TOP STORIES
First up: Captain Cody Khork, a Winter Haven native and Florida Southern College graduate, was killed in the first days of the Iran war. Khork was a 35-year-old army reservist whose family described him as living a life defined by devotion, character, and service.
After the news broke, Khork’s commander during his time as an ROTC student at FSC shared his memories of the young man who he said was a born leader. Read the full article below.
Before we turn to the week’s other news, we pause to offer our condolences to Captain Khork’s family and friends.
Next Up: City Commissioners voted on Monday regarding two changes that will soon take effect at Lakeland Electric. First, many customers will see higher bills in April, May, and June to cover unexpected costs caused by higher-than-normal usage during the January cold front.
Second, to reduce demand on its call center that handles about 21,000 calls a month, the utility will also roll out a new AI customer service agent called CayLa this summer that will focus on less-complicated calls like balance inquiries, payment arrangements, and service transfers.
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MORE AROUND TOWN
The city of Lakeland recognized a Lake Morton home and Publix Supermarkets with its March Beautification Awards.
Kayla Borg explored the way Catapult removes barriers for new entrepreneurs.
Bank of Central Florida shared exciting news about expansion into Hillsborough County.
I dug into the man behind the Paul A. Diggs Neighborhood, learning that his soda shop used to stand in the area that is now Jackson Park, a hub for the city’s events celebrating Black history.
New LkldNow contributor Christopher Rhoden shared his first article with us covering how a blackout during Lakeland Community Theatre’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” turned the performance into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From a LkldNow Sponsor
Lakeland-Based Bank of Central Florida Expands Into Hillsborough County
By Delaney Sheltz Ortiz | Bank of Central Florida
March 2, 2026
Who was Paul A. Diggs? The Man Behind Lakeland’s Historic Neighborhood
February 27, 2026
TOP LAKELAND NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
Lakeland’s Hickman Homes founder and wife make it safely out of Dubai | Tampa Bay 10
Second fire in Lakeland home leaves one dead, one hospitalized, and an injured firefighter | 10 Tampa Bay
Man in his 70s killed in north Lakeland mobile home fire | 10 Tampa Bay
Gardening enthusiasts gathered at the city’s 5th annual Plantae-Palooza Garden Festival in Hollis Garden on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.| Anna Toms, LkldNow.
PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND?
Happy birthday to LkldNow’s founder, Barry Friedman!
Over 10 years ago, Barry had a simple but powerful idea: Lakeland deserved a strong source of local news focused on the community it serves. That idea became LkldNow.
While Barry is now enjoying retirement, his vision still guides everything we do. We’re grateful for the foundation he built and proud to carry the work forward.
If you see him out in the wild today, please wish Barry a very happy birthday.
Thank you for being a LkldNow reader!
Anna Toms
Newsroom Lead, LkldNow
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