Survey and public meeting offer residents a chance to weigh in on revitalization plans
Author Archives: Cindy Glover
Through the Insight Polk initiative, Cindy explores barriers to improving the quality of life for Polk County. Previously, Cindy was a crime reporter, City Hall reporter and chief political writer for newspapers including the Albuquerque Journal and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. She spent a year as a community engagement coordinator for the City of Lakeland before joining LkldNow in 2023. Reach her at cindy@lkldnow.com or 561-212-3429.
Posted inPublic Safety, Social Services
Hotel Fire Reveals Plight of Displaced Families with ‘No Good Options’
Dozens of families are uncertain where they will sleep tonight after fire marshal shutters Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites.
Posted inInsight Polk, Public Safety
Dark Roads, Fast Cars: Lakeland Can Be Deadly for Pedestrians and Cyclists
At least 70 pedestrians and bicyclists died between 2018 and 2024 after being struck by vehicles on Lakeland-area roads.
Posted inInsight Polk
Polk County ‘School Choice Application Window’ Opens
Families have five weeks to enter lottery for magnet programs or career academies.
Posted inCrime / Justice, Insight Polk, Public Safety
Lakeland Boy, 6, Dies After Unintentional Shooting
Family members say Major Smith was on the autism spectrum. He found a gun in a car outside a Lakeland home.
Posted inInsight Polk, Public Safety
Boy, 6, in Critical Condition After Apparent Self-inflicted Gunshot to Head
Witness claims man who rushed him to the hospital fled after handing him to medical personnel.
Posted inHealth, Insight Polk
Emergency Care Options Multiply as Four Hospital Systems Expand Into Lakeland
HCA Florida’s two freestanding emergency rooms – one of them opens Monday – are part of a wave of new facilities.
Posted inInsight Polk, Social Services
Lakeland Residents Learn ‘Mental Health First Aid’ Ahead of Holidays
Pay attention to changes in loved ones’ appearance, thinking, emotional state or behavior, program says.
Posted inEnvironment, Insight Polk
Lakeland Notifies 24,000 Households of Possible, But Unlikely, Lead Water Pipes
Service lines of homes built before 1977 will be inspected as part of a federally mandated lead pipe inventory.
Posted inPolitics
Melony Bell Unseats Polk Elections Supervisor Lori Edwards
Republicans sweep local races; new office holders are Becky Troutman at County Commission and Jennifer Kincart Jonsson in the Florida House.