Expanding LkldNow to the radio
Barry Friedman
Founder and Editor-at-large
“LkldNow on the Radio.” Has a nice ring, doesn’t it? That’s the name of LkldNow’s weekly spot on WLKF radio. We’ve been doing it for more than four years and we love the way the show we’re on has evolved.
LkldNow’s segment starts after the 7:30 a.m. news on Mondays on the radio station, which can be heard at 96.7 FM and 1430 AM. We spend 10 to 15 minutes discussing recent Lakeland news and what we expect to see in the next few days.
When I started going on the air weekly in late 2019, the WLKF morning show (6-9 a.m.) was still called “Mayhem in the A.M.” But it really was no longer the mayhem show it had been in years past. So station owners Hall Communications wisely changed the show’s name to “Polk County Live” to better reflect its format, which had become more community focused and calmer, but still very entertaining.
Veteran broadcast journalist Len Erickson has helmed the show with a quick wit and deep community knowledge for 10 years. His current co-host is Laurianne Ciccarelli, an effervescent conversationalist who spends the rest of her day as a lawyer and community volunteer. Other regular guests on “Polk County Live” include Bill Mutz, Grady Judd, political scientist Bruce Anderson, sports expert Neal Duncan, veterans advocate Gary Clark, science guy Jim McGuire, the Polk Theatre’s Cello, and theater buff Jon Fedkiw.
The newest evolution is that “Polk County Live” is now live-streamed daily on the show’s Facebook page. That’s a real boon for people whose only radio is in their car and who want to follow along at home or work.
The addition of Facebook Live adds an obvious visual element to the show and expands the audience beyond the station’s terrestrial signal. (My mom watches regularly from Atlanta.) The only downside? Copyright issues keep Len from opening my segment with a fun game we used to play: Try to stump Barry with a classic rock song from the late 60s or early 70s. But the ability to expand the show to larger audiences more than makes up for it.
Avelo’s First Flights From Lakeland Linder Will Be to New Haven, CT
Some commenters were disappointed that only one destination was announced, but local officials said more would be added over time.
Polk County Health Care Experts Offer Tips and Insights at Community Forum
The forum, hosted by LkldNow and Lakeland Vision, focused on pain points and hopeful news regarding local access to health care.
Polk County’s League of Women Voters Has Distributed More Than 1,800 Free Gun Locks
The group aims to prevent gun violence and accidental shootings.
Florida Poly Names Five Candidates to Be its Next President
Interviews are being scheduled for the five men, who all hold Ph.Ds.
First Baptist Institutional Church Marks 140 Years of Faith, Family and Community
It was Lakeland’s first Black church and holds a special place in the city’s history, but congregants say attendance is lagging.
Historic Building in Downtown Lakeland to Get a New Owner
My Office & More, Divicious Deli and Coffee Shop, the Bodega Market and the Studio on Main hair salon will remain open.
All Eyes Are On You In Downtown Lakeland With New Security Cameras
Surveillance cameras are operational along the streets surrounding Munn Park. Beautification efforts are also underway in the area.
Traffic Light Now Active at West Pipkin and Medulla Roads
The light is at the intersection where 15-year-old Jaxon Crabtree died three months ago.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Local Capitol riot defendant Joshua Doolin could benefit from changes in sentencing guidelines | Fox 13 News
Lakeland man arrested in double hit-and-run that killed a Bartow High senior walking to school | News Channel 8
Tori Cox, operations manager of Amazon Air in Lakeland, works to empower women in aviation | 10 Tampa Bay
Trump wants a Republican to challenge Laurel Lee, the only U.S. House member in Florida who endorsed DeSantis | Politico
Blueberry u-pick season begins this weekend; check out 17 local farms | Lakeland Mom
ACLU official raises concerns about new downtown facial recognition cameras | Fox 13 News
Photo Gallery: Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market
Family guide to summer camps in Lakeland and Polk County | Lakeland Mom
Judge denies bond for man accused in shootings that killed two, including a toddler | News Channel 8
Community Brews | Thursday-Friday | Noon to 10 p.m. | Swan Brewing
A portion of all sales at Swan Brewing Thursday and Friday goes to United Way of Central Florida. United Way representatives will be on hand to talk about the work the organization does to benefit the community.
Women entrepreneurs | Thursday | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Junior League Building, 90 Lake Morton Drive
A diverse panel will offer insight for women looking to become entrepreneurs. Panelists include Kia Troutman, Antionette Pollard, Desiraé Ofori, Lisa Kirk, Crystal Davis and Tia Crocket. Hosted by the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. Refreshments will be served. Free.
Douglas Brinkley | Thursday | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium
The noted historian closes out the 2023-24 season of Florida Southern College’s Florida Lecture Series with a discussion of his recent book, “Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening.” Free and open to the public.
Swan City Improv | Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Union Hall
Lakeland’s improv group brings their 18+ show to Union Hall for the first time, followed by karaoke with the audience. $10.
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