Cruz, a key figure behind Orlando’s homeless diversion and prevention program, joined the Lakeland nonprofit in April
Author Archives: Stephanie Claytor
Stephanie Claytor has been a broadcast and digital journalist in Lakeland since 2016, covering Polk County for Bay News 9 and currently free-lancing for LkldNow. She is an author of travel and children's books.
Posted inBusiness
FSC Student Gets Support to Market Safety Device for Runners
Brooke Lierman has won $20,000 in pitch competitions for OverTheShoulder, which will detect dangers to runners and alert their contacts
Posted inSocial Services
Heartland for Children Facing Difficulty Recruiting New Foster Parents
Heartland for Children is in need of 25 additional foster homes in the Lakeland area to serve teens, siblings and children, including those with autism and developmental delays. Overall, the organization is hoping to add 50 new foster homes in its entire coverage area of Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties, according to Kim Daugherty, chief […]
Posted inSocial Services
Polk Schools Launch Food Pantry in West Lakeland
The food distribution is available to anybody in need every other Friday at the West Area Adult School on Central Avenue.
Posted inFood & Dining
Bonnet Springs Park Offers Food and Beverage Options
A café, a coffee shop and a rooftop bar are available, as are water-filling stations and drink vending machines.
Posted inFood & Dining
Nitrogen Ice Creamery Opens on County Line Road
Customers request flavors and add-ins, then see their dessert instantly frozen with liquid nitrogen.
Posted inHealth
Three Monkeypox Cases Reported in Polk County
Polk County has three known cases of monkeypox, all reported this month, according to the Florida Department of Health. The virus is spreading globally, and it was declared “a public health emergency of international concern” by the World Health Organization on Saturday.
Posted inActivism, People
Lakeland Attendees Praise VP Kamala Harris’ Speech in Orlando
Several Lakeland residents were at the Orange County Convention Center Thursday as Vice President Kamala Harris gave a candid 30-minute speech to more than 13,000 members of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Posted inEnvironment, Neighborhoods
Lakeland Adding More Butterfly Gardens to Boost Monarch Population
The city of Lakeland is adding two more butterfly gardens to the four it already maintains in an effort to help restore the monarch butterfly population.
Posted inEnvironment, Neighborhoods
Lakeland Adding More Butterfly Gardens to Boost Dwindling Monarch Numbers
The city of Lakeland is adding two more butterfly gardens to the four it already maintains in an effort to help restore the monarch butterfly population. In addition, the city is offering residents free milkweed plants in order to encourage more home butterfly gardens.
