Great conversations start here

Trinity Laurino
Executive Director
At LkldNow, we believe local news isn’t just something you read – it’s a dialogue that connects and strengthens our community.
Last Thursday, we hosted a public forum that sparked in-person conversations about the future of the arts in Lakeland – including the growing desire for an arts district and gallery space for local artists.
This week, our reporting on the long-delayed pedestrian overpass near a railroad crossing prompted engaged questions online about the project’s value and the reasons behind the delays.
These are the kinds of conversations we aim to spark every day. And because we believe everyone should be able to participate, we keep our news free to read – even though it’s not free to report.
If you value this kind of local journalism, we’re asking for your support. Any amount helps.
As a thank-you, you’ll get exclusive access to another great conversation: Last December, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and podcast host Gilbert King joined LkldNow on the stage at the Polk Theatre for a powerful conversation about the work of nonfiction writing, his prize-winning book, “Devil in the Grove,” and the continuing saga of Leo Schoefield, the man at the center of the Bone Valley podcast series.
Donate what you can and let’s keep the conversation going, together.

New York Ave. May Get a $9.2 Million Overpass. Will It Be Used?
Construction of a pedestrian bridge is scheduled to begin in March after 15 years of planning.
Free Summer Meals for Polk Children
Hunger doesn’t take a summer break.
AGB Museum Head Stepping Down
Alex Rich will leave the museum at the end of June for a new role in Charleston.
Foxtail Coffee, Kelly’s Ice Cream Coming to Lakeland
The combined shops will open on Kathleen Road near Bonnet Springs Park.
Lakeland’s Huge Wastewater Project Has Begun
The “generational” project to replace the Western Trunk sewer line will cost an estimated $77 million.
Meet One of The Most Decorated Athletes in Polk County
Track star Chelsi Williams loves dogs, cats and winning.
Lakeland Teen Playwright Wins Big
Patricia Rose Brady of Lake Gibson High took top honors at playwriting festival in Sarasota.
‘Arts ARE Infrastructure,’ Panelist Declares
Arts Forum at the AGB Museum Was Standing-Room Only.
Lakeland Seniors Are Still Waiting for a Center
The city has pledged some help for a senior center but it hasn’t been enough.
LAKELAND NEWS FROM OTHER SOURCES
Man arrested in fatal shooting outside a Memorial Blvd. convenience store following harsh words over a parking spot | News Channel 8
Emily Colón, former Lakeland deputy city manager, lands job with lobbying firm The Southern Group | Florida Politics
Polk State College Trustee Barnett accuses President Falconetti of concealing data that enrollment is down | The Ledger
Polk County Fire Rescue opens new Moore Road station Friday | The Ledger
Lakeland Economic Development Council leader urges city to maintain its $100,000 membership fees | The Ledger
City Commission is scheduled to vote on school zone speed cameras on June 2 | Fox 13 News
A new Chik-fil-A is planned for S. Florida Avenue near Shepherd Road | The Ledger
Lakeland’s Ed Vetter, longtime educator who initiated Polk’s first IB school, dies at 79 | The Ledger
Arson suspected in east Lakeland house fire that injured two | News Channel 8
Marshall’s Jewelers will close next month after 104 years in Lakeland | News Channel 8

Lakeland authors launch their book | Friday | 5-7 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St.
Ida Mundell and illustrator Bump Galletta, authors of “Goodnight Lakeland” launch another children’s book, “Begin.” Free.
Celebrate community with Ray Lewis | Saturday | Noon to 5 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium
The family event called “52 Ways of Love: Community Celebration” celebrates NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis’ 50th birthday. It will include live entertainment, visits by other Lakeland-raised NFL stars, a kids zone, health screening and much more. Free.
Check out goods from local makers | Sunday | Noon to 5 p.m. | Lakeside Village
80+ local makers will be represented in an outdoor pet-friendly market setting. This is the last monthly makers market until September. Free.



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