Unintentional shooting was fatal | Lakeland and the anti-camping law

News organizations joining forces

Barry Friedman

Founder and Editor-at-large

LkldNow has joined a collaboration with a dozen or so news organizations in Central Florida to share reporting resources on specific regional issues. When I conceived of LkldNow a decade ago, I didn’t anticipate we’d be asked to join this kind of regional journalism collaborative, but am honored and excited to see where this effort will lead.

Our participation means we get to make sure Lakeland is represented by local voices in coverage of regional issues and it will give us the ability to share relevant reporting from other reputable news organizations.

The first reporting project centers around Florida’s new law that bans camping on public property. LkldNow’s contribution, “Lakeland Leaders: Florida’s Anti-Camping Law Won’t Affect City’s Approach,” focused on the local angle (that’s what we do).

The collaboration was formed at the Central Florida Journalism Ecosystem Summit, created last summer by Central Florida Public Media, Central Florida Foundation and Oviedo Community News. It’s a diverse group of organizations with different business models and different sizes but a shared purpose of quality community journalism. They span in size from smaller than LkldNow to large legacy news organizations like the Orlando Sentinel and the nonprofit that oversees the National Public Radio affiliates in Orlando and The Villages.

Lakeland Boy, 6, Dies After Unintentional Shooting

Family members say Major Smith was on the autism spectrum. He found a gun in a car outside a Lakeland home.

Wastewater, Fire Station Top Lakeland’s Legislative Wish List

City commissioners discuss timing and strategy for getting local projects in the state budget.

Lakeland Leaders: Florida’s Anti-Camping Law Won’t Affect City’s Approach

Police will continue making arrests under a city ordinance prohibiting camping or sleeping on public property.

Editorial Collaborative to Examine the Impact of Florida’s Camping Ban

LkldNow is one of 10 local news organizations in Central Florida participating in the reporting project.

Lakeland Loan Will Help Gospel Village Add 72 Apartments

The $685,000 loan will be forgiven if the nonprofit Gospel Inc. uses the units for affordable housing for 20 years.

Boy, 6, in Critical Condition After Apparent Self-inflicted Gunshot to Head

Witness claims man who rushed him to the hospital fled after handing him to medical personnel.

From a LkldNow Sponsor

Polk Arts and Cultural Groups Have Big Plans for 2025

By Polk Art and Cultural Alliance

The new year kicks off with theater productions, art festivals and performances by stars like Renée Fleming and Ricky Skaggs.

The Boba Boom: Lakeland Warms Up to Specialty Iced Teas

New locally owned tea houses have bubbled up on Lakeland’s north and south sides.

Drivers May Encounter Disruptions Near Lake Hollingsworth Jan. 6-13

Flaggers will direct traffic around any obstacles, which involve mostly areas east and southeast of the lake.

New Median Landscape on MLK Avenue Aims to Improve Safety

In an effort to make a section of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue safer for pedestrians, the city of Lakeland has relandscaped the median near Jackson Park and the Coleman-Bush Building.

Lakeland Symphony Cancels Its Annual Opera, Citing Rights Issues

Another performance that was postponed because of Hurricane Milton is now scheduled for Feb. 8.

Rob Hernandez Promoted to Lakeland Deputy City Manager

Eighteen months after coming to Lakeland as assistant city manager, Rob Hernandez has been promoted to deputy city manager following Emily Colón’s recent departure. The job comes with a $20,000-a-year raise.

Florida Poly President Says No to a $100,000 Inauguration

Devin Stephenson wants the funds used for student scholarships.

Looking Back: Lakeland in 2024

We revisit some of LkldNow’s top stories, month-by-month.

Jimmy Carter, Who Died Sunday, Visited Lakeland During 1980 Presidential Campaign

The president was greeted by then-Mayor Carrie Oldham, who had suggested he come to Lakeland during a White House visit.

Pizza, Wine, Ice Cream Coming to Neighboring Dixieland Buildings

Three food and beverage businesses will occupy two vacant buildings at South Florida Avenue and East Belmar Street.

Photo Galleries: A Candid Conversation With Gilbert King

A surprise guest came to LkldNow’s event: Leo Schofield, the subject of the acclaimed ‘Bone Valley’ podcast.

Student from Lakeland Earns Full Scholarship to Duke University

Alexander Andrade, who attends the Bartow IB School, is also a Presidential Scholar and a National Merit semifinalist.

Loyce E. Harpe Park on Carter Road Will Reopen on Weekends Only for Now

The park reopens Jan. 4; it is still being used for storm debris so it will still be closed on weekdays for the time being.

Repaving Work Coming to Seven Lakeland Roadways

One lane will remain open at all times, but drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes. First up: Lake Morton Drive Jan. 10-15.

Gandy Pool Closes Jan. 2 for Renovations

The city of Lakeland pool is anticipated to reopen in April; alternatives include Simpson Park and the YMCA.

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

Lakeland resident Jack Gillen recalls protecting Jimmy Carter’s family as a Secret Service agent | News Channel 8

Previous offender arrested in indecent exposure case and banned from Duff Park | News Channel 8

Max Morning Show DJs Eric Michaels and Mike Lee Depart as Station Goes Fully Automated | Radio Online

Local artists display their work at the RP Funding Center via Lakeland Arts Association partnership | Fox 13 News

Lakeland looks at buying two modular office buildings to accommodate Avelo Airlines expansion at the airport | The Ledger

Polk animal shelters have doubled their live-release rate and aim for no-kill status this year | News Channel 8

Polk school system suspends volunteer applications as it ponders how to handle new screening requirement | Spectrum News 9

Lakeland man charged with DUI manslaughter in November crash that killed his daughter | News Channel 8

Lakeland’s Becky Bywater recalls working with Jimmy Carter on a Habitat for Humanity trip | News Channel 8

In a surprise Lakeland appearance, Leo Schofield discusses his life after 35 years in prison | The Ledger

EPA approves Mosaic test to build a road from phosphogypsum at its Mulberry plant | WUSF

Lakeland Amazon facility picketed by Teamsters who are not Amazon employees | News Channel 8

Food Truck Rally canceled
The Lakeland Food Truck Rally, normally scheduled for the second Thursday each month at Munn Park, has been canceled for at least this month. The organizers said on Facebook they “decided it’s time to revamp the event. We love you and we’ll see you soon! This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you in a little while.”

Polk County Taco Week | Friday through Jan. 19 | Noon to midnight
Restaurants throughout Polk County are offering taco specials. See a list.

Day of Caring + free admission to Florida Children’s Museum | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with child-centered performances, activities, arts & crafts and giveaways. Free.

Check our full calendar

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