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📍 Crime & Public Safety — Polk County, Florida

Stay informed with the latest crime news, public safety alerts, arrests, court updates, traffic incidents, and emergency response coverage across Polk County, Florida. Daily Ridge delivers accurate, timely reporting from local law enforcement agencies and first responders, helping residents of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Bartow, Auburndale, and surrounding communities stay aware of issues impacting public safety..

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Polk County Sheriff's Office

Lakeland Man Arrested After Stealing $1,400 in Fishing Rods, Leading Deputies on Foot Chase

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On Wednesday, May 6th, at approximately 2:50 pm, PCSO deputies were requested to respond to West Daugherty Road in Lakeland regarding a retail theft that had just occurred. A store representative reported that a man had entered the store and...
Lake Wales Police Department

Hoax 911 Call Reporting School Shooting at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary Determined False

Carl Fish - 0
LAKE WALES, Fla. — A reported school shooting at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School in Lake Wales on Wednesday afternoon was determined to be a hoax after a child reportedly dialed 911 claiming there was a shooter inside the...
Crime & Public Safety

A Long-Distance Friendship Over Instagram Turned Romantic and Quickly Evolved Into Threats of Physical Harm

Staff Reporter - 0
On Friday, April 27, 2026, Winter Haven Police responded to a call that involved a female victim reporting harassing phone calls. The victim advised officers that she met 29 year-old Hector Manuel Cruz (DOB 10-30-96 – Girard, Pennsylvania) roughly...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

PCSO: Teacher Arrested for Damaging Ex-Boyfriend’s Girlfriend’s Vehicle

Carl Fish - 0
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release A teacher at Valleyview Elementary in Lakeland was arrested on Friday, May 1, 2026 by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for vandalizing a vehicle that belongs to her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend.  Deanna...
Crime & Public Safety

Back Behind Bars: Man on Probation Arrested in New Assault Case At Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center

Staff Reporter - 0
Winter Haven Police Department Press Release A Winter Haven Man On Probation for Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer Is Back in Jail Facing Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon Charge On May 3, 2026 at approximately 6 p.m., Winter Haven...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Child Abuse Case Upgraded to Hate Crime After Alleged Statements to Deputies

Carl Fish - 0
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr of Davenport for child abuse, a life felony enhanced due to the abuse being a hate crime. According to the affidavit, the investigation began after...
Florida Highway Patrol

Tampa Woman Crosses Into Oncoming Lane, Strikes Lakeland Man in SR-574 Head-On Crash

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A 74-year-old Tampa woman was seriously injured Friday morning following a crash in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. on State Road 574, just west of Chastain Road. Troopers say the woman...
Florida Highway Patrol

Early Morning Lakeland Crash Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Woman

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A tragic crash in Polk County early Thursday morning claimed the life of a Lakeland woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along Memorial Boulevard near the entrance to Interstate...
Crime & Public Safety

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Makes 266 Arrests During Human Trafficking and Child Predator Enforcement Operation

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office makes 266 arrests during human trafficking and child predator enforcement operation “Polk Around and Find Out” During a multi-day-long joint-agency undercover human trafficking and child predator operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made 266 arrests involved in child...
Crime & Public Safety

Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Arrest, 13 Iguanas Found Bound in Truck Bed

Staff Reporter - 0
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A routine traffic stop early Friday morning escalated into a wildlife investigation after Florida Highway Patrol troopers discovered more than a dozen live iguanas bound and being transported in a pickup truck. According to FHP Public...
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Entertainment & Lifestyle

Live Music This Weekend in Winter Haven: Where to Catch Local Artists

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Live music fans will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy local performers this weekend in Winter Haven, with solo artists, bands, karaoke and a...
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