Students claim administrators at McKeel Academy of Technology prevented students from holding a solidarity-with-Parkland rally at 10 a.m. today as other schools around the nation did and instead held a fire drill. School officials have not responded to requests for comment. ABC Action News reports students had been threatened with detention if they participated in a […]
Category: Activism
Posted inA & E, Activism
Harrison Students Debut Musical About George Jenkins
Students from Harrison School for the Arts debuted a musical about Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins tonight at the annual meeting of the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
Posted inActivism, Social Services
Derby Goal: Raise Fun and Funds for LVIM
Ten pair of young leaders selected to pilot swan boats in this year’s Lakeland Derby have an audacious goal — not to finish the race, but to raise $55,000 for Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.
Posted inActivism, Politics
Inspect State Legislators’ Financial Disclosure Forms
The Center for Public Integrity and the Associated Press published financial disclosure statements from state legislators nationwide as part of a project examining potential conflicts of interest. You can see Florida legislator disclosures here or scroll down to view the forms filed by those representing Lakeland.
Posted inActivism, People
Meet Greta Dupuy, a Woman on the Go and On the Rise
Greta Dupuy, 38, heads associate services at Publix Supermarkets and is next in line to chair the United Way of Central Florida. Source: The Ledger
Posted inActivism, City Hall
Organization Leaders to City Commission: Relocate the Monument
Representatives of two churches, the NAACP and other organizations asked the City Commission today to relocate the Confederate monument away from the center of Munn Park. (Ledger coverage) Here are tweets about their requests:
Posted inActivism, Social Services
Video: Roundtable on New Puerto Rican Residents
Local experts discussed jobs, education, health care. language and transportation needs for residents of Puerto Rico who are moving to Central Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The panel on Monday at Southeastern University was moderated by Ana Rivera, president and CEO of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County. (Ledger coverage) […]
Posted inActivism, People
LPD Officer Helped Connect Families After Maria
After Officer Julio Perez flew to Puerto Rico to make sure his parents were OK, he helped other families connect with loved ones on the island, Source: 10 News
Posted inActivism, Public Safety
Local Churches React to Texas Shootings
In the wake of the shooting at a church in Sutherland, Texas, that left 26 dead, Lakeland churches are increasing security, Fox 13’s Ken Suarez reports. Among other things they are self-patrolling their grounds, adding cameras and taking advantage of Polk County Sheriff’s Office services, such as security assessments and active-shooter training. Meanwhile News Channel […]
Posted inActivism, Politics
Southern Heritage Group: Poll Supports Keeping Munn Memorial
An organization formed to preserve Southern heritage released a poll today that says a large majority of Lakeland residents want to keep the Confederate monument in Munn Park and believe it’s disrespectful to discuss relocating it.