- LEGISLATOR Fentrice Driskell, a 42-year-old Lake Gibson High graduate who represents a Hillsborough district, was elected leader-designate for the Florida House Democratic Caucus for 2024-26.
- JUDGE: Lakeland lawyer Lori Winstead, 41,was elevated from county judge to circuit judge by Gov. Ron DeSantis. She replaces Steven Selph, 67, who retired from the 10th Circuit bench.
- SCHOOL: Polk County commissioners dashed the hopes of WonderHere, a private school, to stretch out from its small downtown Lakeland location to 9.3 acres on Colbert Road behind the Highland City Publix on U.S. 98. County planners and the Planning Commission recommended approval, but commissioners in a 4-1 vote sided with nearby residents who told them the school doesn’t belong on land zoned residential. (Subscribers-only story)
Source: The Ledger