Neighbors seek road safety fixes | Police: no murder charge in rapper's death

At age 8, LkldNow strives for sustainability

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

LkldNow turns 8 years old this month. We’ve grown a lot in those 8 years. We are now the source for local news for 1 in every 3 Lakelanders. LION (Local Independent Online News) Publishers has been tracking the growth and success of small independent newsrooms like LkldNow and today they released a model for what the journey of a start-up newsroom looks like with the goal being sustainability – defined as the union of operational resilience, financial health and journalistic impact.

We are so close to reaching that goal of long-term sustainability, but whether or not we get there depends in part on you. LkldNow can continue if and only if you find value in our work and help support it. If 1 out of every 3 people reading this newsletter right now gave $10 just once before the end of September, you’d help us meet our budget goals for Q3.

You’d be helping us stay on track so we can keep our focus on providing you with the quality local news you’ve come to expect from us.

Yes, I will help sustain LkldNow

Neighbors Seek Safety Improvements Following Second Car-in-House Accident

County officials say they have improved signage on North Crystal Lake Drive and are open to further suggestions.

Lakeland Rapper’s Killer Will Not Be Charged with Murder

Police say Raheem Bacon fired the first shot; Jamilah Johnson shot back in defense of her mother.

Lakeland Mom and Two Kids Killed in Crash on Kathleen Road

Mavaria “Vari” Carter, 33, her 6-year-old daughter and her 13-year-old son died. Two other family members are in critical condition.

Lakeland NAACP Offering Black History Course

The six-part series is part of a statewide effort by churches and organizations as Florida changes public school curricula

LRH Going to Barber Shops to Educate Men About Health Risks

The ShopTalk program, focusing on men of color, offers health screenings and information about preventive care.

Heid Plans to Focus on Littlest Learners to Bring Up Test Scores

Studies show students who complete a pre-kindergarten program score substantially higher on state tests.

Another Sinkhole Opens Along Scott Lake Road

The sinkhole is smaller than one that developed in June in the same dry retention pond. It is not a threat to homes, a county official said.

High School Football Scoreboard

Scores for games involving teams from Lakeland: Check for updates during the games and return later for final results.

Let’s Talk Lkld: K-12 Education Forum

Panelists shared frustration with testing and emphasized the importance of valuing teachers as professionals.

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

Polk School Board member William Allen draws a challenger: Bernie Brandt, a security supervisor from Lakeland | The Ledger (subscribers-only story)

Builder/real-estate agent Shawn McDonough files for Florida House seat being vacated by Melony Bell | The Ledger (subscribers-only story)

North Lakeland residents push for a temporary new fire station since the city is having trouble finding land for a permanent one | The Ledger (subscribers-only story)

Missing Lakeland teen may be in the Clearwater area, police say | News Channel 8

Kitty Cat Lounge, a coffee shop featuring a cat-petting room, opens Saturday on Orange Street | The Ledger (subscribers-only story)

Food Truck Rally | Thursday | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park
The Lakeland Food Truck Rally returns with 20 vendors. Check the list.

The Life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings | Thursday | 7 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, FSC
Writer Ann McCutchan discusses her latest book, “The Life She Wished to Live: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the Author of the Yearling.” This is the opening of of this year’s Florida Lecture Series at Florida Southern College. Free and open to the public.

Free Zumba Class | Saturday | 8 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park
The park kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with a free Zumba class on the family lawn led by Talisha Baker. No registration or equipment necessary.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Festival | Saturday | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Munn Park
Just Cares Inc. closes its Suicide Prevention Week activities with information, food, fun and live entertainment in the park. The goal is to bring awareness and information to the community, and hopefully prevent more suffering in the future. Free and open to the public.

Check our full calendar