THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS
Maj. Cody Khork returned to Polk County on Wednesday, March 18. Hundreds of law enforcement and veterans escorted Khork’s family and his remains from Lakeland Linder to Winter Haven.
At Florida Southern College, Khork’s alma mater, some faculty canceled classes, the cafeteria was closed, and a text was sent to the community so all students, faculty, staff, and ROTC cadets could pay their final respects.
Army Maj. Cody Khork Returns to Polk County
March 18, 2026
Cindy Glover reported on three downtown residential properties, Lake Mirror Tower, NOBAY, and The Gardens, going up for sale. The properties, owned by Broadway Real Estate Services, have been listed as a single portfolio with an undisclosed asking price.
Polk County Public Schools approved a partnership with Lakeland-based WonderHere. Kayla Borg reports that the pilot program will operate as a “school within a school,” embedding WonderHere’s learning approach at Philip O’Brien Elementary.
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STATE AND COUNTY NEWS
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd held a press conference on Tuesday, March 17, to clarify recommendations by Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council after media coverage claimed they had criticized federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Florida’s 2026 legislative session ended, but lawmakers failed to pass a budget. Our partners at WUSF break down some of the bigger bills that passed and failed, and what lawmakers will tackle in special sessions.
MORE AROUND TOWN
The manhunt continues for Janard Dominic Childs, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Deandre “Dre” Montgomery Sr. outside Jade Fox Lounge on Feb. 22.
Yoga Pointe opened a second location in the Highland City Publix Plaza on Friday, March 13.
A 67-year-old Lakeland man died on March 12 after his bicycle collided with a van on U.S. Highway 98 North.
Manhunt: Where is Janard Dominic Childs?
March 13, 2026
Yoga Pointe in Highland City Opens Friday, March 13
March 13, 2026
Lakeland Bicyclist Dies After Morning Crash On U.S. 98 North
March 12, 2026
PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND?
TOP LAKELAND NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
When there’s more news than our small (but mighty) team can cover, we curate from the best sources we can find, avoiding paywalls when possible.
Suspect in Christmas Eve 2020 Lakeland shooting pleads guilty to federal gun charge | News Channel 8
Lakeland man receives Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam | News Channel 8
Harrison School for the Arts gets a new principal | The Ledger (paywall)
Constituents met with Rep. Jennifer Canady and district staff to voice their concerns during her mobile office hours at the Lakeland Public Library on March 18, 2026.| Anna Toms, LkldNow
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Anna Toms
Newsroom Lead, LkldNow
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