Tropic Watch: Hurricane Isaias has formed in the Gulf. Models have it heading into the panhandle, but we can expect a good deal of rain over the next week.
Top Stories
There was a lot this week at both the County and City Commission meetings. Josh Shepherd has the scoop from Monday’s City Commission and the latest in the CareerSource Polk saga from Tuesday’s Polk County Commission meeting.
CareerSource Polk CEO, Board Removed in Sweeping Reset
October 7, 2026
City Hall Scoop 10/5: Police AI, Fewer Billboards, More Cameras
October 5, 2026
2026 November Voter Guide is live!
Midterms are less than a month away. Find the info you need on local races. Explore profiles for 16 candidates across seven races and details on the county referendum. Plus, Fionna Sugg-Campos and David Dickey, Jr. capture the VP’s visit to Lakeland.
Reader Poll
Last week, we asked if you have you been to a planetarium. You said:
54% said Yes
46% said No
SWANS AND BEAUTIFICATION:
Anna and I covered this year’s Swan Roundup, which was also the last before longtime parks director Bob Donahay’s retirement, and we have this month’s beautification award winners for a little landscape inspiration.
Lakeland Completes 46th Annual Swan Health Checkup
October 7, 2026
Lakeland’s October 2026 Beautification Award Winners
October 3, 2026
PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND?
LKLDBRIEFS: Timely bite-sized news
Polk County Local Will Kiss the Pig to Raise Funds for Adult Literacy on Oct. 9
Lakeland Regional Health Parkview Opens in Former Badcock Showroom
Downtown Lakeland’s Squeeze Expands to Dixieland and Goes On Demand
RECOMMENDED READS: Local news from vetted sources
Polk commissioners select replacement for retiring county manager | Paul Nutcher, The Ledger (Paywall)
Winter Haven High School mourns 16-year-old killed in school bus crash | Georgia McCarthur, WFLA
As always, thank you for being a LkldNow reader,
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
Anna Toms
Newsroom Lead, LkldNow
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