Happy Fourth of July from all of us here at LkldNow! Here is this year’s guide to the city’s annual Red, White & Kaboom, which features local cover band Bully for You for the first time this year.
Red, White & Kaboom Turns 23
July 1, 2026
TOP STORIES
With just two days to spare, Governor DeSantis signed the 2026-27 state budget on Monday, June 29, approving one of the city’s four budget requests. Cindy Glover breaks down the vetoes and what survived.
Lakeland Highlands Hospital is poised to open this month. The collaboration between Orlando Health and Watson Clinic promises innovative, patient-centric care in south Lakeland.
DeSantis Vetoes Three of Lakeland’s Four Budget Requests
June 30, 2026
Reader Poll
Last week, we asked if you plan on attending the July 6 City Commission meeting covering the data center moratorium. You said:
55% said Yes
45% said No
You can read the drafted moratorium ordinance here:
City Releases Proposed Data Center Moratorium Ordinance
MORE FROM LKLDNOW ARTS & CULTURE
Annalee Mutz sat down with Laura Putnam, curator of exhibitions at The AGB, to learn more about what brought her to the museum and has kept her in Lakeland for the past 13 years.
City Limits Dance Hall opened last Friday in the former Wild Greg’s space, promising more than line dancing. Erin Grant reports on how new local owners plan to build on two decades of tradition.
Anna Toms reports on the many athletes, coaches, and teams — including two from Florida Southern College — recognized at the 2026 Polk County All Sports Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Meet Laura Putnam: Curator of Exhibitions at the AGB
July 1, 2026
PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND?
RECOMMENDED READS
Local news from other vetted sources.
Woman killed crossing State Road 33 late at night in Lakeland | Sara- Megan Walsh | The Ledger (Paywall)
4 people, including kids, rescued after getting lost in Circle B Bar Reserve | Katlyn Fernandez, WFLA
We’ll be out this Friday, and our coverage will be a little lighter next week as our staff takes some time to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday.
As always, thank you for being a LkldNow reader,
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
Anna Toms
Newsroom Lead, LkldNow
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