Who’s leaving City Hall? And what’s replacing Andrew's coffee?

No news is good news

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

We’re taking next week off.

✅ No newsletter.
✅ No breaking news (barring true emergencies).
✅ A little rest—for us and, we hope, for you, too.

Why it matters:
Even when one of us is “off,” we’re rarely fully unplugged. That’s the nature of a small newsroom with a big mission. But it’s also a reflection of a bigger issue: the outdated idea that news should never stop. It’s not sustainable, nor do we think it’s the best way to serve our community’s information needs.

We tried this pause last summer and it worked. Our team returned refreshed, and our journalism was better for it.

With July 4 falling on a Friday and no city commission meeting next week, this is the right time to press pause again.

We hope you have a wonderful Independence Day! We’ll be back Monday, July 7, recharged and ready to cover Lakeland.

Flash Poll Results: Have you walked over a mile for groceries in Lakeland?

Yes: 27% No: 73%

City Commissioner to Leave with Two Years Left in Term

Commissioner Bill Read was partway through his third term when he announced his resignation.

What’s Going On with Lakeland’s Historic Kress Building, Downtown?

Once a five-and-dime, a courthouse and a children’s museum, the Kress Building has a new owner and soon will be office space for the firm Kimley-Horn.

Tampa Seafood Restaurant to Open in Lakeland

5-Star Seafood will take the place of a former coffee shop on South Florida Avenue

Students Team with Polk Sheriff to ID Criminals, Aid Policing

The effort to identify criminals is part of a series of Florida Polytechnic student capstone projects.

New Website Offers Behavioral Health Help

Polk County site connects residents with resources for issues from anxiety to substance abuse.

Juneteenth Events Tomorrow, Next Saturday

There’s a celebration in Jackson Park tomorrow and a Freedom Festival at Simpson Park next Saturday.

FSC Appoints Dean for Its New School of Architecture

Florida Southern College has recruited Andrew Phillip Payne to lead a new school of architecture on its campus that comprises buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright.

LAKELAND NEWS FROM OTHER SOURCES

Polk County deputy who set DUI arrest record is arrested for theft | Daily Ridge

Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sponsors Lakeland sandwich (‘sanguich’!) contest | NBC Tampa Bay 8

Part of Alligator Alley Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve closed due to alligator nesting | CBS Tampa Bay 10

PCSO arrests alleged cartel members, seizes fentanyl in Lakeland | CBS Tampa Bay 10

Polk State College trustees renew president’s contract despite criticisms | The Ledger (paywall)

Lakeland nonprofit expands housing for single mothers in crisis | ABC Tampa Bay (WFTS)

Steven Bostick named head swimming coach at Florida Southern | SwimSwam

Ultimate Improv for Teens | Friday | 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library
Live and unscripted! Sharpen your wit and think on your feet. Invent characters, create scenes, twist the plot, laugh ’til you scream. For teens ages 13-17.

Opening of the 53rd Annual LAA Fine Arts Exhibition | Friday | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Melvin Gallery, Florida Southern College
This juried and judged exhibition from the Lakeland Arts Association includes sculptures, and other art forms highlighting the talent and creativity of artists in the Central Florida Area. The opening will feature live music, refreshments, and engagement with the artists. Free.

Tommy B’s Super Band | Saturday | 7 p.m. | Eala’s Speakeasy, Frescos
Join Tommy B’s Super Band and special guests In Tents—all to support Play It Forward Polk, helping fund instruments for Polk County Public School music programs. $10 entry.

Check our full calendar