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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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Crime & Public Safety

Winter Haven Woman Charged in Hit-and-Run That Killed One Boy, Injured Another

Staff Reporter - 0
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit arrested and charged the suspect responsible for hitting two children with her vehicle and fleeing the scene. On March 12, 2026, 30-year-old Victoria Johnson (DOB 10/14/1995) of Thornhill Road in Winter Haven,...
Crime & Public Safety

One Child Killed, Another Child in Critical Condition After Hit-and-Run Near Winter Haven

Staff Reporter - 0
March 12, 2026 8:45 pm update: Got her. This is Victoria Johnson, who ran over two little kids last night, killing one of them and critically injuring the other. Here is preliminary information regarding her arrest and our ongoing investigation: After an around-the-clock...
Polk County Fire Rescue

Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line

Allison - 0
Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line First responders came to the rescue of an owl that was found hanging from a tree after becoming tangled in fishing line earlier this week. According to Polk County Fire...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Mulberry Man Arrested After AI-Generated Child Pornography Found on Phone, PCSO Says

Allison - 0
Polk County Sheriff's Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 47-year-old Steven Gugel of Mulberry and charged him with 3 counts generating altered sex depiction without consent and 5 counts creating generated child pornography after locating images on his cell phone that he...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Lake Wales Man Accused Of Drunk Driving Caused Two Hit and Runs Then Parked Behind Elementary School

Carl Fish - 0
On March 10, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43‑year‑old Juan Medina of Lake Wales after he caused two hit‑and‑run crashes while driving under the influence around 7:10 p.m. The first crash occurred at the intersection of US Highway 27...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Lakeland Substitute Teacher Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Conduct

Allison - 0
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland after multiple students at two Polk County middle schools reported inappropriate conduct by him while he was working as a substitute teacher. Sanchez was employed as a temporary...
Crime & Public Safety

Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested After Crash That Killed Respected Winter Haven Pastor

Staff Reporter - 0
The Winter Haven community is mourning the loss of Reverend Deldrick Arthur Leonard, a pastor, school counselor, and community leader whose life was cut short following a crash in Lakeland earlier this week. Police now have arrested a suspect...
Lakeland

Homicide Investigation Underway After Shooting Outside Wally’s Poolhall in Lakeland

Carl Fish - 0
Homicide Investigation - Lakeland Police Department Press Release Lakeland, FL (March 5, 2026) – Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department are investigating a shooting which occurred early Thursday morning outside of Wally’s Poolhall, located at 1136 East Main Street, Lakeland, Florida. Based on witness...
Crime & Public Safety

Woman Escapes Patrol Car, Reaches for Officer’s Weapon During Violent Early Morning Incident

Staff Reporter - 0
Winter Haven Police Department Press Release A Call Regarding Possible Gunfire Results in Officers Fighting a Woman Who Escaped from a Patrol Car and Attempted to Grab Officers Weapons. She Now Faces a Host of Felony Charges. On Monday, March...
Lake Wales Police Department

Two Former Lake Wales Little League Board Members Arrested on Grand Theft and Fraud Charges

Carl Fish - 0
Lake Wales, FL — Two former board members of Lake Wales Little League have been arrested following an investigation into suspected fraudulent activity within the organization’s accounts. According to the Lake Wales Police Department, on May 30, 2025, board members...
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Blue Ridge Grill advertisement in Bartow showing exterior sign, interior dining, and three menu photos (breakfast sandwich, salad, steak) with hours and website text including 'Bartow's Most Beautiful Restaurant' and 'Blue Ridge Grill'

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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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