Polk Schools Earn a ‘B’ — and Why That’s a Big Deal

A note on newsletters

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

There was a glitch a few months back with Mailchimp, the service we use to send our newsletters, including this one. While it’s been fixed, I’ve heard from a few readers that they haven’t been receiving the Daily or Instant news alerts they previously signed up for.

If you’d like to get either the Daily (sent once each evening) or Instant Alerts (sent as news breaks) — in addition to this weekly newsletter — just hit the button below to send me an email with your preference and I’ll make sure you’re on the right list.

Pro tip: You only need to sign up for one or the other — getting both can get a bit repetitive. Daily will send one email in the evening with that day’s stories but if you want to know as soon as we publish, Instant is the choice for you.

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‘We’re Very Excited’: Polk County School District Earns ‘B’ Grade

Despite many gains, Polk County’s public schools rank 55th among Florida’s 67 counties.

❓Flash Poll: Hurricane season is here. Do you have a storm kit prepped and ready❓

Yes

Housing for Young Professionals or Future ‘Slum Area’? Commission Splits 5-2 on Townhome Plan

Developer wants to build 30 townhomes on a CRA-owned block north of Memorial Boulevard.

Lakeland Blade-Throwing Cafe Gets The Ax

Ax-Caliber Lakeland announces ‘a bittersweet goodbye.’

Lakeland Valedictorian Climbed a Virtual Mountain

Jeremiah Mcparlin surmounted poverty, illness and more. His charter school and mom had his back.

From a LkldNow Sponsor

Pickleball Injuries Are Growing – How to Play Safely

By Health First Health Plans

Senior Scholars is a six-week educational program designed for Lakeland’s 50+ community.

County Launches Arts in Medicine Initiative

Polk County is redefining the arts… as public health infrastructure.

LAKELAND NEWS FROM OTHER SOURCES

More than 800 pounds of food donated, distributed, from Red, White & Kaboom | WFTS/ABC Tampa Bay

Polk State offers welding program to meet work force needs | Fox 13 Tampa Bay

Polk schools to raise admission from $6 to $7 for varsity football | NBC Tampa Channel 8

Polk students improved in 24 of 36 categories on state FAST tests | The Ledger (paywall)

30th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5k | Saturday | 7 to 9 a.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park
The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course. The first series was run in 1996.

Back to School Bash | Saturday | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Lakeland Regional Health Kathleen Campus
The Back to School Bash is filled with activities and resources for the whole family including free sports physicals (additional registration required), free school supplies (while supplies last), free haircuts and free immunizations from the Florida Department of Health in Polk

BEATLEBEAT- A Tribute To The Beatles Concert | Sunday | 2 p.m. | The Polk Theatre
Enjoy a live band performing the greatest Beatles hits. Doors open at 1 p.m. with the concert beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $39

Check our full calendar