This is the time of year when we look back on the biggest local stories — the ones with the most impact on readers and on our community. Here’s a look back at some of our top stories in Lakeland, month by month:
January
Citizens Cancels Lakeland Couple’s Home Insurance, Despite $56K in Upgrades
Homeowners’ ordeal highlights the challenges many Floridians face as they struggle to replace dropped policies.
February
Lives Cut Short: 21 Polk County Students Have Died Since June
The extraordinary number of deaths has left classmates, parents, teachers and staff grieving.
March
Massive Structure Fire Destroys Clubhouse of Former Wedgewood Golf Course in North Lakeland
The golf course closed in May 2021 and was sold to developers for a residential infill project called “Gibson Trails.”
April
After 35 Years in Prison, Leo Schofield Will Be Paroled on April 30
A podcast about Schofield’s conviction for murdering his 18-year-old wife in 1987 is set to become a scripted TV series.
May
Nineteen61’s New Rooftop Bar Set to Open June 1
Bar Vasco’s indoor/outdoor space will offer tapas and hand-crafted cocktails.
June
2024 Local Election Contests Are Set; Here’s Who’s Running
Many races will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary; the rest will be settled in the Nov. 5 general election.
July
Black Bear Spends Day Roaming Through Lakeland Neighborhoods
Wildlife officers tracked the young-looking bear for about 1.5 miles as it traveled through the Shore Acres and Lake Bonny neighborhoods.
August
AdventHealth Proposes 400-Bed Hospital Complex in South Lakeland
The project at the southeast corner of Harden Boulevard and Polk Parkway would also have retail stores and 250 apartments.
September
How Secure Are Polk County Elections? LkldNow Tried to Hack Them (Hypothetically). Here’s What Happened.
Multiple backups and redundancies in Polk County elections procedures make it difficult to manipulate vote tallies.
October
Live Blog: Lakeland Assesses the Damage from Hurricane Milton
Watch this page for updates throughout the day about how Lakeland fared and how to stay safe.
November
Here’s What to Expect If You Fly Avelo Airlines From Lakeland
The budget airline flies nonstop between Lakeland and eight other airports in the eastern U.S. and Puerto Rico.
December
Emergency Care Options Multiply as Four Hospital Systems Expand Into Lakeland
HCA Florida’s two freestanding emergency rooms – one of them opens Monday – are part of a wave of new facilities.
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