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Polk detectives arrest 26 drug dealers in countywide initiative

Polk County, FL -- Polk County detectives arrested 26 drug dealers in a countywide initiative Thursday.

According to the sheriff's office, the initiative was the result of an undercover investigation involving street- and mid-level drug dealers in the Lakeland, Bartow, Auburndale and Wahneta areas dealing in methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana.

Photo Gallery: Polk drug dealer arrests

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Polygraph examiner gives customer date rape drug

Winter Haven, Florida -- Winter Haven Police have arrested a 58-year-old man on charges that he drugged a woman while administering a polygraph examination in order to receive sexual favors.

Investigators say William Lee McCallister, of Sawgrass Court in Winter Haven, was arrested on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. after a search warrant was issued for his business, Florida Polygraph Associates, Inc., located on 375 East Central Ave. in Winter Haven. 

Detectives charge suspect in 2001 homicide case

Lakeland, FL -- A 38-year-old Lakeland man serving time in the Polk County Jail was indicted Tuesday in the 2001 shooting death of a 31-year-old Eaton Park resident.

According to the sheriff's office, Terry L. Thomas is being charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Robert "Bobby" Monroe, also known as "Beef Truck". 

Monroe was fatally shot while inside the Paradise Club in Gordonville (between Eagle Lake and Bartow) at around 1:30 a.m. March 17, 2001.

High school football coach accused of having sex with student

Winter Haven, FL -- The head football coach at George W. Jenkins High School was arrested Wednesday on charges of having sex with a 17-year-old female student.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, 30-year-old Matt Thompson had sex with the girl on at least two occasions at the coach's home, located at 140 Glendale St. in Lakeland.

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Local father cheers NTSB cell phone ban recommendation

Polk County, Florida -- "She was my best friend; we had good times together," said Jim Portell of his daughter, Jamie.

It's been nearly a decade since Portell lost Jamie, but the hurt doesn't heal.

"It may be nine years, but to me it's like nine minutes. It plays over and over-losing a child is the worst experience you can imagine," said Portell, his eyes tearing up.

Jamie was just 15 and coming home from a football game when the SUV she was riding in veered off Highway 27 in Polk County and rolled.

Donation for sons of murdered Polk Co. Sheriff employee

Bartow, FL - The sons of late Polk County Administrator Bea Reid received a helping hand just before the holidays. 

On Wednesday, Bubba the Love Sponge presented a check made out to Matt & Dillon Kirkland, Bea Reid's sons, in the amount of $12,700.

The money was raised during an October "Bikes for Badges" charity motorcycle ride in Bea's honor.  Bea was the third in command at PCSO, and the highest ranking civilian.

Bea's sons thanked Bubba, the Sheriff, and all the PCSO members for their love and support.

Toys for Tots scrambling, needs help now

Winter Haven, Florida -- With only 13 days until Christmas the Polk County Toys for Tots campaign is in desperate need of volunteers.

"We are scrambling to get stuff done," Polk County Toys for Tots Coordinator Bernie Heisler said in a release. "There is a lot to do and very little time to do it. This week is especially critical."

Individuals interested in volunteering can report to 602 Page Street in Auburndale. Toy donations can be dropped off at any Polk County Publix.