Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin is challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, a first-termer representing Florida’s 15th District, which includes northwest Polk, east Hillsborough and Clermont.
Author Archives: Rick Rousos
Posted inCrime / Justice, People
Michael Dunn Murder Case Meanders Through Court System
It’s said that the wheels of justice move slowly, which is the status quo in the 18-month-old second-degree murder case of former Lakeland City Commissioner Michael Dunn.
Posted inBusiness, Downtown
Downtown Landmark Nathan’s Closing as Harris Estroff Retires
Lakeland is losing more than a clothing store — it is also losing a landmark downtown institution. Nathan’s Men’s Store will soon close, but not before finishing what 77-year-old owner Harris Estroff calls a “retirement sale.” Estroff was talking about his own retirement.
Posted inActivism, Recreation
Homeless Runners Group Getting National Attention
This story is so uncommon that you might one day see it on TV — or a bigger screen. It’s a most unusual combination: 15 or 20 homeless men running for miles on the streets of Lakeland. Begun about three years ago, it was the hope and prayer of Matt Nipper, a 40-year old young […]
Posted inPeople
Larry Durrence, Retired College President and City Commissioner, Dies at 80
Larry Durrence, a retired president of Polk Community College and former Lakeland city commissioner, died of cancer Thursday at age 80.
Posted inPeople, Public Safety
Hans Lehman Will Become an LPD Assistant Chief
Hans Lehman, now on the doorstep of becoming a Lakeland Police assistant chief, was conflicted 30 years ago during his last few years at Kathleen High School. Lehman didn’t know what he wanted to do for his life’s work. Maybe it’s more accurate to say there were too many things he wanted to do:
Posted inPeople, Recreation
Charles Barkley Supports First Tee’s Mission of Teaching Kids Golf and Life
Two things have remained constant for former NBA superstar Charles Barkley: his love for First Tee in Lakeland and futility at playing golf.
Posted inDining
Seafood Restaurant Shells Set to Sail in South Lakeland
Shells is on the verge of opening a seafood restaurant in south Lakeland, where steak is still the boss. The small Tampa-based chain will hold its Lakeland grand opening Jan. 15 at 5125 S. Florida Ave. The big building was most recently occupied by Manny’s Chophouse, which opened in Lakeland in 2013 and closed last […]
Posted inBusiness, Neighborhoods
Southside Sign Sayings Still Amuse Passersby
The Southside Cleaners witty-sayings sign looming over South Florida Avenue in Dixieland is one of the most iconic signs in Lakeland. “This has been so much fun, more than you can imagine,” said Greg Myers, owner of the Southside Cleaners.
Posted inRecreation
Baseball Training Facility Moving to Lakeland
The Florida Baseball Ranch, which gets a thumbs up from numerous major league players, is movings its top-flight training facility from Plant City to Lakeland.