Lakeland Regional Health is stepping up employee recruitment and getting creative in how it uses space as its staff copes with a burgeoning number of COVID-19 patients, CEO Danielle Drummond told city commissioners today.
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 inPolitics
Entertainer Eddie Geller Announces Bid to Oppose Franklin for Congress
The newest candidate for the seat in Congress that represents Lakeland is Eddie Geller, a 37-year-old entertainer and activist who recently moved to Brandon to run for the seat, The Ledger reports. Geller faces Jesse Philippe in the Democratic primary that will determine who faces Republican incumbent Scott Franklin of Lakeland next fall. He said […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Read It in the Morning Paper, Social Services Edition
ELDERPOINT SERVICES, a nonprofit agency that provided transportation and nutrition for seniors, has discontinued its services. VISTE and Citrus Connection are working to serve as many former ElderPoint clients as possible. LAKE WIRE RETIREMENT CENTER on Peachtree Street has closed, its owner retiring and selling the property to a developer who plans to build apartments. […]
Posted inHealth
Polk Sets New COVID-19 Highs for a Third Straight Week
For a third week in a row, Polk County set record highs for the number of new COVID-19 cases — 6,521 new infections were confirmed — and the rate of tests that come back positive — 27.2% — according to the weekly update from the Florida Department of Health.
Posted inHealth
Mobile Tour Brings Vaccine Info to Two Lakeland Flea Markets
A mobile tour aimed at educating Latinos about COVID-19 vaccines and combatting misinformation is coming to two Lakeland flea markets this weekend.
Posted inPublic Safety
County Offers Sandbags for Flood Protection
With Tropical Depression Fred expected to bring tropical storm conditions to Central Florida this weekend, Polk County is offering filled sandbags for flood protection. Nearby pickup locations include 8970 N. Campbell Road in Lakeland and 900 NE 5th St. in Mulberry.
Posted inSchools
South McKeel Academy Requiring Masks for Two Weeks
Starting Friday, students and staff at South McKeel Academy, a charter elementary school, will be required to wear masks indoors and on school buses for two weeks. Students at a sister elementary, McKeel Academy Central, will also be required to wear masks while riding school buses. Alan Black, director of schools for The Schools of […]
Posted inHealth
Watson Clinic Requiring Its Doctors and Staff to Vaccinate
Watson Clinic is requiring its more than 200 doctors and its 1,600+ employees to vaccinate against COVID-19 by November. The clinic’s board of directors made the decision in recognition of “the serious threat the COVID-19 Delta variant posses to our patients and community at large,” the clinic said in a news release.
Posted inPeople
Potential Election Could Pose Tricky Issues for Charles and Jennifer Canady
News Service of Florida reporter Dara Kam explores some tricky issues that could face Florida Chief Justice Charles Canady if his wife of 24 years, Jennifer Canady of Lakeland, succeeds Colleen Burton in the Florida House of Representatives. The Canadys respond that they will follow all rules and laws. “My husband has spent his entire […]
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
City to Employees: Wear Masks at Work Unless You’re Distanced
City of Lakeland employees have once again been told to wear face coverings at work while indoors or in city vehicles when they are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet, The Ledger reports. “These protocols are necessary to protect our city workforce,” City Manager Shawn Sherrouse wrote in an email to employees. There […]