Gilbert King is coming to town

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

When I joined LkldNow nearly six years ago, I had ambitious dreams about how we could reimagine and revitalize local news. Yet I never imagined that this job would lead me to share a stage with the likes of Steve-O at last year’s inaugural Candid Conversation or Gilbert King at this year’s event, which is just nine days away.

King, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and host of the acclaimed “Bone Valley” podcast, will be joining us at the Polk Theatre on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Our conversation will range from his work and research style to updates on the Leo Schofield case. Time permitting, we’ll take questions from the audience.

I hope you’ll join us for this year’s Candid Conversation and be part of another great evening. Get your tickets now. Plus if you have a book-lover or a true crime fan on your gift list, you can add on a copy of “Devil in the Grove” and have Gilbert sign it after the event. 

Like Steve, Gilbert is generously donating his time so proceeds from the event go directly to supporting our work and keeping local news flowing freely in Lakeland.  Plus, those proceeds will be matched by our local match partners, doubling the impact of your donation!

Do you have photos from last year’s event? We’d love to see them! Please send them to us at mail@lkldnow.com or share them on social media and tag us @lkldnow. 


High-Profile Polk Case Resulted in a Policy Change for Local Prosecutors

The State Attorney’s Office gives greater scrutiny before charging juveniles with lying about sex assaults; Polk Sheriff procedures are unchanged.


Light Up BSP 2024: What to Know Before You Go

Bonnet Springs Park has expanded its holiday lights-and-entertainment event for its second year; it takes place Dec. 14-31.

2024 Lakeland Christmas Parade: Highlights Video, Photos, Winners

Relive the 43rd annual parade via a 5-minute highlights video, and see which floats and bands won the eight awards.

Mega Mercado Expands to South Lakeland

The Mexican restaurant and Latino market on George Jenkins Boulevard now has a second location on South Florida Avenue.

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

Sportswriter Roy Fuoco’s prediction for today’s state title game: Lakeland 23, St. Thomas Aquinas 21 | The Ledger

Santa plays David to Hurricane Milton’s Godzilla in storm-damaged house’s Christmas decorations | Tampa Patch

Circle B’s Alligator Alley could remain closed for months | The Ledger

Thomas Osborne, 41, of Lakeland, convicted in Jan. 6 offenses | News Channel 8

LHS edges Niceville 34-33 in triple overtime, advances to state football finals against St. Thomas Aquinas | Sports Illustrated

City of Lakeland sues owner of downtown building with $337,000 in code violation fines | The Ledger

Festive Flicks: The Muppets Christmas Carol | Friday | 7 p.m. Lake Mirror Amphitheater
Bring blankets or lawn chairs for a festive family film. Complimentary popcorn provided by Crews Bank. Hot dogs and drinks will be available to buy. Free.

Holiday Night Market | Saturday | 5-9:30 p.m. | Downtown
More than 150 creators and vendors will line five blocks of Kentucky Avenue. Also, live music and DJs. Downtown stores will offer extended hours. Free.

Lakeland Symphony Toast to the Holidays | Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium
Festive holiday music will include lively overtures and a sing-along. Tickets: $29-$49.

Vapor trails come together against a crystal blue sky on a recent Friday morning. The view is looking northeast from a parking lot at Lakeside Village. | Barry Friedman, LkldNow

Did a friend forward this newsletter to you?
If you want to get our weekly updates, subscribe here.

You are receiving this email at *|EMAIL|* because you opted in at LkldNow.com.
Unsubscribe | Update your profile | Forward to a friend
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* All rights reserved.
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS|**|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

SEND CORRECTIONS, questions, feedback or news tips: newstips@lkldnow.com

Barry Friedman founded Lkldnow.com in 2015 as the culmination of a career in print and digital journalism. Since 1982, he has used the tools of reporting, editing and content curation to help people in Lakeland understand their community better.