Forum spotlights k-12 education in Polk
Trinity Laurino
Executive director
With the new school year starting tomorrow, education has been top of mind for much of Lakeland. At the time of writing, I’ve just spent the morning with our local Kiwanis clubs at the annual “stuff the bus” event which delivers over $100,000 in donated supplies to local schools. I know this is a community that cares deeply about education and understands the importance of it in the overall well-being of our community.
At LkldNow, we think k-12 education is one of those topics that needs its own community forum, especially as Polk County enters into a comprehensive redistricting project and adjusts to an influx of students.
We launched our “Let’s Talk Lkld” community forum series to create community dialogue and close information gaps. One of the things I hear frequently from various sectors of our community is “if only the people knew about this,” and that’s where I believe LkldNow is uniquely positioned to step in.
These forums offer you a chance to ask questions of and hear directly from the local experts and policy makers. Through our partnership with Lakeland Vision, they are a place to give your feedback and make your voice heard.
The panelists will include Polk Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid, School Board members Kay Fields and Lisa Miller, and 2017 Polk Teacher of the Year Lois Horn-Diaz.
We hope you’ll join us on Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Florida Children’s Museum in Bonnet Springs Park. The event is after hours in the black box theater at the museum and it is free and open to the public. ~Learn more and register here.~
Thank you to T. Mims Corp. and the United Way of Central Florida for providing financial support for this important discussion.
On a personal note, this year will mark the final first day of school for my family as my daughter heads into her senior year. So this year feels especially poignant. If I may, on behalf of all parents sending our children off to school tomorrow, please be extra mindful on the roads and give yourself plenty of time. Traffic patterns are about to change drastically in some places, new drivers will be taking to the roads, and children will be going to and from bus stops. Let’s all help ensure they get there and back safely.
City Elections: Simmons Draws Two Challengers; Two Commissioners Remain Unopposed
Incumbents Chad McLeod and Bill Read have drawn no opponents yet; candidates have until Sept. 22 to file.
Still No AP Psychology in Polk County Public Schools
Many local high schools are switching students into a Cambridge psychology course, but it isn’t exactly the same.
Fugitive Child Pornography Suspect Kills Self After Nearly 5-Hour Standoff with Polk Deputies
The suspect, who barricaded himself in his car near the Christina Animal Hospital, allegedly told his lawyer he wouldn’t go to prison.
Downtown Project List Includes Homeless Progress, Brick Streets, Lunch Shuttle and Infill
The focus is on restoring charm and improving pedestrian safety to bring more families to the city center.
2023-24 School Year Brings Many State-Mandated Changes for Students, Teachers and Parents
Legislature, governor and Florida Department of Education order changes to everything from teacher authority, history standards, and what bathrooms students can use.
Lakeland Neighborhoods Are Home to a Growing Number of Backyard Chickens
Chicken-keeping is legal in the city and county, although there are rules about where roosters are allowed and how far coops must be from homes.
Publix Expanding Its Downtown Technology Footprint
The Lakeland-based supermarket giant is taking over a fourth building downtown and plans to add several hundred IT jobs.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Small library branch opens at Kelly Rec as Lake Miriam eLibrary closes | The Ledger
Polk commission authorizes legal action against BS Ranch as neighbors continue to complain about odors | News Channel 8
Woman, 36, who was hit and killed by a truck on North Lake Parker Avenue, had turned her life around, family says | 10 Tampa Bay
Dissent Craft Brewing closing next month, citing uncertainty about sale of its downtown leased space | The Ledger
Spirit of preservation and reuse guided the transition of a polluted rail yard into Bonnet Springs Park | Metropolis magazine
Elections for Polk elections supervisor and property appraiser will change to partisan races after state issues a demand | Florida Politics
Rabies alert issued for area between U.S. 98, Kathleen Road, Duff Road, West Socrum Loop | ABC Action News
LKLD Shuffleboard | Friday | 6 to 8 p.m. | Lake Parker Park
Join a music-filled shuffleboard party hosted by LKLD magazine and Destroyer Media under the lights at the Lakeland Shuffleboard Club courts, 820 E. Robson St. Equipment will be provided and instruction will be available for those new to the game. Close-toed shows required. Price: $5 for shuffleboard club members; $10 all others.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday | 6 to 11 p.m. | 1023 S. Florida Ave.
Shop artisan vendors, enjoy food trucks, view Emporium Galleries art inside Union Hall, and listen to music by Enuff2give inside Union Hall. Free.
Battle of the Badges: LPD vs. PCSO | Saturday | 3:45 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium
Polk County’s two largest law enforcement agencies face off in a charity softball game. The matchup is followed at 6 p.m. by the Lakeland Flying Tigers hosting the Dunedin Blue Jays. No word yet on which charity is supported; in past years, proceeds went to the Police Athletic League. Tickets: $6 to $10.
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