HomeCrime & Public Safety

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..

DailyRidge. Home of hyper local Fast-Factual-Free News!

Florida Highway Patrol

Polk County Residents Involved in I-4 Crash; Fuel Leak Causes Significant Traffic Delays in Hillsborough

Allison - 0
A four-vehicle crash involving two Polk County residents caused significant traffic disruptions Wednesday evening along Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County. The crash occurred around 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, just west of mile marker 21 near the exit to...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Woman with Prior Aggravated Battery Convictions Arrested After K9 Capture in Bartow

Allison - 0
The following is a report by PCSO: At around 9 pm on Wednesday, February 18th, PCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence near Lyle Parkway in Bartow after a battery was reported. Deputies arrived and learned that the suspect, 41-year old...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

PCSO Asking For Public’s Help Identifying ATV Theft Suspects

Allison - 0
On February 6, 2026, at around 11:30 pm, a lime green Yamaha ATV was stolen from a carport on Wall Street West in Frostproof. The two unknown suspects loaded the ATV into the back of a light colored, older model...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Deputies Arrest Driver Who Fled Hit-and-Run Crash in Mulberry

Allison - 0
The following is a press release by PCSO: “A suspect who is in the country illegally from Guatemala fled from a hit-and-run crash in Mulberry but was quickly apprehended by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He did not have a...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Suspect Impersonating Child Protective Services Employee Arrested After Attempting to Remove Lakeland Child From Home

Allison - 0
A Lakeland woman who posed as an employee of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) during an attempt to “remove” a 9-year old boy from a residence was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, February...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Bartow Teacher Arrested After Backyard Fire Spreads to 5 Acres Amid Polk Burn Ban

Allison - 0
A backyard fire that grew out of control in Bartow on Sunday, February 15, 2026, led to the arrest of the Bartow school teacher who started the fire. The fire was intentionally set in a backyard to burn debris, but...
Polk County Fire Rescue

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Lakeland Scrapyard Fire

Allison - 0
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to a large scrapyard fire off Main Street in Lakeland Saturday night (Feb 14). Crews were at the scene of a medical call shortly after 6 p.m. when their battalion chief noticed a...
Lake Wales Police Department

Woman Arrested After She Allegedly Battered A School Guardian at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary

Carl Fish - 0
LAKE WALES, FL (February 13, 2026) – A woman was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly battering a school guardian, a law enforcement officer, and a school administrator at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School, according to police reports from...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Multi-Agency Sweep Cripples Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking Rings

Allison - 0
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) Task Force have significantly disrupted the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the county during two special operations that resulted in many arrests and the seizure...
Polk County Fire Rescue

Steps to Starting a Career with Polk County Fire Rescue

Allison - 0
Do you want a career where you’re set up for success and advancement? How about one where you can share your experience and lead others? If so, then answer the call and join Polk County Fire Rescue. Application Process: To be...
1...161718...116Page 17 of 116

Latest News

- Advertisment -
Portrait of Jody Kirchberg, broker/owner of Apple Tree Realty Group; contact 863-605-7088.

Latest News

Entertainment & Lifestyle

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

Allison - 0
Live music fans will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy local performers this weekend in Winter Haven, with solo artists, bands, karaoke and a...
- Advertisment -
Poster advertising the 19th Hole Bar & Grill Breakfast Buffet: Sundays 9am–1pm; adults $15, children $8.99; foods include eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy; address 7510 Red Grange Blvd, Indian Lake Estates.

Must Read