ARTICLE
LkldNow Celebrates 10 Years with an Evening of ideas and inspiration on how we can see further, think bigger, and shape the future of Lakeland and Polk County. LkldNow invites the community to Candid Conversations: Understanding Today, Shaping Tomorrow, a special evening of reflection and inspiration that celebrates ten years of free, independent journalism in Lakeland. The event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College. Guests will enjoy a 6 p.m. reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 7 p.m. program featuring three visionary speakers: Barry Friedman — LkldNow founder, reflects on a decade of local journalism and building a newsroom for the community David Bunch — On the importance of appreciating the past, understanding the present and caring about the future - a perspective gained from 60 years of business and community involvement. Ana Wood-Rogers —A business strategist who builds bold visions that break through barriers and delivers solutions that stand the test of time. Together, they’ll share stories about the power of looking back to see forward — and the importance of cultivating long-term vision to shape the city and the county we call home. Tickets are $100, with all proceeds directly supporting LkldNow’s nonprofit mission to keep local news free and accessible for everyone in Lakeland. “This anniversary is more than a milestone for LidlNow," said Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of LkldNow. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate community voices, spark ideas, and invest in the future of local journalism that connects and informs us all.” Event Details Where: Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College When: Thursday, September 18, 2025 Reception: 6 p.m. | Program: 7 p.m. Tickets: $100 The event is made possible with support from Citrus Connection and Orlando Health. For tickets and more information, visit www.lkldnow.com/lakeland-then-now-next/.
LkldNow Celebrates 10 Years with an Evening of ideas and inspiration on how we can see further, think bigger, and shape the future of Lakeland and Polk County.
LkldNow invites the community to Candid Conversations: Understanding Today, Shaping Tomorrow, a special evening of reflection and inspiration that celebrates ten years of free, independent journalism in Lakeland. The event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College.
Guests will enjoy a 6 p.m. reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 7 p.m. program featuring three visionary speakers:
Together, they’ll share stories about the power of looking back to see forward — and the importance of cultivating long-term vision to shape the city and the county we call home.
Tickets are $100, with all proceeds directly supporting LkldNow’s nonprofit mission to keep local news free and accessible for everyone in Lakeland.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone for LidlNow," said Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of LkldNow. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate community voices, spark ideas, and invest in the future of local journalism that connects and informs us all.”
Where: Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College When: Thursday, September 18, 2025 Reception: 6 p.m. | Program: 7 p.m. Tickets: $100
The event is made possible with support from Citrus Connection and Orlando Health. For tickets and more information, visit www.lkldnow.com/lakeland-then-now-next/.