Florida Southern College, Polk State College and Southeastern University are not requiring students to be vaccinated for COVID-19, but the institutions are encouraging students to receive a vaccine. Florida Polytechnic University has not yet made a decision.
Author Archives: Jason Chua
Jason is an intern from Florida Polytechnic University.
Posted inHistory, Neighborhoods
Colorful Lighting Reignites Fervor for Southgate Arch
The iconic 70-foot-tall arch at Southgate Shopping Center has been attracting more attention ever since LED light strands were added last year, recreating the classic neon look of the 1950s-era plaza. The neon had been dark for 20 years, resulting in the sign being illuminated by floodlights.
Posted inCity Hall, Downtown
City Will Consider Changing Open-Container Law
After hearing from a company that wants to bring a pedal-powered party vehicle to Lakeland, city commissioners asked their staff to look into the possibility of carving exceptions out of the city’s open-container laws.
Posted inActivism, History
City Commission Urged to Pass a Juneteenth Resolution
The founder and organizer of Lakeland’s 29-year-old Juneteenth celebration asked the City Commission today to pass a resolution recognizing Juneteenth — June 19 — as a day to recall the end of slavery in the U.S.
Posted inConsumer
New Concessionaire Starts at RP Funding Center
The RP Funding Center has a new concessionaire. Levy Premium Foodservice has taken over, replacing Spectra, which provided food service to the center since 2009.
Posted inA & E
Polk Libraries Remained Busy During the Pandemic
The pandemic disrupted many pastimes, but reading has remained a constant pleasure in Polk County, local librarians say. The number of physical books checked out through libraries in Lakeland and the rest of Polk County was largely unchanged from the pre-pandemic period, and circulation of digital books actually increased.
Posted inSchools
FSC Opens Accelerated MBA Program to Florida Poly Students
Florida Polytechnic University students will be able to earn their STEM bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in business from Florida Southern College in five years, thanks to a new partnership between the two institutions.
Posted inConsumer, Social Services
Main Library to Partially Close for History Center Construction
Most of the main Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton will be closed to the public for at least eight months starting in mid-February as crews construct a Lakeland History and Culture Center.