Local governments are responsible for the operation and maintenance of public libraries but are limited by the U.S. Constitution in how much they can regulate the “public square” on community-owned properties. That was a key takeaway from a recent Lakeland City Commission discussion.
Category: Activism
Posted inActivism, Schools
Lakeland Rally Targets Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
Roughly three dozen people gathered along Bartow Road on Friday to protest state legislation that would place restrictions on teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity, News Channel 8 reports. Critics say the legislation, which they call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, will stigmatize LGBTQ students. Proponents say it gives parents the right to discuss […]
Posted inActivism, City Hall
Sandpiper Residents Stop $318K Sidewalk Plan in Its Tracks
More than $4.3 million in concrete will be laid down for sidewalks in Lakeland this year but not a penny more will be spent on one planned project after residents convinced city commissioners Monday there is overwhelming opposition to installing sidewalks along Sandpiper Drive.
Posted inActivism, Schools
Polk Schools Taking Applications for Book Review Committees
Applications are now available for parents, community members and students who want to be part of the two committees reviewing 16 books that were removed from Polk public school library shelves recently.
Posted inActivism, City Hall
City of Lakeland Seeks Feedback Via Annual Quality-of-Life Survey
It’s January and that means it is time for the annual Lakeland quality-of-life survey where the city government asks area residents to rate Lakeland across a series of metrics and to identify their top concerns for the coming year.
Posted inActivism, Social Services
Community Answers VISTE’s Call for Holiday Volunteers
The community responded after VISTE put out a call for more volunteers for their annual Thanksgiving meal delivery to the homebound elderly. The organization went from 200 volunteers signed up last week to 350 in time for Wednesday’s deliveries of 2,000 meals, News Channel 8 reports. There was also an outpouring of cranberry sauce cans, […]
Posted inActivism
VISTE Needs Volunteers, Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving
VISTE, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, faces two shortages as Thanksgiving approaches, News Channel 8 reports. The organization is delivering 2,000 meals to homebound elderly Wednesday afternoon, but has well below the 400 volunteers who signed up last year. (Sign up here.) In addition, more cranberry sauce is needed; if you have extra, drop […]
Posted inActivism, People
Trees Planted by Lake Morton in Memory of David and Edie Yates Henderson
Two Hong Kong orchid trees were planted along Lake Morton this afternoon in memory of civic and business leaders David Henderson and Edie Yates Henderson.
Posted inActivism, People
Awards Honor Local Philanthropists, Nonprofits, Volunteers
It was a family affair as two generations of the Barnett family won top awards at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Celebration in Lakeland on Friday. Ashley and Wesley Barnett were one of two couples named philanthropists of the year, and Wesley’s parents — Carol and Barney Barnett — were given the Outstanding Philanthropy Award.
Posted inActivism, Events
Purses With a Purpose for Pace Center for Girls Polk
Another year has passed with COVID-19’s impact still lingering on everyone’s mind, but that has not stopped the Pace Center for Girls, Polk County from continuing its annual Posh Purse Party event from taking place. Last year’s success, given the drastic changes to the fundraiser’s setting from in-person to virtual, has paved the way for […]