CITYMAKER: Jenna Cherry, a 20-year-old Southeastern University senior, was recognized for her artistic contributions to Lakeland in the monthly award given by Mayor Bill Mutz, former Mayor Howard Wiggs and Linda Bagley-Wiggs. BIKELAKELAND: Dichotomous Lakeland bicycling news as one bicyclist, Richard Joseph Arenda, was critically injured in an early morning collision while another, 70 year-old […]
Author Archives: Chuck Welch
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PROTEST: Hundreds of protesters marched from Salem’s Fresh Eats on Memorial Blvd. to the Lakeland Police Department to protest the December shooting of Michael Jerome Taylor. (Turnout estimates varied; WFLA pegged it at “more than 100.”) WRESTLING: The Lake Gibson Braves wrestling team captured their second straight HSAA Class 2A Duals state championship yesterday in […]
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Lakeland Grand Apts Announced for Highland City
Lakeland Grand Apartments, a 268-unit Highland City apartment complex was announced yesterday. The site is 17 acres at the intersection of First Street S.E. and Clubhouse Road. However, before Polk County officials will approve the complex, the developers are required to resurface and widen a stretch of Clubhouse Road. That work could begin in February […]
Posted inCity Hall, Public Safety
City Working to Improve Pedestrian Safety
The 2019 Dangerous By Design report was released yesterday, and Lakeland was listed as the fifth most dangerous American metro area for pedestrians during the years 2008 to 2017. That didn’t come as a shock to Lakeland city planners and transportation officials as the metro area finished sixth in the 2016 report. Chuck Barmby, the […]
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Hobson Strain: Former Polk County Tax Collector Hobson Strain died Jan. 22 at the age of 86. Strain was in office from 1964 to 1994 and oversaw many technological advancements in the tax collector’s office. New Life Outreach Ministry: To finish a fund drive started in 2004, the New Life Outreach Ministry is selling off […]
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Lakeland Lands Fifth Most Dangerous Metro Area for Pedestrians
In a new report from Smart Growth America, the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area landed as the fifth most dangerous metro area for walking in the United States. It was a move up from the 2016 report that listed Lakeland-Winter Haven as sixth.
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DENNIS ROSS: The recently retired congressman will join the GrayRobinson law firm’s Lakeland office and work in its Government Affairs and Lobbying Practice. The move will not affect his plans to direct Southeastern University’s American Center for Political Leadership. DYNAMO: Lakelander Brogan Paul acts, dances, cheers, and has modeled for Gap Kids and New York Fashion Week. […]
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First Responders Trained to Help Each Other Weather Job Stresses
In order to help each other through issues of stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts Lakeland Fire Department first responders are receiving training by the Florida Firefighters Safety & Health Collaborative. Due to their shared experiences, peer support is often the first step for those coping with job-related issues. Source: The Ledger
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MEET-UP: The Lakeland Women’s Collective held a Women’s March Meet-Up to discuss ways to improve the community and promote causes vital to women. SCHOOLS: Griffin Elementary and four other area schools are working to improve their school grade under Educational Directions, a Louisville, Kentucky-based school manager. VALOR: Tom Butler, 100, received a Quilt of Valor […]
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AIRPORT: The Lakeland City Commission is expected to approve the renovation of the terminal apron at Lakeland Linder on Tuesday. The projected cost of approximately $2.5 million will be mostly covered by a Federal Aviation Administration grant. RENOVATIONS: Staff at the RP Funding Center celebrated $14.2 million in renovations yesterday. The work was completed without […]