For the top story this week, we shared reporting by our colleagues at WUSF on Polk’s teacher shortage. Readers had a lot to say in comments pointing to conditions in classrooms, administrative burdens and teacher pay as the driving causes.
Some point to a millage rate increase as a possible solution to the teacher pay gap, so it’s a good time to revisit Cindy Glover’s reporting from last August on what that millage rate referendum entails.
Polk County Schools Sees the Most Teacher Vacancies as Shortage Worsens Statewide
The FEA mid-school year count found teacher vacancies statewide increased by about 100.
Would you support a 1.0 ad valorem millage rate increase to improve teacher pay if it was put on the ballot?
Next Up: Anna Toms explains how local shelters gear up to meet the extra demand for services during cold snaps. While we’re warming up today and through the weekend, look for lower temperatures to return early next week.
Plus the long-awaited Se7en Wetlands Education Center is moving closer to reality with a city commission approval. Cindy Glover reports.
Se7en Wetlands Education Center Moves Closer to Construction
January 20, 2026
Local Eats: Born & Bread Bakery is putting Lakeland on the nation’s culinary map as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Congratulations to Jen Smurr and staff!
Happenings around town: Lakeland’s unofficial event season is in full swing. From the beginning of the year, through May, there’s always something happening in Lakeland. Look back at photos from Saturday’s MLK Parade. Also last week, the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association honored Kay Fields at their annual meeting. Plus a preview of next week’s VISTEball.
From a LkldNow Sponsor
VISTEBall 2026 Offers Fun Way to Help Local Seniors
By VISTE
January 21, 2026
Photos: Lakeland’s 2026 MLK Parade
January 19, 2026
From a LkldNow Sponsor
Kay Fields Honored with the Dr. Jere Annis Leadership Award
By Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association
January 16, 2026
FOR MORE LAKELAND EVENTS
LAKELAND NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
Grady Judd, CFO Ingoglia spotlight illegal immigration and enforcement funding | Fox 13
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity launches program to keep seniors housed | Fox 13
Polk State President unveils new goals for enrollment and student completion rates | The Ledger (Paywall)
Bird flu in Orlando’s swans causes concern for Lakeland’s flock | The Ledger (Paywall)
If you have suggestions for articles, or a great photo that captures a slice of life in Lakeland or feedback for us, please let us know. Send news tips to newstips@lkldnow.com and feedback or other ideas to mail@lkldnow.com.
As ever, thank you for being a LkldNow reader.
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
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