Sheriff: $10K reward offers for tips after man, 78, carjacked, fatally shot outside CVSThe air unit advised Deputy Christopher Warren to “Use caution. READ: Orlando man dies after being hit by 7 cars while walking across I-4Deputies said Warren shot Bourcy six times before immediately beginning lifesaving measures. “By stating he possessed a gun and then pointing an unknown object at my deputy, Bourcy chose this outcome.

Publix is a one-stop shop for all your party needs but for Publix fanatics, you may want to see about hiring a Lakeland mom to be your next party planner.

A Lakeland Walmart will temporarily close Thursday as the store is sanitized due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the area, a spokesperson said.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement is asking drivers to use more caution in the new year after two people died Saturday afternoon in Polk County in two separate crashes. The first crash occurred around 4:05 p.m. on U.S. Highway 27 just south of Bella Citta Boulevard. READ: Florida doctor charged in 2019 road rage killing said he was having bad day, cops sayPolk County deputies said 83-year-old Davenport resident Helen McDonald was heading south on U.S. Highway 27 when she lost control of her car. McDonald crossed the grass medium and all northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 before crashing into a power pole. READ: Woman and two boys hospitalized after Saturday night shooting in Orlando, police sayThe driver of the SUV, 52-year-old Lakeland resident Michael Monroe, was killed in the crash.

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — The Publix grocery store chain will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents, company officials announced Wednesday. READ: Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett dead at 65The change in benefits was first reported by Florida Politics. The new benefits come as retailers across the U.S. are facing a worker shortage, and some are offering new benefits to attract or retain workers. St. Louis-based Schnucks recently gave its grocery store workers a one-time retention bonus of $600. The email didn’t offer details on how much paid time off new parents would get.

3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandPOLK COUNTY, Fla. — Six people, including three officers with the Lakeland Police Department, were taken to a hospital after an apartment fire Thursday morning. Three Lakeland police officers arrived at the complex and helped to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. Photos: 3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandA second-floor apartment was damaged by fire and three people inside were given CPR before they were taken to a hospital for treatment. READ: 1,280 JetBlue flights canceled through mid-January due to omicronThe three officers were also taken to a hospital, but no details were released on their condition. The American Red Cross was also contacted to help residents displaced by the fire.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after a deadly crash, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The crash occurred at around 7:37 a.m. on U.S. 98 North, about a mile north of State Road 471. WATCH: Police: Armed man shot by Orlando officers after attempted carjackingDeputies said Waters complained of general pain and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Deputies executed a search warrant for a blood sample, which will be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Officials at the Publix grocery store chain says that they will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents.

Deputies arrest “grinch” who stole family’s Christmas presents Detectives say 28-year-old Raheim Jamaar Johnson was the man caught on video breaking into a Lakeland home and making off with presents and other items. (Polk County Sheriff)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, have arrested the “Grinch” who they say stole a family’s Christmas last week. When she returned home she found her front door open and all the wrapped Christmas presents missing. Read: Lakeland man charged with DUI-manslaughter in fatal Polk County crashJohnson was booked into the Polk County Jail and held without bond. Surveillance photos released by Polk County Sheriff's Office.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, are asking for help finding a man who broke into a home and stole all the presents out from under the Christmas tree. >> Read more trending newsInvestigators say the thief broke into the Lakeland home Monday just moments after the owner left, WFLA reported. Judd said the man took several trips in and out of the house, eventually stealing a television and other items totaling $1,600. “I want him to wake up in the county jail on Christmas. Give me that for my Christmas present please,” asked Judd.

A man stole Christmas gifts and other items from a Lakeland home Monday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

A Lakeland woman was arrested Wednesday after allegedly driving under the influence in a crash that left a 22-year-old dead earlier this year, Polk County deputies said.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting of a man who they said broke into a Lakeland home Tuesday afternoon.

Polk County sheriff's detectives said Ayanna Davis admitted to having sex with the student — reported to be 16 years of age or younger — four times.

A substitute English teacher is accused of having sex with a Lakeland High School student, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, the company announced Wednesday. Carol Jenkins Barnett was 65. Barnett died Tuesday night at her home in Lakeland, Florida, Publix said in a news release. Barnett was one of seven children of Publix founder George W. Jenkins, who died in 1996. “The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones.

The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, the company announced Wednesday. Carol Jenkins Barnett was 65. Barnett died Tuesday night at her home in Lakeland, Florida, Publix said in a news release.

The heiress to the Publix Super Markets franchise died on Tuesday at the age of 65, according to a news release from the grocery store chain.

Why are there scales inside Publix stores, and are they going away?

LAKELAND, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Polk County following an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man sitting in his car in the construction zone. Read: Cold front arrives overnight, keeping temperatures on the chilly sideAccording to police, at some point, the man grabbed a handgun and pointed it at officers. Read: Man and woman found shot inside car that crashed into building in Orange County, deputies sayFearing for their safety, officers returned fired, shooting and killing the 61-year-old driver, police said. Both officers will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation, per department policy.

