One of Deputy Grady Judd’s early arrests came the night of the sheriff’s office Christmas party in the mid-1970s, when he saved the Baby Jesus.
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 inPeople
Part 1: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Marks 50 Years in Law Enforcement
On the sweltering summer evening of July 21, 1972, a tall, skinny, 18-year-old – sporting a mustache because it “made him look older” — walked into the Bartow headquarters of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Broadway Avenue and started his first official night shift in the communications office, answering emergency calls for help as […]
Posted inEducation
Rep. Franklin Hosts Academy Day
U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, is hosting Academy Day on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. until noon at Hillsborough State College’s Plant City campus.
Posted inEducation
PCPS Officials and Sheriff Grady Judd Refute Hiring Allegations
Polk County Public Schools officials, along with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, refuted allegations contained in a blog post and podcast that raised questions about school district hiring practices.
Posted inEducation
Overall Polk Schools Grade Slips; Griffin Elementary Improves
Polk County Public Schools’ overall district grade dropped to a C this year from a B in 2018-2019, according to school grades released Thursday by the Florida Department of Education. These grades are based on the 2021-2022 academic year.
Posted inActivism, Public Safety
13-Year-Old Arrested at July 4th Pro-Choice Protest
A social media firestorm erupted on Independence Day after a mom posted a video of her 13-year-old daughter being arrested by Lakeland police for using a megaphone at a pro-choice rally in Munn Park.
Posted inEducation
School Test Scores Show Polk Students Are Struggling
The latest Florida test scores show Polk is struggling, with students scoring below the state average.
Posted inArts & Culture, People
LSO Names New Executive Director: Lakeland Native Ashley Miller
Ashley Metts Miller, a Lakeland native, has been named executive director of the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra.
Posted inHealth, Neighborhoods
Plans for 541-Bed Hospital in South Lakeland Rile Neighbors
Some residents around Harrell’s Nursery Road off of County Road 540A are having nightmares about screaming ambulance sirens, hovering helicopters and the traffic back-up of nearly 400 cars a hospital shift change could bring.
Posted inActivism, Politics
Lakeland Reacts to Supreme Court Abortion Ruling
As black clouds threatened rain, about 20 pro-choice protesters lined Florida Avenue in front of Southgate Shopping Plaza Friday evening.
