Lakeland halts water fluoridation | Airport parking fee coming

Listening, engaging with readers

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

Yesterday marked two moments that highlight what LkldNow is all about for me. First, our founder and editor-at-large, Barry Friedman, celebrated his 72nd birthday. As we approach LkldNow’s 10th anniversary in September, it’s the perfect time to recognize his vision and dedication to local journalism.

Without Barry, LkldNow wouldn’t exist, let alone thrive.

Second, on social media we shared a short video of a protest outside U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin’s office, sparking debate – some calling it bias, others defending it as simply reporting an event. This ties back to a core principle Barry built LkldNow on: news as a dialogue with the community.

Unlike legacy media’s limited avenues for reader engagement, today’s feedback is immediate and constant — and we’re listening and engaging.

Our promise to you: We won’t shy away from thoughtful discussions about our journalism. We wrestle daily with what we cover, how we cover it and the real-life impact of our reporting – because we’re not just a news organization. We’re your neighbors.

We strive to make the best decisions with the time we have each day. If you have thoughts, questions, comments, please reach out.

This work continues only with your support. If you believe in LkldNow’s local journalism, please consider making a donation – monthly or one-time — to keep Barry’s legacy going.

Lakeland to Stop Adding Fluoride to Water

While the city voted to stop adding it, naturally occurring fluoride will remain in the city’s drinking water.

J. Crew Factory Coming to Lakeside Village

The mid-priced fashion retailer will open at Lakeside Village this summer.

Gandy Pool Is Open

The Lakeland heated pool has reopened after a resurfacing project.

Changes to Lakeland Charter Proposed

A review committee wants to make it less difficult for Lakeland to sell its utilities.

Fliers Will Soon Pay to Park at Lakeland Airport

Costs will still be lower than Tampa and Orlando airports.

1 Billion Pounds: Publix Reaches Food Donation Milestone

Food banks including Feeding Tampa Bay receive much of their fresh produce from large grocers.

Applications Are Open for Summer Trades Camp

High school students can learn how to build a home from the ground up.

Lakeland Commission May Vote Monday on Removing Fluoride

Commissioners have to decide whether to remove the controversial mineral.

Video shorts

Lakeland Regional Health’s new south Lakeland emergency room opens Monday

Around 100 people gathered at U.S. Rep. Franklin’s office to protest his support of Trump’s policies

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

2025 summer camp directory for Polk County | Lakeland Mom

New rankings show Florida as top state for home foreclosures and Lakeland as top city in U.S. | Tampa Bay Business Journal

Florida Poly promotes ex-state Sen. Kelli Stargel to vice president overseeing partnerships and development at $220k salary | The Ledger

WEDU’s ‘Greater Lakeland’ series will screen at Silver Moon Drive-In Saturday at 7 p.m. | LALtoday

100+ people line Florida Avenue to protest Rep. Franklin’s support for Trump’s policies | The Ledger

NOAA firings may have included two Hurricane Hunters flight directors and an engineer in Lakeland | Palm Beach Post

Campaign aims to complete funding for a Lakeland financial education center for fifth- to 12th-graders | The Ledger

Stephen Robert elevated to president and CEO of One More Child | The Ledger

MLB test of camera-assisted ball-strike challenge system includes all Tigers games at Joker Marchant | Detroit Free Press

Polk teachers would get raises up to 7% under tentative agreement | The Ledger

Avelo Airlines CEO discusses potential Lakeland routes: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Long Island | The Ledger

Shop 60+ gardening vendors | Saturday | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Munn Park
Spring Obsession returns for its 22nd year. It is organized by The Lakeland Rotary Club and proceeds benefit its Partners In Education program, which works with students at Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle Schools. Free.

Learn about services offered by Polk public schools | Saturday | 8:30 a.m. | Kathleen High School
The family engagement conference offers information about education-related topics and resources available through public schools. Check the schedule and list of topics. Register at the event or in advance. Free.

Tour LRH’s new south Lakeland ER | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6150 S. Florida Ave.
Lakeland Regional Health offers tours of its new emergency department at the corner of South Florida Avenue and County Road 540A on Saturday in advance of its Monday opening. Free.

View ‘Greater Lakeland’ on the big screen | Saturday | 7 p.m. | Silver Moon Drive-In
All five episodes of WEDU PBS’s documentary series about Lakeland – 52 minutes’ worth – can be seen at one time at the drive-in (or you can watch them at home here.) Admission includes two more movies: $8, adults;
$3, children 4-9; free, children under 4

Check our full calendar