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.
Young Chefs Take the Spotlight at IDEA Lakeland Cook-Off
National program uses hands-on cooking to build confidence and encourage healthier habits among students.
Lake Morton Historic Home Tour Returns March 28
After a hiatus in 2025, the 21st annual tour returns this Saturday, featuring nine homes in the Lake Morton neighborhood.
‘Extreme’ Drought Triggers New Water Limits Across Lakeland Area
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a modified Phase III water shortage and tightened restrictions as of April…
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Lakeland Now Originals
Harrison Arts’ Janiyah McAllister a National Musical Theatre Semifinalist
Harrison School for the Arts incoming senior Janiyah McAllister, 17, of Davenport, is a semifinalist in the National High School…
MORE LAKELAND NEWS
- Lakeland’s new fee for youth leagues using city athletic fields will help fund their maintenance | Fox 13 News
- Grant will fund sports fields and restrooms at Lake Crago | The Ledger
- Burst water pipe and pavement issues at Wabash and 10th linked to ground settling | Bay News 9
- Lakeland veteran, 87, struggles with VA to get treatment for Korean War ailments | News Channel 8
- Roundabout project will keep Galloway-Sleepy Hill intersection closed through next week | ABC Action News
- Polk’s school district joins a lawsuit against e-cigarette company JUUL | 10 Tampa Bay
BUSINESS
Yoga Pointe in Highland City Opens Friday, March 13
Founder Jana Whiddon opens a new location in the Highland City Publix Plaza, celebrating with free classes on Saturday, March 14, and welcoming dozens of new members.
Catapulting Big Ideas: Lakeland’s Business Incubator Generates $27M in Revenue
The downtown hub serves 280 startups with mentorship, maker space, and micro-grants to help founders move from early concept to scalable company.
Avelo makes Lakeland a Main Hub with More Flights and More Planes
Avelo’s local expansion triggers airport’s new safety requirements and added staff.
City Hall
Protesters Take to Memorial Blvd. Ahead of Talbot House Appeal
An April 6 hearing could reopen the debate over a proposed homeless services campus on Memorial Boulevard.
Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session Ends: What Passed, What Failed, and What’s Next?
The session has ended — without a budget. From DEI bans to new voter verification requirements, here are some of the bigger bills that passed and failed, and what lawmakers will tackle in special sessions.
Lakeland Electric’s Newest Customer Service Rep Isn’t Human
AI chatbot “CayLa” will handle routine calls as the utility faces growing demand.
People
Army Maj. Cody Khork Returns to Polk County
The hearse carrying Khork’s remains was escorted by hundreds of law enforcement and veterans from Lakeland Linder International Airport to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven.
‘A Legacy of Service’: Florida Southern Scholarship Honors Capt. Cody Khork
Parents and friends establish an endowed scholarship to support cadets and preserve the legacy of the Army reservist killed in the opening days of the war with Iran.
Kennedy Davenport, Young Artist Winner, Joins the LSO This Saturday, March 7
Davenport, a senior at Harrison School for the Arts, is the recipient of a $3,000 scholarship in honor of Beth Mason.
HEALTH
Moffitt Announces Plans to Build an Outpatient Cancer Center in Lakeland
When open in 2029, the facility will offer cancer screenings, diagnostic imaging, blood draw and clinical labs, infusion services, medical…
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic Seek 1,500 Employees for New Hospital
Recruiters will be at Polk State College on Jan. 31 to interview applicants for everything from nursing to entry-level support…
Lakeland Regional and Tampa General Partner, Bringing More Specialized Care to Lakeland
The partnership will add physicians, accelerate research and expand local access to clinical trials.
Coronavirus
New COVID Cases Reported in Polk Are Declining
Polk County’s latest uptick in COVID-19 cases has peaked. The number of new cases has shown a downward trend over the last four weeks after increasing steadily over a four-month period, according to weekly tallies reported by the Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the week ending…
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Polk Museum of Art Announces a Major Expansion
The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern college today announced a $6 million, 10,000-square-foot expansion that will triple the gallery space and add classrooms and art labs. Here are some of the particulars: WHO: Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College WHAT: Major expansion and renovation – 10,000 square feet; $6 million; two stories WHEN: Construction begins later…
More News
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…
Hilary Holley Wins HD51 in Special Election
The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Edwin Pérez in the race.
‘Restore the Core’ Continues Meetings To Gather Feedback on Midtown and Downtown Plans
The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency will host stakeholder meetings on March 24 and April 2 to share updated plans for the city’s central districts.
Northsiders: Learn More About District 51 Special Election Candidates
Hilary Holley and Edwin Pérez are on the ballot in District 51’s special election on Tuesday, March 24.
Downtown Lakeland Enters New Chapter as Three Apartment Properties Go Up for Sale
Once risky, Lake Mirror Tower, NoBay and The Gardens are now being marketed as reliable, high-occupancy assets.
Judd Recommends a Path for Undocumented Residents Not Breaking the Law
The Polk County sheriff clarifies comments made during a meeting of Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council.
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Lakeland Events
Obituaries
Richard “Dick” Lloyd Lincoln, 89
LTC (Ret) Richard Lloyd Lincoln (Dick) passed away on October 9, 2022. He was born on September 12, 1933 in…
Wayne Earl Brackin, 74
Wayne Earl Brackin was born in Slocomb, Alabama on September 6, 1948 to Bunion Young Brackin & Mertie Jewel Smith…
William G. “Billy” Kirkland, 39
William G. “Billy” Kirkland was born in Panama City, Florida on September 9, 1983, to William E. and Georgia B.…
William John Stieren, 93
William John Stieren, 93, of Lakeland died peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Bill was born in Springfield, IL on…
Elizabeth “Bettie” English, 97
Elizabeth “Bettie” English, age 97, went home to be with the Lord on October 5, 2022. Bettie, born on August…
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