trinity@lkldnow.com
Originally from Tampa, Trinity has worked with several large news media nonprofits, including PBS, National Geographic and the BBC. She holds a degree in Electronic Media from The George Washington University . Trinity is married to Michael Laurino, a teacher and actor and they have one daughter.

kayla@lkldnow.com
Kayla Borg is a Lakeland native and graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned her degree in English and film production. She began her media career in Atlanta at CNN, quickly rising from production assistant editor to technical director/editor, leading live broadcasts alongside field reporters. Since then, she’s worked in education, instructional design and independent filmmaking

barry@lkldnow.com
Lkldnow.com was founded in 2015 by Barry Friedman after spending the previous 32 years providing news for Polk County residents as an editor at The Ledger and the founder of theledger.com. A University of Florida journalism graduate, he is married to Sharon Hodges, a retired University of South Florida research professor. Their daughters are both educators: Laurel at USF and Amelia at Lakeland High School. His current passion is figuring out how to preserve engaging and impactful community journalism in the age of social media.

cindy@lkldnow.com
Cindy’s career has included journalism, education, digital marketing and public relations and spent a year as a community engagement coordinator for the City of Lakeland before joining LkldNow. She continues to empower young people as a licensed foster parent and volunteer with Heartland for Children.

anna@lkldnow.com
Anna Toms was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., where she cultivated a love for writing and eventually earned her Ph.D. in literature and the humanities. She is an experienced educator who has taught students from middle school to college to think critically and express themselves clearly. Anna moved to Lakeland in June of 2020.

meryl@lkldnow.com
Meryl is a graduate of Polk State College who has lived in Lakeland most of her life. Meryl handles obituaries and enhances our social media presence. She and her partner have a son.