Rising impact fees? | Meet this fall's candidates

The value of truly local news

Cindy Glover

Editor

A few Tampa-based television stations accidentally created a frenzy in a local Facebook group this week when they misreported that the Lakeland City Commission was going to vote on Monday to eliminate free parking downtown.

Except the commission had no such plans. The commission raised monthly permit prices, but free parking and hourly rates were unchanged.

At LkldNow, we know journalism is a human endeavor and as such errors can and do happen to the best of us, but we think this also underscores the importance of truly local journalism.

All newsrooms are stretched thin these days and while some Tampa media include Lakeland in their coverage zones, they don’t attend every agenda study session and commission meeting. We do. As a hyperlocal news organization, Lakeland is our only focus.

Local news matters and we’re grateful to live in a community that values and supports it.

Lakeland Weighs Big Increase in Water and Wastewater Impact Fees

A new study recommends raising the fee per new residential unit from $2,966 to $7,275.

Polk County School District Works To Solve Third Pay Glitch in One Year

4,200 employees saw their pay posted late and some incurred overdraft fees.

Lakeland Marks Pride Month with Proclamation and Munn Park Event

Mayor reads Pride proclamation. One opponent calls the LGBTQ+ Pride movement a ‘sex religion.’

Downtown Parking Permit Prices Rise, But Free Parking and Hourly Rates Are Unchanged

Lakeland’s policy allowing two hours of free street parking is not changing — for now.

Simpson Park Pool Closed For Major Repair

A large bubble in a vinyl liner is creating a safety hazard

Mating Alligators Prompt Closure of Two Trails at Circle B Bar Reserve

Marsh Rabbit Run Trail and a portion of the Alligator Alley Trail are closed until further notice.

2024 Local Election Contests Are Set; Here’s Who’s Running

Many races will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary; the rest will be settled in the Nov. 5 general election.

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

RIP: Reginald Ardis, 74, former president of NAACP Lakeland Branch | The Ledger

Governor’s veto of all arts and cultural grants hinders local organizations | The Ledger

New Life Ministries unveils shelter for six homeless veterans off Kathleen Road | The Ledger

Laugh for a cause | Friday | 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. | Brookdale Highland Senior Center
Enjoy standup comedy and a taco bar with proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. The senior center is at 4250 Lakeland Highlands Road. Tickets/donation: $10 at 10 a.m., $15 at 2 p.m., $20 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy live theater: Mean Girls Jr. | Friday-Sunday | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre
The theater for youth program presents this PG-rated musical about chasing popularity and being true to yourself. Performances are Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults; $12 children 12 and under.

Shop local artisans | Friday | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland
The monthly Dixieland Night Market, held in the parking lot behind Union Hall, was delayed until this week because of foul weather. Check out products from local artisans and food makers.

Examine the full moon through a telescope | Friday | 8-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park
Astronomers will guide an evening of looking at the full midsummer “strawberry” moon at the park’s AgAmerica Heritage Gardens and Roundhouse Coffee Shop. Enjoy cocktails and snacks and shop for plants, crystals, and flowers from local vendors. Free admission.

Check our full calendar