Happy New Year’s Eve!
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
Happy New Year from all of us at LkldNow on this chilly Dec. 31! We’ve enjoyed a little downtime over the holiday and the in-between time from Christmas to New Year’s when the days melt together in a blur of colored wrapping, comfy clothes and endless snacking. But we’re back with your weekly round-up of local news and a day earlier than usual. We hope you stay warm and celebrate safely tonight. See you in 2026!
Here’s what happened in Lakeland over the holidays.
‘Not the Right Location’: Planning Board Blocks Talbot House Move to Memorial
School proximity and revitalization concerns drove 4–1 vote, despite attorney’s warning about potential lawsuits.
It’s the last day of NewsMatch! Our end-of-year fundraising campaign ends TONIGHT at midnight. We haven’t quite hit our goal yet so every donation helps.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, raising over $25,000 to keep local news free and flowing in Lakeland.
No Backyard Fireworks: Burn Ban Still in Effect Across Polk County
Officials say drought conditions make even small sparks dangerous right now.
Squeeze to Pilot New Vehicles on NYE
The Squeeze will offer rides in all-electric and enclosed GEM e6 shuttles until 2 a.m. on New Years Eve.
After Eight Years as Mayor, Bill Mutz Faces an Unfamiliar Question: What’s Next?
Slowing down is not part of the plan for Lakeland’s outgoing mayor.
Lkld Lore: Lake Morton’s Floating Christmas Tree
How a boy scout troop’s idea lit up a community.
Lakeland’s Universities Grow Through Partnerships and Grants
Florida Southern expands its Seed-to-Scale entrepreneurship program, Florida Poly launches a high-tech alliance and SEU receives a $10 million grant.
LAKELAND NEWS FROM OTHER SOURCES
Victims of theft by Polk lawyer may be eligible for some relief from Bar compensation fund | The Ledger (Paywall)
Southern Living magazine discovers Lakeland’s charm | Southern Living
Lakeland man fatally shoots wife, injures stepdaughter | Newsweek
A Lakeland grandmother sets world record in deadlifting | Tampa Bay 28
Four PCSO deputies resign, three supervisors suspended after investigation into death at Polk County Central County Jail | WTSP
A new PCSO policy means Polk County deputies now ask for place of birth during any encounter | The Ledger (Paywall)
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