LkldNow

LkldNow is a local news source dedicated to keeping you informed about Lakeland, Florida. Our mission is to shed light on the community, encouraging residents of Lakeland to get more involved and connected with what’s happening around them.

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Lakeland Native Takes The Helm at Growing YMCA

5 days ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

TJ Wright, a 28-year-old Lakelander, grew up in the YMCA. Now he’s the Y’s West Central Florida CEO. The West Central Florida YMCA encompasses three branches including its Family branch on Cleveland Heights Boulevard with a large addition nearing completion, as well as six after-school sites. On May 20, its board promoted Wright to CEO, a role he took up June 1. Wright had been the interim CEO since Jan. 29, when previous CEO Natalie Dyal resigned.
Meet The Most Decorated Athlete in Polk County

2 weeks ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

On May 10 and 11, at at Visit Jax Track and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Chelsi Williams, at 5’4″ and 120 pounds, according to a recruiting profile, ran the 100 meter hurdles in 13:38 seconds — winning the event and scoring a gold medal. Williams, a George Jenkins High School senior, also competed at the meet in the long jump. At 20 feet and 3 inches, she scored another win there and the gold.
Lakeland's Junior League Makes History

3 weeks ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland was founded in March of 1933. Ninety-two years later, on May 7, the local organization, known for its volunteerism and good works, inducted its first Black president. “It still feels a little unreal,” said Angel Davis, who will lead the organization for the 2025-2026 term beginning June 1.
Mootown Ice Cream Opens Today

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

Mootown Scoops, a locally-owned ice cream shop, officially opens today, after its soft opening May 4. Where: 719 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland — across from the Lakeland Public Library. When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. SundayFlavors: Mootown features about 16 flavors at a time. The ice cream is purchased from a supplier in Sarasota. Co-owner Jose Martinez said they hope to one day make their own seasonal flavors.
Mulberry Gets a Food Hall

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

Just south of Lakeland, in Mulberry, a food hall has arisen. Where: Depot 303, at 303 NW Ist Ave. (in Mulberry), houses several food vendors and a bar that serves craft cocktails and beer. Who: Jon Bucklew, a founder of The Joinery, the food hall in downtown Lakeland, is running Depot 303. When: Depot 303 held a soft opening the first weekend in April, then opened for regular hours later that week.
Minority-Owned Polk Businesses to Shine at Gala

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

The Well, the Lakeland co-working and incubator space at 114 E. Parker St., will hold its second annual Black Business Expo on Friday, June 6, followed by a new, gala celebration of minority-owned Lakeland businesses on Saturday, June 7. The Well will also host a Gospel Explosion on Sunday, June 8. The events are tied together with the theme “Elevate, Innovate, and Thrive in 2025.”The expo, gala, and gospel explosion events are a major fundraiser for The Well.
Early Learning Coalition Dreading Budget Cuts

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

As legislators work in Tallahassee this week to craft a state budget, there are several proposals on the table, including one in the state House that would cut funding for the Florida School Readiness Program by $120 million and one in the state Senate that would cut allocations to the program by $60 million, according to the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children. It’s alarming for Marc Hutek, the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County.
Lakeland Parks and Rec Seeks New Instructors

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

The Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department is looking for new instructors to offer programming and classes in its recreation facilities, according to its website. The department offers classes at Simpson Park Community Center, Kelly Recreation Complex, Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, Gandy Pool, Simpson Park Pool and Community Center, the Coleman-Bush Building, the Lake Mirror Complex and in its parks.
'Rosa Parks' of Lakeland Nellie Brooks May Get Her Due

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

Lakeland city commissioners will likely vote May 5 on a resolution to rename Webster Park after the late Civil Rights activist Nellie Madalynne Brooks. Members of the Lakeland Chapter of the NAACP, including Brooks’s daughter, Beverly Boatwright, along with members of the Webster Park South Neighborhood Association made the proposal during the city commission meeting April 21. “She was such a pioneer for the community. She dedicated her heart, soul and mind to this community.
Book Crawl Returns April 24

1 month ago | lkldnow.com | Stephanie Claytor

Looking for a new book? Do you just like to see and touch printed books in our digital age? You’re in luck. The 4th annual Lakeland Book Crawl will be held from Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26 this year. What is it: The event, hosted by Lakeland Booksellers, is a collaborative event showcasing seven independent bookstores in Lakeland.