With great (social media) power comes great responsibility
Cindy Glover
Editor
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for news, and LkldNow’s articles have gotten lots of reader feedback and engagement on social media.
We were pleasantly surprised to see more than 130 people repost our story about Holloway Park on Facebook, in addition to the 1,200+ who “liked” it. And our article about Juneteenth becoming a paid holiday for city workers got 369 reactions on Instagram. Our followings have been growing steadily on all of our channels, including TikTok where I’ve been making short video roundups of some of our articles.
Community engagement is one of our core values, so this growth is exciting … for the most part. But there are a couple of overlapping phenomena that temper our enthusiasm a bit.
Like many news organizations, large and small, we noticed a spike in new followers as the last presidential election approached. Many incendiary comments came from new accounts with few photos or friends — both red flags that they might be “bots” designed to stoke dissent and distrust. Social media algorithms tend to reward outrage.
Technology can bring people together and deepen our understanding of our community, but only if we remember that at the local level, it’s not “us vs. them.” It’s just “us.”
Do you have an Instagram account? We’re only 21 followers away from reaching 10,000 — which will give us access to more tools to share Lakeland news. Please help us get there by following us on Instagram. Thanks!
Correction: In last week’s newsletter, LkldNow prematurely added “emeritus” to Risdon Slate’s title of professor of criminology at Florida Southern College. We apologize for any confusion that may have resulted.
Slate will be the speaker at LkldNow’s Candid Conversation on Mental Health and Policing at noon on May 14 at the Florida United Methodist Conference Center, 450 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Lakeland Unveils Latest Designs for South Florida Avenue, But Struggle Looms Over $22 Million Cost
Construction, including removal of the barriers, is tentatively slated to start in 2027 and be completed in 2029.
‘Boxed by an Angel’ Hopes to Bring Comfort to Women Fighting Cancer
A Lakeland mom who survived breast cancer makes curated boxes for other women undergoing treatment.
Full Circle: Lakeland Native Who Grew Up Going to Sun ‘n Fun Will Fly in It This Week
Lakeland High School graduate Maj. Chad Smith says Sun ‘n Fun inspired his passion for aviation.
Polk County Schools Announce Precautions for Partial Solar Eclipse on Monday
Our area will only get a partial eclipse, which may not be noticeable, but it is still risky to look directly at the sun during that time.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Polk Judge John Flynn faces a potential 25-day suspension and reprimand under judicial panel’s revised recommendation | WKMG Orlando
60 air traffic controllers from across the U.S. converge at Lakeland airport’s tower for Sun ‘n Fun | News Channel 8
April 17 parole hearing set for Leo Schofield, imprisoned 36 years in the death of his wife | The Ledger
Historical marker unveiled as Sun ‘n Fun kicks off its 50th anniversary air exposition | The Ledger
Photos: Meet the 2024 Lakeland Flying Tigers | Tom Hagerty
Outdoor coffee bar near Lake Hollingsworth is a learning lab for FSC business students | LALtoday
Cecil L. ‘Chip’ Murray, Lakeland-born pastor and prominent Los Angeles civil rights figure, dies at 94 | Washington Post
Bert Colluci of Lakeland convicted of attacking Jewish man at a neo-Nazi rally in Orlando | News Channel 8
Help(her) recognized for matching those who need tasks performed with women workers who need flexible schedules | ABC Action News
Construction starts on 40,000-square-foot engineering building at Florida Poly | Fox 13 News
Live Artfully: Taste of Lakeland | Thursday | 5:30 p.m. | Lake Crago
This fundraiser for Temple Emanuel will include live entertainment and tastes from local spots like Bay Street Bistro, Palace Southside, Street Cafe, Curry Mango, 1916 Irish Pub, Nicolette Allys Events and more. Also, live entertainment, silent auction and wine pull. Tickets: $100.
Tick, Tick, Boom! | Friday-Sunday | Lakeland Community Theatre
The autobiographical musical by the creator of “Rent” is performed this weekend and next. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $28 Adult, $26 Senior (55 & up) $22 Child (17 and under)
Guided Bird-Spotting Hike | Saturday | 8:30 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands
Reservations are needed for the 3-mile hike that begins at Loyce Harpe Park on Carter Road. Experienced guides will share stories and look for birds that call the wetlands home. It is peak nesting season. Binoculars are recommended. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. Free.
Lake Morton Historic Home Tour | Saturday | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The two-hour, self-guided walking tour of nine homes and/or gardens and one historic commercial structure starts at Florida Southern College’s Frank Lloyd Wright Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, 750 Frank Lloyd Wright Way. Tickets: $20.
Caribbean Carnival | Saturday | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park
A free family-friendly evening of fun and island vibes on the Allen & Co. Family Lawn includes a live DJ, lawn games, Bahamian Junkanoo parade, tunes from Music and the Mocko Jumby, Jahfari Reggae Band, dancers and more. Free.
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