Polk County Fire Rescue's union president, Lee Stringer, said the staffing shortages have created longer work hours for current firefighters. This is something the wives of some firefighters are ...

American Red Cross (Polk County Main Office): 863-294-5941 Crisis Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386 Disaster Distress Hotline (emotional support): 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 ...

Nineteen Polk County public schools will have new principals for the 2025-2026 school year. Five principal reassignments are a result of retirements. Three high schools, one K-8 school, one ...

The average apartment listed for rent at $1,216 in May. Average listing prices in Polk County are trending slightly downwards from April's $1,224 price, down 1.9% from this time last year.

Polk County Fire Rescue had boats on the water as well. This is a breaking news story. Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for updates.