Wesley Barnett talks with LkldNow in View host Andrea Oliver about the challenges facing businesses during COVID-19 and how times of economic uncertainty can foster business innovation; Publix Super Markets was formed by his grandfather at the height of the Great Depression, he notes. He also discusses Bonnet Springs Park, a legacy project for his […]
Author Archives: Barry Friedman
Barry Friedman founded Lkldnow.com in 2015 as the culmination of a career in print and digital journalism. Since 1982, he has used the tools of reporting, editing and content curation to help people in Lakeland understand their community better.
Posted inNews Roundup
Read It in the Morning Paper
EARLY VOTING started in Polk on Monday with 11,094 people voting, well above the total 7,250 who chose early voting for the August primary. Lines were long when the doors opened that day, but moved smoothly according to the Supervisor of Elections Office, and there was little to no line at lunchtime Tuesday at the […]
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Lakeland Native Shawn Sherrouse Named City Manager
Shawn Sherrouse is going from a behind-the-scenes role as deputy city manager to the in-the-spotlight job as city manager — the city of Lakeland’s chief administrator. City commissioners promoted him in a 6-1 vote this afternoon, with Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley dissenting.
Posted inFood & Dining
Outdoor Dining Options in Lakeland
With lots of people looking for restaurants that have outdoor seating, LakelandMom compiled a list divided into separate sections for downtown, Lakeside Village and the rest of Lakeland | Map Source: LakelandMom
Posted inSchools
Kathleen Middle Still Rebuilding a Year After Tornado
A year after a tornado ripped sections of roof from Kathleen Middle School, students prepare to return to auxiliary buildings but a lot of work remains on the main 1928 structure, 10 Tampa Bay reports. Repairs estimated at $8.1 million and covered by insurance are expected to be completed by December 2021. Source: 10 Tampa […]
Posted inPublic Safety
2 Polk Fire Rescue Chiefs Resign Amid Sexual Harassment Investigations
Two Polk County Fire Rescue battalion chiefs resigned last month amid investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact of female employees, Fox 13 News reports. Polk officials released a statement saying, in part, “The county is very disappointed in these former battalion chiefs! This is not how we expect our supervisors to […]
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Swan Lottery Winners Stretch From Fort Myers to Jacksonville
Eighteen individuals from Fort Myers to Jacksonville were winners Friday when the city of Lakeland held a drawing to buy swans at $400 each, Fox 13 News reports. The swan sale will reduce bird overpopulation at Lake Morton. The winners will each buy two swans and had to agree to provide a safe water environment. […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Read It in the Morning Paper
ELECTION: In the race for the District 3 seat on the Polk County Commission, Republican incumbent Bill Braswell is focusing his campaign on his support for public safety, while Democrat Bob Doyel, a retired circuit judge, emphasizes controlling the spread of large residential developments. OLIVO: Karen Olivo, a graduate of Harrison School for the Arts, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend
Live music performances around town this weekend include Shawn Rahn, Brett Foster, Gary Love & The Moonlighters, John Corneal & Masked Compadres, Walrus: A Beatles Sing-Along Experience, Tommy “Hornman” Butch and Barry Price, Anisette Mayer, Dan Signor, SG Wood, Bully 4 You, Jezzabel, MJR Initiative, Aggie Road, and Well Worn Soles. Keep scrolling for times […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Read It in the Morning Paper
DOWNTOWN: The 16 free lakefront parking spots along Lake Mirror Drive across from Catapult and The Joinery will be limited to two hours starting Monday. | Check other parking changes ART: Works by Central Florida artists reflecting on the spring and summer of 2020 is showcased in a new online exhibition curated by the Polk […]