The popular mayor won election by large margins in 2017 and 2021, but plans to step down when his term ends in December 2025.
Author Archives: Kimberly C. Moore
Kimberly C. Moore, who grew up in Lakeland, has been a print, broadcast and multimedia journalist for more than 30 years. Before coming to LkldNow in the spring of 2022, she was a reporter for four years with The Ledger, first covering Lakeland City Hall and then Polk County schools. She is the author of “Star Crossed: The Story of Astronaut Lisa Nowak," published by University Press of Florida. Reach her at kimberly@lkldnow.com or 863-272-9250.
Posted inCrime / Justice
Alleged Gunman Surrenders in Shooting of 3-Year-Old Lakeland Boy
The search continues for the man police say was the getaway driver, Demarius Wilson.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Lakeland High School Cheerleaders Honored By City Commission
The squad won state and national titles in February.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Lakeland Linder International Airport Shortens Name on New Logo and Marketing Materials
The city unveiled the new branding as Avelo Airlines prepares to announce commercial passenger flight destinations.
Posted inPublic Safety
Applications Open for Lakeland’s Free High School Police Academy Summer Camp
The weeklong camp gives high school students a taste of a career in law enforcement.
Posted inPolitics
DeSantis: Expect Action Soon on Bill to Make Sleeping in Public Illegal
Cities could be sued if they don’t eliminate visible signs of homelessness like encampments under highways.
Posted inSocial Services
Patient ‘Dumping’ Strains Lakeland Homeless Shelters and Highlights Need for Transitional Care
Out-of-county facilities have been sending discharged patients to Talbot House, which doesn’t have beds or nursing care for them.
Posted inCrime / Justice
Lakeland Police Identify Two Suspects in Monday Night’s Shooting That Killed 3-Year-Old
There is a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrests of Kevarius Green, 30, and Demarius Wilson, 22.
Posted inTransportation
Eastbound Pipkin Road to Reopen Between Harden Boulevard and South Florida Avenue on Thursday
More than two years after it was closed, the nearly mile-long stretch is scheduled to reopen at 3 p.m.
Posted inDowntown
Parking Landscape in Downtown Lakeland Changes as Private Lots Begin Offering ‘Public Parking’
Tampa-based Seven One Seven Parking Enterprises is now managing at least four privately owned parking lots downtown.