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Sentencing trial set to begin for Florida man who executed 5 women at a bank in 2019
Zephen Xaver walked into a central Florida bank in 2019, fatally shot five women and then called police to tell them what he did. Now 12 jurors will decide whether the 27-year-old former prison guard trainee is sentenced to death or life without parole. Jury selection is scheduled to begin...
17-year-old shot, 19-year-old arrested after '100 mph' police chase through Haines City
A 17-year-old boy was shot Friday evening by a Haines City police officer and a 19-year-old arrested after a long, high-speed chase through Haines City in a stolen car, authorities said. Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media late Friday about the...
State to seek death penalty against man accused of stabbing mother more than 70 times
FROSTPROOF, Fla. — When Elvira Espinoza opened the door to her Frostproof home, she was expected to greet her 21-year-old son. Instead, he "viciously" stabbed her more than 70 times, killing her. Now, Florida state prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty for Emmanual Espinoza, a pre-med student...
Polk sheriff aims to add 125 deputies over five years to handle population growth
With the explosive growth in northeastern Polk County and throughout the county's unincorporated areas, more deputies will be needed to maintain public safety, the sheriff says. Over the next five years, Sheriff Grady Judd expects to add 125 more deputies, mostly in patrol cars. He oversaw the hiring of 25 last year. He says the deputies are needed because of the demand for deputies in public and private schools. ...
Polk County mother concerned over Lakeland homeless camp after daughter grabbed while walking from school
LAKELAND, Fla. - A Polk County mother said she's concerned about a homeless camp that is right across the street from her daughter's elementary school. According to Diana Delong, a man who is homeless grabbed her daughter while she and her friends were walking home from Jesse Keen Elementary School on Monday afternoon. After being grabbed, Delong said her daughter and her friends ran away.
Three Appointed to the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees
South Florida - Saturday May 18, 2024: Governor DeSantis has appointed Devon Donaldson and John Eason and the reappointment of Terry Atchley to the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees. Devon Donaldson - Donaldson is the Owner of Geodev Financial Group. Active in his community, he is the...
Freshwater fishing: Big bass are elusive in Polk County right now. But quantity is high
1. In Lakeland, at Saddle Creek bluegill are biting in the pits using minnows. Black-and-blue trick worms have been working for bass. At Tenoroc on Lake B, medium shiners have been the go-to bait for bass. Specks have been hitting grass shrimp on Picnic Lake. On lakes Parker and Hollingsworth, night fishing has been good for bluegill on crickets and grass shrimp, reports Phillips Bait and Tackle (863-666-2248).
'Makes my heart ache': Community honors missing boater found dead in Sebring
SEBRING, Fla. — Family, friends, and loved ones are mourning the loss of a man who was reported missing in Sebring over the weekend. First responders stated they recovered the body of Omar Gutierrez-Gomez of Hardee County on Monday morning. "He had such a sweet & amazing soul, never...
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