TOP STORIES
First up: The fatal shooting of 38 year-old Deandre “Dre” Montgomery Sr, outside Jade Fox Lounge in the early hours of Sunday morning has shaken the community and sparked a search for a suspect, Janard Childs, a former friend who Montgomery had sought to help.
Anyone with information about Childs’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900. Cindy Glover is following this story as it develops.
Manhunt Underway After Fatal Shooting Outside Jade Fox Lounge
February 24, 2026
It’s difficult to move from reporting on a life lost to the other headlines of the week. We acknowledge that not all news carries equal weight — especially for the community grieving the loss of Mr. Montgomery.
Before we turn to the week’s other news, we pause to offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Next Up: two infrastructure stories that may say a lot about the future of Polk County. First, although outside the bounds of Lakeland, we’re watching the story about the proposed data center in Fort Meade. If built, the impacts will likely be felt countywide. Thank you to our colleagues at WUSF for their reporting on the issue.
Second, after a few bumps in its first two years, Avelo’s recent reorganization into four hubs including Lakeland means more flight options and changes for a growing Lakeland Linder airport.
Avelo makes Lakeland a Main Hub with More Flights and More Planes
February 23, 2026
Reader Poll Results
Last week, Kayla Borg explored ‘bikeability’ in our city so we asked:
Do you feel safe riding your bike in Lakeland?
18% Yes
82% No
Lakeland celebrated Black History with a vibrant festival at Jackson Park. Photos by Anna Toms.
Contributor Annalee Mutz covers a Harrison student’s national honor and the soft launch of Grievous Angel, the latest addition to our restaurant scene from the owner of Lovebird Almost Famous Chicken and The Peach House.
Plus, Anna Toms previews the Detroit Tigers spring training schedule.
Photos: Lakeland’s 2026 Black History Festival
February 25, 2026
Lakeland Teen Cendall Williams Wins National YoungArts Award in Theater
February 25, 2026
Grievous Angel Soft Opens in Downtown Lakeland
February 20, 2026
TOP LAKELAND NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
Citizen objections mount over proposed Fort Meade data center | The Ledger (Paywall)
Cleaning business owner accused of stealing jewelry from 67-year-old customer | News Channel 8
Lakeland Downtown Development Authority backs Talbot House Ministries’ move to Memorial Boulevard | The Ledger (Paywall)
Lakeland and Harrison high school students stage after-school ICE protest | The Ledger (Paywall)
A jogger on a morning run emerges from the fog around Lakeland Hollingsworth.| Trinity Laurino, LkldNow. Do you have a photo that captures a slice of life in Lakeland? Share it with us at mail@lkldnow.com and you might see it here!
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As ever, thank you for being a LkldNow reader.
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
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