Shaina Day was counting down the days until Krispy Kreme opened in north Lakeland on July 27. The traditional glazed doughnuts at the popular doughnut shop were calling her family’s name. Krispy Kreme joins two other new food establishments, Arby’s and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, on U.S. 98 North, where Toys R Us lived for 30 […]
Author Archives: Jennifer Audette
Posted inHealth
Health Leaders Seek to Overcome Racial Health Disparities
A few years ago, when Vivian Calloway had a life-threatening allergic reaction to something she ate, she was lucky to be at a church breakfast, surrounded by friends and medical professionals. “We were all eating and all of a sudden, I could feel my body swelling up,” said the 64-year-old Lakeland resident. “I couldn’t swallow.”
Posted inPublic Safety
Teens Can Meet Police and Ask Questions at LPD Summit
Teens in Lakeland are invited to the Lakeland Police Department’s first Peace Teen Summit at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 30. The morning-long summit at Lake Mirror Auditorium is geared to those ages 13 to 18 in an effort to enhance communication with law enforcement and improve race relations, said Police Chief Ruben Garcia.
Posted inSchools
New Montessori School Pioneers a Dual-Language Approach
When 6-year-old Leon Vega walks into Mi Escuela Montessori on August 10, it will be a day filled with many beginnings. This is Leon’s first day of first grade. It is also the first time Mi Escuela Montessori opens its doors to students – 210, to be exact, with a waiting list for certain grade […]
Posted inDowntown, History
Group Will Explore Centerpiece Options for Munn Park
With the gap left by the relocation of the Confederate monument in mind, Lakeland’s Historic Preservation Board formed a committee recently to examine what, if anything, should become the focal point of Munn Park in downtown Lakeland.
Posted inFamily
Children’s Museum Rebrands as it Evolves and Prepares to Move
Though “Explorations” and “V” will no longer officially be part of the name of Lakeland’s children’s museum, both exploring and using the five senses will continue to be very much a part of each child’s experience – maybe even more so.
Posted inNeighborhoods
Crescent Heights Residents Embrace Bonnet Springs Park
Despite heavy equipment coming through and road detours planned, residents living next to Bonnet Springs Park continue to be encouraged by the progress of the massive, privately funded public park, expected to open in 2022.
Posted inPeople, Schools
Notable Graduate’s Family Moved to Polk So He Could Attend Aerospace Academy
Aron Yichye knows what it’s like to struggle financially. He is all too familiar with how it feels to suddenly lose someone you love dearly. He was the new kid in school, learning a new city, making new friends and building a new comfort zone.
Posted inActivism
A Year Later, Has Lakeland Made Progress on Racial Justice?
One year ago, Lakeland learned it was far from immune to the racial tension simmering across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
Posted inHealth
Nearly Half of Eligible Polk Residents Have Covid Vaccinations
With just under half of eligible people in Polk County vaccinated against COVID-19, the rate of new vaccinations is slowing locally, and local health officials say the slowdown is both expected and disappointing.