Trying new ways to reach readers
Cindy Glover
Editor
January is a perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, and we’re doing some of that here at LkldNow. Although the fundamentals of good journalism don’t change, the way people consume news is constantly evolving.
To better serve our entire community, you may notice that we’re using more videos in our articles and on our social media channels, and we created an “In Brief” section on our home page for quick news updates.
We’ve been sharing all of our work on Instagram and we’re proud to report that since April — thanks in large part to our newest team member Meryl Adrean — our Instagram following has grown from about 8.3K to 9.6K. (Once we reach 10K, we’ll be able to add a “swipe up” feature making it easier to navigate to our articles. So if you have an Instagram account and don’t already follow us, please do!)
Most recently, we have also begun posting conversational round-ups of each week’s news on TikTok. This has involved the steepest learning curve, and I’m reasonably sure we’ll look back on these early weeks and laugh at how rough they were. But as they say, you never finish what you don’t start and you can’t get better at something you haven’t tried. Join us as we continue working on new ways to reach new readers.
Lake Morton Welcomes New Restaurants on East Palmetto Street
Pizza Daddy’s has earned rave reviews in its first two months. Mootown Scoops and the Peach House plan to open soon.
Repaving Projects Will Disrupt Traffic on Five Roadways
The streets will be milled down and repaved, with work on each taking from two to four days.
Swan City Jazz Festival Moves Indoors
Chilly forecast prompts change of venue from Munn Park to the Kathleen High School Auditorium.
Lakeland Commission Approves $6.5M for Final Cleanup of Coal Plant Waste
The 45-acre landfill contains the toxic byproducts of four decades’ worth of coal combustion.
Trial Begins in Murder of Lakeland Commissioner and Her Husband
The stabbing deaths of Edie Yates and David Henderson shook the normally quiet Lake Morton neighborhood.
Lakeland Asst. Fire Chief Lauded for Pulling Man from Burning SUV While Off-Duty
Michael Williams smashed windows to free the unconscious driver from a nearly engulfed vehicle on I-75 near Ocala.
One Year After 11 Men were Shot in Lakeland, 2 Convictions and 2 Plea Agreements
Florida’s “10-20-Life” statute has not been used in the Iowa Ave. prosecutions or shooters’ prior cases.
From a LkldNow Sponsor
Arts and Culture Festivals Abound in Polk County
By Polk Art and Cultural Alliance
The beginning of the year marks the return of many local arts and culture festivals plus a few new ones.
Lakeland Names 15-Member Charter Review Committee
The panel is expected to consider how commissioners who represent districts are elected.
Drills, False Alarms Take Mental Toll on Students, Parents, Teachers
Those calling in false threats can be arrested and charged with a felony.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Lakeland educator gets 400,000 views on video citing harms of letting children use social media | Fox News
City pay study unfairly penalized some supervisors, a Lakeland Electric employee tells city commissioners | The Ledger
Friends share memories of Andy Bean at a Grasslands fundraiser for a First Tee golf tournament | Golfweek
Volunteers pitch in during Lakeland’s MLK Day of Community Service | News Channel 8
Lakeland ad agency Curious Jane fills two new executive positions | Business Observer
Police seek driver in late Friday hit-and-run that killed a woman, 59, behind Orange Bowl Lanes | WESH
City opposes Legislature bill that would let voters disband Lakeland downtown and transit districts | The Ledger
Ex-KISS guitarist Ace Frehley recalls being electrocuted while playing a Lakeland concert | American Songwriter
Golf tournament benefitting The First Tee memorializes Andy Bean | The Ledger
Brenda Taylor, former county commissioner who spearheaded Christina Park, dies at 80 | The Ledger
SPCA Florida treating 56 cats rescued in a recent hoarding case | News Channel 8
Ex-Lakeland resident was first in line for a Pub sub when Kentucky’s first Publix opened | Fox 35
Sing-along ‘Frozen’ | Friday | 5:30 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park
View the sing-along edition of Disney’s “Frozen” on the great lawn at Bonnet Springs Park. The family-friendly event includes appearances by Anna, Elsa, & Olaf, a free craft activity, a costume contest, and a winter photo booth. The movie starts at 6:30. Free.
Swan City Jazz Festival | Saturday & Sunday | Noon to 7 p.m. both days | Kathleen High School Auditorium
Headliners for the 2024 edition are bass guitarist Julian Vaughn on Saturday and Latin jazz pianist Lannie Battistini on Sunday. Also, hear local performers, including college and high school ensembles. Free.
46th Annual MLK Parade | Saturday | 1 p.m. | Providence Road and 14th St. to MLK Blvd. and 2nd St.
More than 100 participants are registered, including step/dance teams, car clubs, marching bands and businesses. The parade will start at 1 p.m. on Providence Road at the West 14th Street intersection. It will travel Providence Road and then turn east on 10th Street before heading south on MLK Avenue and ending at 2nd Street. Free
Central Florida Comic Con | Saturday & Sunday | RP Funding Center
Central Florida Comic Con, a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy, takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check a list of vendors and artists and a schedule. Tickets: $30-$45; $8 for children 10 and under.
Madama Butterfly | Saturday | 7 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College
Lakeland Opera and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra join hands to present the Puccini Opera, directed by Robert Moody. Tickets: $25 to $75.
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