TOP STORY
Thomas Hicks, known for portraying Santa in many local celebrations including the city’s annual Christmas parade, was arrested this week as part of a multi-agency undercover operation targeting the online solicitation of minors. PCSO arrested 226 individuals in the sting and released details about 19 on Wednesday — eight are from Lakeland.
Anna Toms is following the story and as more details emerge, we’ll focus on reporting the facts and what this means for the community.
LOCAL PEOPLE-POWERED NEWS
Lakelanders exercise their “people power” in the next two stories. City officials have heard residents loud and clear and are prioritizing infrastructure — a defining issue for the next decade. Cindy Glover reports.
Anna Toms covers the PEACE Nehemiah Action where congregants from 23 local churches demanded greater cooperation from Polk County Public Schools on access to mental health for students.
MIX IT UP WITH LKLDNOW AT FIRST FRIDAY
Stop by the LkldNow booth in front of Harry’s tomorrow at First Friday – Uno de Mayo. This special First Friday offers nonprofits the chance to fundraise through drink sales.
We’re selling two speciality drinks: A ‘MangoNow’ Margarita with Lunazul tequila and an ‘Evening Edition’ mocktail made with a spiced hibiscus tea and lemonade. All proceeds support LkldNow and the local news you read here each week.
BUSINESS NEWS
For young people entering the workforce, Kayla Borg reports on pathways into a growing sector of the labor market — skilled trades.
Zachery Kulp, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, launches Lakeland Bicycle Co. in Dixieland.
Demand for Skilled Trades Growing Faster than Polk Workforce
April 28, 2026
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
As Florida’s drought continues, local agencies and colleges tackle water issues, and Cindy Glover explores why we’re experiencing swarms of midges right now and when they might go away.
Why ‘Blind Mosquitoes’ Are Swarming Lakeland Right Now
April 23, 2026
Florida Poly Students Tackle Algae in Lakeland Wetlands
April 30, 2026
TOP LAKELAND NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
For the local news we can’t always get to, we curate from the best sources — without paywalls when possible and avoiding articles created by AI.
We’re currently working on revamping this section to better meet your local news needs. Look for a redesign coming soon.
The CRA shares four proposals to transform two Lakeland neighborhoods | The Ledger (Paywall)
Three judges in the 10th Judicial Circuit are reelected in uncontested races | The Ledger (Paywall)
Governor candidate Byron Donalds makes campaign stop at Reececliff Family Diner with Grady Judd | Fox 13
Lakeland’s Pan 4U Latino Bakery and Restaurant was crowned the winner at the Festival del Sanguich on April 24. | Courtesy of Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County
Trinity Laurino
Executive Director, LkldNow
Anna Toms
Newsroom Lead, LkldNow
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