Lakeland teens seek evening activities | Transitions: Mitchell's, Yard on Mass

A no-column column

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

88 words, <1 minute to read.
Each week at the LkldNow staff meeting, we ask, “What do we want the newsletter column to be about this week?” Some weeks the answer is obvious or there are multiple good ideas. Some weeks, not so much.

In our push to be even more reader-centric, I realized we’ve been asking the wrong question. The question should be: “What’s a big thing our readers need to know this week?” And sometimes the answer to that question is to get straight to the news itself. So without further delay:

Lakeland Youth Council Asks For Nighttime Activities

Students from Lakeland-area schools have been brainstorming since September on recommendations.

Nineteen61’s New Rooftop Bar Set to Open June 1

Bar Vasco’s indoor/outdoor space will offer tapas and hand-crafted cocktails.

Lakeland’s Cemetery Stewards Try to Keep Up with Burial Demands

City-owned cemeteries are running out of space for traditional burials, but that’s not what a lot of families want these days.

Mitchell’s Coffee House Has New Owners

Founder Mitchell Harvey sold the 26-year-old Lakeland cafe to friends last week. They do not plan to change the menu or staff.

Aerospace Center to Open Shop in Secure Lounge at Lakeland Airport

Private vendors weren’t interested because commercial flights are only planned on Thursdays and Sundays — for now.

The Class of 2024

Graduation ceremonies mark the end of four years of study for thousands of Polk County high school students.

New Charcuterie Cafe and Coffee Shop Open in South Lakeland

Pour Bear Coffee and Sabrina’s Delicacies are two new businesses in the Shoppes at Hallam plaza.

Florida Southern College Announces New School of Architecture

Students will learn about architecture on a campus with 15 structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Owners of The Yard on Mass Make ‘Painful Decision’ to Close

The closure and $250,000 payout were approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency, but must still be voted on by the City Commission.

Polk Wants to Know Who Has Inadequate Internet Access

The county will apply for a grant to get more people connected. First, they need people to tell them if they are ‘underserved.’

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

2024 summer camp guide for Lakeland and Polk | Lakeland Mom

Video: Greenwise sign removed from Lakeland store to make way for Publix replacement | Lakeland Retro Facebook

Police chief says city will need 35 new officers in the next six years to keep up with population growth | The Ledger

Fire Department has secured a site for a future station: West Pipkin and Medulla Roads | The Ledger

Family of missing 21-year-old Ethan Fussell: ‘We will not stop looking for him’ | News Channel 8

Lakeland’s Master Choe, 75, earns lifetime achievement award in U.S. Taekwondo Hall of Fame | U.S. Grandmasters

Woman charged in June 2023 hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist on Bartow Road near South Combee | Fox 13 News

Deputies seek two men last seen with Ethan Fussell, 21, before he went missing two weeks ago | News Channel 8

A current investigation into actions of LPD officers played a role in dropping charges against Antwan Glover | News Channel 8

Celebrate United Way | Thursday | 5 pm | Polk Theatre
The United Way of Central Florida’s 80th anniversary celebration will look back at the organization’s history and community impact. Expect hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and cocktails; presentation begins at 6 p.m. Tickets: $80.

Preview the Piano Festival | Thursday | 8-10 pm | Pink Piano
Listen to blues piano with Craig Brenner and learn about the Swan City Piano Festival, scheduled for June 7-9.

Climb a tree | Saturday | 9 am – 2 pm | Bonnet Springs Park
Pathfinder Outdoor Education is offering free, guided tree climbs near the Nature Center. Their staff will help with rigging up and ascending pre-placed climbing lines. First-come, first-served. Two nearby trees are situated for independent climbing. Also: family lawn activities. Free.

Honor fallen heroes | Saturday | 10 am | Veterans Memorial Park
Lakeland Chapter NAACP’s Memorial Day Tribute features retired U.S. Army Col. Nolan Hinson as guest speaker. Free.

Honor fallen heroes again | Monday | 10 am | Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Garden
The Memorial Day observance hosted by the funeral home and the Polk County Veterans Council includes state Rep. Jennifer Canady, speaker; Caleb Skinner, musical guest; Paul Macleish, bagpiper; and Pastor Richard Piatt II, officiant. Complimentary lunch catered by 2nd Hand Smoke. Free