Glover will oversee our news operation. Founder Barry Friedman will remain actively involved as editor-at-large.

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.
LkldNow’s new editor | YMCA expansion | Persian food truck
Introducing LkldNow’s New Editor Barry Friedman Editor & Publisher Dear readers: Ever since founding LkldNow in 2015, a personal goal of mine has been to develop the next generation of leadership so that LkldNow can continue growing and providing independent news about quality-of-life issues in Lakeland long after my eventual retirement. I am pleased to […]
Lakeland Reacts to Abortion Bill | I-4 improvements
Our Special Number: 7 Trinity Laurino Executive Director If you follow LkldNow on Facebook, you might have seen that LkldNow founder and publisher Barry Friedman just turned 70! This means Barry has been covering Lakeland as a journalist for over four decades, first at The Ledger where he was city editor, news editor and features […]
Final Update: Florida Avenue Reopened After Only One Commuter Cycle
Work had been expected to disrupt downtown traffic for much of the week, but it was completed in less than a day.
Harden Boulevard Reopens Following Fatal Single-Vehicle Accident
Lakeland resident, 69, dies after he lost control of his vehicle and he was ejected when it rolled over.
LPD body cams | Revitalizing the former Searstown
Losing a fine journalist and a good friend Barry Friedman Editor & Publisher Lakeland lost a fine journalist this week, and those of us who knew him lost a good friend. John Valerino had recently returned home from the hospital following a heart attack and heart surgery when he died Sunday at age 70. John […]
Munn Park restrooms? | abortion law uncertainty | tiki bar downtown
Thankfulness multiplied by 239 Barry Friedman Editor & Publisher Thank you to the 239 people who helped preserve community journalism in Lakeland in 2022 by donating to LkldNow. We are truly grateful. Support has grown over the years — we had just 14 donors in 2016, our first full year, and this is the second […]
What If Munn Park Had a Downtown Welcome Center With Public Restrooms?
An architect is creating a rendering to show what a facility at the northeast corner of Munn Park might look like.
Lakeland Electric’s Base Rate Will Rise 2.25% in April
The utility is raising rates in phases, with further 2.25% increases scheduled for Oct. 1 this year and Oct. 1, 2024.
Owner of Downtown’s Lakeland Loft Wants to Open a Tropical Bar Downstairs
Ocean Breeze Tiki Bar would have Caribbean-style drinks, recorded island music and patio seating for 25.