Next up: Talking about race and equity
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director
LkldNow is committed to covering news on efforts to make Lakeland more livable, and we know from our reporting and our readership that racial disparities can have a profound impact on quality of life. When Lakeland Vision, a nonprofit dedicated to identifying community goals and formulating a comprehensive action plan, refreshed the community vision, they found one of the community’s goals was a city that supports and celebrates diversity and inclusiveness in leadership, business, and civic engagement throughout the community.’
It only made sense for our two organizations to partner once again to host our third community forum centered on the issues and topics Lakelanders tell us matter most. On May 9, we’re inviting the community to come together to discuss how we create a city where everyone can thrive and race is not a limiter on the quality of life at our Let’s Talk Lkld: Race & Equity Forum.
We’re bringing together a panel of community organizers and city leaders to discuss what progress has been made in the three years since the City of Lakeland launched its `Lift Lakeland’ initiative and what challenges still lie ahead. Moderator Andrea Olivier will be joined by Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, Pastor Eddie Lake, Assistant Police Chief Marvin Tarver and the founder of Melanin Families Matter, Dr. Lynn Marshall, for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of racial equity and what we can do to improve it.
We hope you will join us at The Well, 114 E, Parker St., on May 9 at 6:30 p.m., and we’d also like to hear from you on this subject. We’ve created a short survey — it will take you less than four minutes to complete — focused on the goals outlined in Lift Lakeland.
Like our reporting, our forums are free and open to the public. Register for the event click here or click the button:
Plan to Replace LPD School Resource Officers with Sheriff’s Deputies Concerns City Leaders
Talk of consolidating school safety personnel comes as the superintendent continues to reorganize the school district.
For the First Time, Public Can Submit Nominations for Arts Hall of Fame
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance is making changes this year to broaden its reach, induct more nominees, and host its first gala.
Self-Storage Facility Approved For Harden Boulevard on 4-3 Vote
Several dozen nearby residents came to the meeting to oppose the project, which will be diagonally across the road from Extra Space Storage.
Property Taxes Are Due Today; Many Homebuyers Saw Significant Increases
The millage rate didn’t change, but the city is receiving record-setting revenue due to turnover of existing homes and new development.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
9 of 12 Florida universities have banned TikTok; Florida Poly expected to join them soon | Tampa Bay Times
New LHS football coach Marvin Frazier ‘blessed and overwhelmed’ by taking reins from legendary predecessor Bill Castle | SBLive
Barnett Family Park splash pad, playgrounds and picnic area will be closed for repairs from April 18 to May 8 | City of Lakeland
As trial in North Lakeland quadruple homicide nears, attorneys argue over how 11-year-old survivor’s testimony will be handled | The Ledger
Lakeland Electric offers free trees to businesses and homeowners – while supplies last | LALtoday
How many bars are too many bars? Commissioners want to balance nightlife with quality of life | The Ledger
Man charged with attempted murder for 3 a.m. shooting at McDonald’s drive-through; frustration over delayed order led to fight | Fox 13 News
LGBTQ students from Lakeland and Harrison high schools join statewide protest of gender-related bills | The Ledger
Publix recalls smoked salmon with April 14 ‘best by’ date over listeria risk | Patch
Savvy thief steals 100 cuttings from extremely rare rose bushes at Florida Southern College | News Channel 8
First Friday: Dog Days Downtown | Friday | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland
One of the city’s favorite events has one of its favorite themes this month, celebrating Lakeland’s canine residents. In addition to vendors and entertainment, First Friday will feature a pet lookalike contest, pet parade, and dog agility demonstrations. The event is free. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Hernando Audubon Birding Trip | Saturday | 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Lake Parker Park (Gate 1)
Bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes for this guided 1.5-mile-walk to see songbirds and spring migrants. Organizers expect to see water species such as purple gallinule, limpkin, pied-billed grebe, ducks, egrets and herons. Roseate spoonbill and wood stork sightings are also possible. The event is free.
Buena Market hosted by Bonnet Springs Park | Saturday | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park
The lawn, rooftop bar, and cafe at Bonnet Springs Park will be open late Saturday for a night market featuring more than 50 makers, artists, vintage pop-ups, and more from all around Central Florida. The free, family-friendly event will feature a DJ and lawn games.
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