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Crime & Public Safety

📍 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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Florida Highway Patrol

Double Fatal Crash on SR-60 Claims Lives of Plant City Driver and Pedestrian

Allison - 0
A tragic late-night crash in Hillsborough County left two people dead on Friday, April 17, 2026, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The incident occurred at approximately 11:25 p.m. along State Road 60, just west of Horton Road. Authorities say...
Crime & Public Safety

From Criminal Mischief to Missed Work Release: Winter Haven Man Arrested Again

Staff Reporter - 0
Almost one year ago, on April 20, 2025, Matthew Lynn Rhoton of Winter Haven (now 48 years old), got into some trouble by intentionally kicking and damaging the door of a car in a parking lot. The value of...
Crime & Public Safety

Missing Teen Rescued in Dundee, Registered Sex Offender Taken Into Custody

Staff Reporter - 0
A missing teenage girl from Orange County was found safe, and the adult male sex offender who was hiding her has been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Detectives from the Orange County Sheriff's Office contacted the PCSO on...
Florida Highway Patrol

Teen Killed, Mulberry Driver Seriously Injured in SR-574 Crash

Allison - 0
A tragic crash in Hillsborough County late Saturday night resulted in the death of a teenage driver and left another man seriously injured. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on April 11, 2026, at approximately 10:56 p.m....
Lakeland Police Department

Plant City Arrest Made in Deadly Lakeland Shooting Outside Jade Fox Lounge

Carl Fish - 0
A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside a Lakeland nightclub in February has now been taken into custody, marking a significant development in the case. According to the Lakeland Police Department, 34-year-old Janard Dominic Childs of Lakeland...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Lakeland Man Arrested and charged with 46 Counts Possession of Child Pornography

Allison - 0
On April 2, 2026, PCSO Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 50-year-old Christopher Burnside of Lakeland and charged him with 46 counts promoting sexual performance of a child after receipt of NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) tips and the subsequent...
Florida Highway Patrol

Semi Crashes Over Median on SR-400 in Polk County

Allison - 0
A crash involving a semi occurred Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, along SR-400 in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say the incident happened around 10:10 a.m. when a semi-tractor with an empty trailer, driven by a...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Trespassing Suspect Shoots 9 Cows in Fort Meade, Several Killed

Allison - 0
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Crimes Unit is seeking information in regard to a shooting of several cattle that occurred on the night of March 18, 2026, in the area of Lake Buffum Road West, Fort Meade. On March...
Crime & Public Safety

Winter Haven Woman Arrested for DUI After Crashing Into Tree and Fleeing on Foot

Staff Reporter - 0
A 33-year-old woman from Winter Haven is facing her second DUI charge after a crash that damaged property but fortunately left no one injured. According to investigators, Jessica Lawson was driving when she ran off the roadway, struck a tree,...
Florida Highway Patrol

High-Speed Chase of Two Vehicles Ends in Crash: Plant City Motorcyclist Seriously Injured, One Driver Arrested

Allison - 0
An FHP Trooper, responding to a call for service on April 4, 2026, was traveling westbound on SR-400 in Hillsborough County.  Near the 16.5 Milepost, the Trooper observed two vehicles traveling at high speed and overtaking his marked patrol...
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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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