Orlando Health Buying Land for South Lakeland Medical Facility
Orlando Health, which had a brief affiliation with Lakeland Regional Health that ended 15 months ago, has announced its intention to buy 80 acres in south Lakeland “for a potential future medical campus.” More
Lakeland First’s Big Spending Has Changed City Elections
The fifth win by a candidate endorsed by a Lakeland-centered political action committee illustrates a new model for winning city campaigns: more focused, more professional and much more expensive. More
Vice President Pence Stops at Reececliff for Pie
A long motorcade traveling South Florida Avenue on Thursday afternoon made a stop so that Vice President Mike Pence could get out at Reececliff Family Diner and enjoy some of its famous pie. Later, at a campaign rally in Kissimmee, he praised the work of LPD Officer Paul Dunn, who died a week earlier in a motorcycle accident on the way to work. See coverage in The Ledger and and keep scrolling for social media videos: More
Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend
There’s live music in Lakeland this weekend to suit a wide range of tastes, including Americana, jazz, opera, and rock from the last three decades of the last century. Highlights include: More
MLK Parade Founder Remembered for Her Boldness
A memorial ceremony today for the woman who started Lakeland’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade 40 years ago ended with a dramatic and symbolic release of four caged doves. More
Before His Funeral, Well Wishers Honor Officer Dunn
On the eve of his funeral, well wishers have adorned Lakeland Police Officer Paul Dunn’s motorcycle with flowers and mementos. It’s being displayed at the fallen officer memorial in front of LPD headquarters on Massachusetts Avenue. Dunn, 50, died in an accident on Lakeland Highlands Road last Thursday. More
Polk Teachers Rally in Tallahassee, Lakeland
Because they were warned not to attend, Polk teachers were cheered when their buses arrived in Tallahassee for a rally supporting public education Monday. The 600+ on the buses plus several hundred more who carpooled made Polk’s probably the largest delegation at a statewide rally whose size was estimated at 4,500 by Tallahassee police.
- Coverage of Polk teachers in Tallahassee: The Ledger (YouTube video) | News Channel 8 | ABC Action News | Fox 13 News
- 500+ rallied for education in Munn Park after school: The Ledger | ABC Action News | LkldNow
- A look at the numbers: News Channel 8
Make Energy Efficiency Your New Year’s Resolution
The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a resolution to save energy. To help you get started, we’ve put together 20 energy- and money-saving tips for 2020. More
Public Info Session Focuses on Airport’s 20-Year Plan
Residents interested in learning more about the future of Lakeland Linder Airport will have a chance to ask questions and voice opinions at a public meeting Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the airport terminal. Topics addressed in the airport’s 20-year master plan include runway expansion, and the airport director encourages potential homeowners in fast-growing southwest Lakeland to “know what’s happening before they buy a home” | City of Lakeland news release
Videos: Munn Park Rally for Public Education
More than 500 people gathered in Munn Park at 4:30 p.m. today for a rally to support increased state funding for public education. After that, they walked to Florida Avenue to wave signs encouraging support from passing drivers. Speakers in the video, in order, are: More
Startup Pairs Client Needs With Hourly Helpers
Help(her), a new Lakeland business, helps small organizations and individuals needing assistance with a variety of tasks. They pair the client’s needs with a member of their team of background-checked women who work for $15 an hour | Help(her) website
Read It in the Morning Paper
- METHODISTS: As the United Methodist Church faces a potentially divisive split over LGBTQ issues, the pastor of Lakeland’s First United Methodist Church expressed hopes for unity Sunday and said his church’s “inclusive” approach will keep it aligned with the denomination.
- DISABILITIES: It will cost the city of Lakeland an estimated $45.5 million over 25 years to achieve compliance with American for Disabilities standards, city commissioners were told recently. Improvements will include adding sidewalk curb cuts and installing doors at city buildings that are easier to open.
Teachers Take Off for Tallahassee; Others Will Rally in Munn Park Today
Around 700 teachers and supporters boarded charter buses at the RP Funding Center early this morning to ride to Tallahassee for a rally in support of public education that’s expected to attract thousands.
In Lakeland, a large crowd is expected at Munn Park at 4:30 today for a companion rally and march to support higher state funding for education. Speakers include Jennifer Sabin, an advocate of education reform. LkldNow plans to live-stream the rally on our Facebook page. More
School Superintendent Outlines Plans to Staff Classrooms Monday
With more than 1,000 Polk public school teachers expected to travel to Tallahassee Monday for a statewide rally in support of increased education funding, Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd held a hastily called news conference today to explain the plan to ensure classrooms are covered. Plans include classroom staffing by 650 substitute teachers, 450 administrators, and 30 sheriff’s deputies with college degrees. Keep scrolling for video from the news conference: More
