December 17, 2024

Dear Reader,

This is the time of year when we naturally look back on the biggest local stories — the ones with the most impact on readers, and on our community. It’s been a big year in news for our city, filled with exciting developments (our own airline in Lakeland!), very real challenges and deep sorrow for those we have lost. This is the story of us and the place we call home.
Here’s a look back at our tops 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.

Did you listen to the Bone Valley podcast? Join us for our annual fundraiser and hear from Gilbert King live and in person!

Get your ticket!

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

Lakeland’s Newest Hotspot is a Speakeasy Called ‘La Gran Muralla’

The Asian-Latin fusion bar and restaurant has a ‘secret’ entrance disguised as a Coca-Cola vending machine.

September

Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

LkldNow thanks the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Florida for allowing us to share their summary and background information on the Florida constitutional amendments. Create a sample ballot and research candidates and […]