Courage to have difficult conversations
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director
Next Tuesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. is our third community forum in a series we’re now calling “Let’s Talk Lkld.” This time we’re exploring the issue of race and equity locally.
Judging by the fact that we’re already at about 90% capacity for the venue – an impressive response for notoriously “last-minute Lakeland” – the community sees this topic as a priority. That is also reflected in our partner Lakeland Vision’s findings and the resulting community vision.
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to do so at Let’s Talk Lkld: Race and Equity forum tickets. This event, like our reporting, is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged and helpful for us to manage the event.
We look forward to seeing you there, or you can watch our Facebook channel for the livestream at https://www.facebook.com/lkldnow
Thank you to T. Mims Corp for providing financial support for this important conversation and to the team at The Well for the venue and livestream support.
Lastly, on another note entirely, despite being a Trekkie, myself, I wish all who celebrate a happy Star Wars Day. May the fourth be with you!
Live long and prosper,
Trinity
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CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Can panthers, deer and bears coexist with I-4? Wildlife crossings in NE Lakeland aim to improve their odds | WUSF News
Class of 2023: Mother and stepson will both get degrees at Florida Southern College graduation on Saturday | The Ledger
Lakeland Regional Medical Center gets ‘C’ grade from nonprofit watchdog group in 2023 hospital safety report | Leapfrog
Flying Blind: LPD forced to stop using its seven Chinese-made drones last month, but proposed budget has $25M to help cities buy American | Fox 13 News
City Commission Chambers to close Friday for tech upgrades; public meetings will be in LE building through June 1 | City of Lakeland
Publix’s first quarter sales were 8.2% higher than last year; net earnings doubled from $618 million to $1.2 billion | News Channel 8
SEU to launch trades program in fall 2023 with construction, HVAC, plumbing and electrical training | Southeastern University
Polk State College to celebrate 1,140 new grads ranging in age from 16-61 at May 4 commencement | Polk State College
Staff shortage forces temporary closure of Lakeland service lobby starting May 8 | Polk County Clerk of Court
Former SEU exec sentenced to 15 months for $155K wire fraud scheme related to website redesign | The Ledger
Lakeland’s need for housing vouchers is eight times greater than supply, study says | Fox 13 News
Neighbors balk at plans for sit-down Chick-fil-A on S. Florida Avenue | The Ledger
Ten Story Challenge | Friday |3 to 9 p.m. | Lakeland Electric Building
Watch local leaders (including LkldNow editor Cindy Glover) rappel off the Lakeland Electric building in this fundraiser for the Pace Center for Girls. There will be food trucks, Little Bus Books, a DJ, a photo booth and more. The address is 501 E. Lemon St. You can donate to the event or a particular team here.
Watermelon Festival | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum
Saturday is a “pay-what-you-want” day at the new children’s museum in Bonnet Springs Park. Enjoy live music, lawn activities, free watermelon slices, and watermelon-themed crafts. Every dollar donated will support museum operation and programming.
Burgers with the Bullies | Sunday | 12 to 4 p.m. | Polk County Bully Project
Humans are invited to romp with adoptable dogs at this open play yard event at 5840 W. Brannen Rd. Several vendors including Spontaneous Consumption will be on-site. For a suggested donation of $10 you can feed a burger to the dog of your choice. All adoptions of animals 6 months and older will be half off. (Please leave your own dogs at home as the goal of the event is to help shelter pets find furr-ever families.)
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