TOP STORIES First up: Florida’s continuing drought means tighter water restrictions for Polk County starting April 3. Cindy Glover reports on what you need to do to save water and avoid fines. Last Friday, roughly 15 protesters lined Memorial Boulevard to make their opposition toTalbot House’s proposed move known. Talbot House will reach another pivot […]
Author Archives: Erin Hollenkamp
From a LkldNow Sponsor
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra Showcases Broadway Favorites in Final Season Performance
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is bringing the magic of Broadway to Branscomb Auditorium to close out their 60th season. For one night only on April 4, “Defying Gravity: Bewitching Broadway” showcases acclaimed vocalists and the full symphony orchestra performing an evening of beloved Broadway hits. “The LSO’s versatile musicians will dazzle you with this performance […]
Posted inNewsletters
How ready are Polk’s kindergartners?
THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS Only 38% of Polk County children were considered ready for kindergarten in 2024. Kayla Borg looked into what that statistic actually means and what resources exist to help prepare students for the first year of school. The parents of Capt. Cody Khork, Khork’s best friend Abbas Jaffer, and Florida Southern College […]
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Lakeland-Based Bank of Central Florida Expands Into Hillsborough County
With the increased growth in Polk and Hillsborough County over the last couple years, Lakeland-based Bank of Central Florida is continuing its expansion into Hillsborough county with a new loan production office, or LPO, in Brandon. The bank’s mission in 2026 is to serve others on their financial journey through intentional support and a collaborative […]
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This week: “Kathleen ain’t North Lakeland”
TOP STORIES First up: Three stories from the north (of Lakeland, that is). Anna Toms covers a contentious community meeting in Kathleen over a proposed government center and other long-standing issues. For residents of Florida House District 51, there’s a special election to choose your state representative this March. We’ve got the info in the […]
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This week: Familiar faces step up across Lakeland
TOP STORIES Ch-Ch-Ch Changes: Three local institutions recently announced top appointments. The common theme — all three leaders come from within our community. The major difference — while The AGB has found its long-term director in Daryl Ward, Anne Kerr is adamant that her time as president of Polk State will be temporary, and LSO’s […]
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What that gunfire on the lake was about — plus Lakeland Electric news this week in Lakeland
TOP STORIES First Up: Cindy Glover’s reporting on fears caused by gunshots during duck hunting season sparked a spirited debate in the comments. Read the full story to get the facts: HEARD IN THE COMMENTS: Heath B. advocated for more education, commenting: “… The more people learn about how safe it actually is, and when […]
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Jobs, schools and a new café — here’s what’s happening in Lakeland this week
TOP STORIES First up: Good news for job seekers and medical professionals, Orlando Health is hosting a job fair this Saturday to fill 1,500 positions. In Education news: Last week we covered Polk’s teacher shortage and the proposed solution of a ballot amendment for a millage rate increase designed to fund increases to teacher and […]
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This week in LKLD: Why Polk can’t fill Teacher positions — plus a beloved local bakery gets national recognition
For the top story this week, we shared reporting by our colleagues at WUSF on Polk’s teacher shortage. Readers had a lot to say in comments pointing to conditions in classrooms, administrative burdens and teacher pay as the driving causes. Some point to a millage rate increase as a possible solution to the teacher pay […]
From a LkldNow Sponsor
VISTEBall 2026 Offers Fun Way to Help Local Seniors
VISTE’s annual fundraising event on Jan. 31 raises crucial funds to support over 4,900 seniors in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Fort Meade.