LkldNow

09/10/2025

After years of planning, a big new park near Pipkin and Medulla roads is getting closer to reality. The city is asking for public input to shape how this new green space will take root.

After years of planning, a big new park near Pipkin and Medulla roads is getting closer to reality. The city is asking for public input to shape how this new green space will take root.

09/09/2025

The former executive director of TLC PetSnip has been accused of defrauding the nonprofit spay-and-neuter clinic of more than $3,300 — using its business credit card for personal purchases and donating $750 to her children’s school.

The former executive director of TLC PetSnip has been accused of defrauding the nonprofit spay-and-neuter clinic of more than $3,300 — using its business credit card for personal purchases and donating $750 to her children’s school.

09/08/2025

10 years of local news. One night to celebrate!
A decade ago this month, Barry Friedman founded LkldNow with a bold idea: that Lakeland deserves free, independent local journalism. On Sept. 18, he’ll share what it took to build a newsroom for the community — and where we go from here.
📅 Candid Conversations: Shaping Our Tomorrow
🥂 Reception 6 p.m. | 🎤 Program 7 p.m.
🎟 Tickets: $100 (includes reception with cocktails + hors d’oeuvres)
Tickets support LkldNow so we can keep Barry's vision for community journalism going.
Reserve your seat today:

Join us for Candid Conversations: Understanding Today, Shaping Tomorrow An evening of ideas and inspiration on how we can see further, think bigger, and shape the future of Lakeland and Polk County.

09/08/2025

Polk County Public Schools has hosted two of its six town hall meetings about high school rezoning, and public response has been good so far, officials say.

Polk County Public Schools has hosted two of its six town hall meetings about high school rezoning, and public response has been good so far, officials say.

09/05/2025

A vibrant portrait series at Watson Clinic’s Cancer & Research Center captures the strength and resilience of five cancer survivors.

A vibrant portrait series at Watson Clinic’s Cancer & Research Center captures the strength and resilience of five cancer survivors.

09/04/2025

CareerSource Polk Open House highlights job training, resume help and tuition support for Polk County residents.

CareerSource Polk’s open house in Lakeland connected residents with free job search tools, resume help, tuition assistance and training programs to build careers.

09/04/2025

Some of Lakeland’s most popular lakes are about to get cleaner, thanks to a trio of projects unanimously approved by the City Commission on Tuesday.

Some of Lakeland’s most popular lakes are about to get cleaner, thanks to a trio of projects unanimously approved by the City Commission on Tuesday.

09/03/2025

Opening in October, the Depot is transforming a long-vacant space into affordable art studios, galleries, and more.

Opening in October, the Depot Arts District in Lakeland, FL will offer affordable artist studios, galleries and community-focused spaces.

09/03/2025

Typical household to see about $3.20 added monthly as city covers increased costs.

Lakeland Electric bills will rise by about $3.20 a month starting this fall as fuel and environmental compliance rates increase. City officials say FEMA reimbursements could lower future costs.

09/02/2025

A city commissioner wants an independent investigation into complaints about the Lakeland Housing Authority. Former LHA employees and community members have alleged favoritism in housing placements, nepotism and retaliation against those who complain.

A city commissioner wants an independent investigation into complaints about the Lakeland Housing Authority. Former LHA employees and community members have alleged favoritism in housing placements, nepotism and retaliation against those who complain.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day, Lakeland!
We want to take a moment to thank the hard working journalists that make LkldNow possible: Cindy Glover, Stephanie Claytor, Kayla Borg, Anna Toms, our founder, Barry Friedman and all the contributors who have lent us their time and talent over the past decade. Thank you!