Many Florida counties had big decreases in teacher vacancies this year, but not Polk.
Author Archives: Cindy Glover
Cindy's reporting for LkldNow focuses on Lakeland city government. Previously, she was a crime reporter, City Hall reporter and chief political writer for newspapers including the Albuquerque Journal and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. She spent a year as a community engagement coordinator for the City of Lakeland before joining LkldNow in 2023. Reach her at cindy@lkldnow.com or 561-212-3429.
Posted inSchools
Parents Have Six Weeks to Weigh in on New Polk County High School Maps
Enrollment at George Jenkins and Lake Gibson would decrease. Lakeland could get 643 more students and Tenoroc could add 1,142.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Lakeland Raises Impact Fees in Bid to Make Developers Pay for Growth
Increases will add about $4,000 to the cost of a new single-family home over the next four years.
Posted inSchools
Polk School Board Unveils 1 Mill Tax Proposal for Teacher Pay Raises
The question about a four-year property tax increase would be on the 2026 general election ballot.
Posted inSchools
School is Back in Session: What You Need to Know
Catch up on all the changes that will affect Polk County students, parents and commuters this year.
Posted inHousing
Lakeland OKs 64 Townhomes — with Conditions
The project brings market-rate housing. Concerns about flooding and traffic safety remain.
Posted inArts & Culture
‘It Was a Good Run’ — Polk County’s Only Local Talk Radio Show Canceled
Hall Communications replaced ‘Polk County Live’ with a nationally syndicated news program.
Posted inDowntown
Montgomery Ward, Hartsell Buildings in Downtown Lakeland Face Foreclosure
The former Montgomery Ward store on North Kentucky Avenue and Hartsell Building on East Main Street have racked up more than 500k in fines and stymied redevelopment.
Posted inInsight Polk
Memorial Boulevard: Can a New Homeless Shelter and Economic Revitalization Coexist?
‘Memorial Works’ crew would give homeless people stipends for cleaning, landscaping and beautification.
Posted inInsight Polk
Housing for Young Professionals or Future ‘Slum Area’? Commission Splits 5-2 on Townhome Plan
Developer wants to build 30 townhomes on a CRA-owned block north of Memorial Boulevard.