text.LKLDnow.com

5-minute read Florida is in the grip of its worst drought in at least 14 years, and the effects are starting to show up in everyday ways. If you sit down at a restaurant in the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if no one brings water to the table unless you ask. That’s one of […]

Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is bringing the magic of Broadway to Branscomb Auditorium to close out their 60th season. For one night only on April 4, “Defying Gravity: Bewitching Broadway” showcases acclaimed vocalists and the full symphony orchestra performing an evening of beloved Broadway hits. “The LSO’s versatile musicians will dazzle you with this performance […]

1-minute read Republican Hilary Holley will represent Florida House District 51 through November 2026 after winning a special election on March 24. District 51 includes Auburndale, Haines City, Davenport, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Four Corners, and surrounding northern Polk County communities. Holley won the election with 54.18% or 8,406 votes, according to unofficial results as […]

2-minute read “Restore the Core,” an initiative focused on shaping Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland, has entered its next phase — the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is hosting meetings to share updated plans for the future of the city’s central districts. | Courtesy Lakeland CRA This spring, the CRA is inviting stakeholders to community meetings […]

3-minute read District 51 special election sample ballot ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?fit=300%2C186&quality=80&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?fit=780%2C482&quality=80&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=780%2C482&quality=80&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-522329″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=1024%2C633&quality=80&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=300%2C186&quality=80&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=768%2C475&quality=80&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=1536%2C950&quality=80&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=1200%2C742&quality=80&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=780%2C483&quality=80&ssl=1 780w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=400%2C247&quality=80&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?resize=706%2C437&quality=80&ssl=1 706w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM.png?w=1846&quality=80&ssl=1 1846w, https://i0.wp.com/www.lkldnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-9.52.50-AM-1024×633.png?w=370&quality=80&ssl=1 370w” sizes=”(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px”>District 51 special election sample ballot | Polk Supervisor of Elections Voters in Florida House District 51 will […]

5-minute read People who oppose Talbot House Ministries’ plan to build a new campus on Memorial Boulevard aren’t waiting until a public hearing on April 6 to voice their concerns. About 15 people gathered at the intersection of Ingraham Avenue and Memorial Boulevard with picket signs and matching T-shirts on Friday, March 20. Signs read, […]

8-minute read Three of downtown Lakeland’s landmark apartment complexes — representing a major share of the city’s urban housing — are up for sale. Lake Mirror Tower, NOBAY, and The Gardens include 223 apartments and several retail spaces. All are owned by Broadway Real Estate Services and sit within about 0.8 miles of each other […]

2-minute read A motorcade carried the remains of U.S. Army Maj. Cody Khork from Lakeland Linder International Airport to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven on Wednesday, March 18. Flags and flag wavers line both sides of Medulla Road to witness the motorcade carrying the remains of Maj. Cody Khork on March 18, 2026. […]

4-minute read After media coverage claimed that Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council had criticized federal immigration enforcement efforts, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a clarification.  Members of the council “support the mass deportation of illegal aliens — those that are criminals, those that have warrants of deportation, those that are here creating havoc and […]

12-minute read The 2026 Florida legislative session is over. But lawmakers still have yet to fulfill their only constitutional responsibility: passing a budget. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton say lawmakers will return for a budget-focused special session in mid-April. There’s already a special session for potential redistricting set for late April. And […]