Police officers in Central Florida fatally shot a man who pointed a gun at them as they were investigating reports of a suspicious car parked in a construction zone along I-4.

Florida's population has increased by about 22% to 21.5 million people, but the number of people being Baker Acted has skyrocketed by 121%.

Deputies say 46-year-old Lucretia Bruno of Lakeland was driving west on I-4 near the 10th St. overpass when she hit two other cars that had stopped for an earlier crash. See map of crash location below:The driver of the pickup, who had been standing outside the driver’s door, was hit by Bruno’s car and thrown onto the car’s windshield. Deputies say Bruno then crashed into the Mustang, throwing the pickup truck’s driver from the hood of her car into the rear bumper of the Mustang. Read: Florida man hits woman with sock full of rocks during robberyThe driver of the pick-up truck died at the scene. Read: ‘I had to save my mom’: 9-year-old Florida girl fights off robberBruno was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI with property damage.

The Florida-based hurricane hunter team is getting an upgrade to its fleet.

Two Florida-based grocery chains are limiting the number of items sold to customers ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

New details are emerging about the newest dozen police officers lauded by Gov. Ron DeSantis for moving to Central Florida from New York City to escape what the governor described as low morale and a lack of support from Democratic politicians there.

Voters in several municipalities in Polk County will cast their ballots in the Tuesday, Nov. 2 election.

Ashley Butler never imagined she would have to wait nearly half a year for unemployment benefits the state confirmed she is entitled to.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced on Thursday that the state is filing a lawsuit against President Joe Biden’s administration over COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federal contractors. The two had previously said that they would seek legal action against the Biden administration. Florida Sues Biden Over Vaccine Mandate The State of Florida files a lawsuit against the Biden Administration to challenge their unconstitutional federal contractor vaccine mandate. Posted by Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, October 28, 2021©2021 Cox Media Group

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news briefing at the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland Thursday.

Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene.

Man charged with murder after woman dies in Florida biker shootout on I-4, sheriff saysLAKELAND, Fla. — A Cocoa man is facing murder charges after a woman riding on his motorcycle died following a high-speed shootout with a rival biker gang, authorities said. Ronald Donovan, who is jailed without bond, was scheduled to have an initial court appearance Saturday. READ: Teen killed in possible accidental shooting, police sayInvestigators said the shooting began when members of the Thug Riders passed the Sin City Deciples on the interstate. Donovan allegedly shot and wounded a Thug Rider in a battle between motorcycles at speeds of more than 100 mph, leaving bullet casings scattered on the highway. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Publix plans to hire about 30,000 associates across the company’s seven-state operating area through the rest of the year, the Lakeland-based grocery store chain announced Monday. Publix said it will hire associates to work in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities for nonseasonal positions. Associates have the opportunity to become company owners through its employee stock ownership and purchase plans. Publix also provides tuition reimbursement and are “encouraged to prepare for opportunities to advance their careers with the company,” it said in a news release. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

An undercover investigation led by Polk County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of 16 suspects for possessing, creating and sharing child thousands of child pornography files.

Lakeland man arrested for the murder of girlfriend

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a 33-year-old former Marine accused of massacring a Florida family under the delusion that they were child sex traffickers.

Ron DeSantis on Monday warned city and county officials in his state that if they require any employee to have a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment they would face a $5,000 fine for each violation. Several school districts have ignored the law and some county education administrators have had their pay suspended over the issue. Several Orange County firefighters joined DeSantis at the press conference on Monday. The firefighters are among nearly 3,500 union personnel who have been negotiating with Orange County to avoid being forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine. “It could be a lot of money, yes, no question about it,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

Reflecting on brother's 9/11 death

Erie County Board of Elections votes not to certify the General Election ballot yet.

Ron DeSantis’ proposed $5,000 bonus for all new officers in the state is widely seen as a boost to agencies struggling to fill their positions, particularly by those within the law enforcement industry. In our upcoming legislative session, I will be prioritizing 3 programs that will focus on recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. A few miles away, Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez said word of the bonus was already attracting applicants from states where law enforcement was more politically toxic. Still, it was a good component to have, he explained, along with a good benefits package and a competitive salary. “We do have a lot of support from our leaders, which makes being a law enforcement officer a lot easier than other places,” he said.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Riley told interrogators that the victims “begged for their lives, and I killed them anyway.””He is evil in the flesh,” Judd said. Riley, who lives 30 miles away, told Gleason that God had sent him to prevent a suicide by someone named Amber. Gleason and one of the other victims told Riley no one by that name lived there and asked him to leave. Still, one officer rushed in and grabbed the wounded girl, who told authorities there were three dead people inside. Now, ”he’s a cold-blooded killer.”___Spencer, Frisaro and Associated Press reporter Kelli Kennedy reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Lakeland.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Lakeland Saturday to announce the opening of another monoclonal antibody treatment center.