Driver Unharmed When Tree Crashes on Her Car
New Proposal: Build Rail Overpass Near Amtrak Station, Not Munn Park
Since plans for a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks near Munn Park got little support when unveiled earlier this year, a new idea has emerged for the $7 million that had been budgeted for it:
Build a walkway from the side of the tracks where the Amtrak station overlooks Lake Mirror and the Catapult 2.0 business incubator is being built to the side of the tracks where a lot of new growth is expected.
Ex-Kathleen Middle Principal Charged With Fraud
Ginger Collins was also arrested in January on charges she stole from McKeel Academy, where she was named assistant director of academics after leaving Kathleen Middle. The ABC Action News report includes video from this afternoon’s news conference by Sheriff Grady Judd.
Planners Ask: What Should Go In Bonnet Springs Park?
If you’d like to share your opinions about what should go into a large urban park in Lakeland, you can fill out a short online survey.
After Camera Catches Gator, Trapper Tries to Catch It
A trapper tried to lure an alligator out of water near Sleepy Hill Road Wednesday after viral video of the animal crossing the road got neighbors worried. The gator wasn’t caught, but the trapper says he’s coming back.
Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend
And they’re buying a stairway to Latin rhythms and serendipity. Some music highlights this weekend include a Classic Albums Live tribute to Led Zeppelin IV at RP Funding Center tonight, the flamenco guitar and Zendrum of Don Soledad and Matthew Antolick (YouTube) at Posto 9 Friday and the spontaneity of Brian Sutherland and Craig Morby at Patio850 Saturday night. More listings follow:
Read It in the Morning Paper
HOSPITAL: Florida Hospital (website) is interested in building a clinic near Florida Poly that could expand into a hospital and serve a part of Polk where population is growing.
CANDIDATE: Kathy Smith Barsotti (Facebook) hasn’t started raising money in her race for City Commission but she’s scheduling regular listening sessions.
AUDI: Polk’s first Audi dealership (Facebook) is the area’s only car store with a female general manager.
FANCY FLEA: The vintage market (website) has expanded, bringing about 175 vendors to the RP Funding Center Friday and Saturday.
MEGA MERCADO: Editor Lenore Devore goes Mexican and non-chain for her latest Nibbles restaurant review, giving Mega Mercado (Facebook) four stars.
Bonnet Springs Park Planners Getting Input Today
People attending public information sessions today are telling the planners of Bonnet Springs Park which features they’d like to see by dropping colored candies into Mason jars.
Another Lakeland Gator Getting Facebook Love
Spotted on Sleepy Hill Road:
Read It in the Morning Paper, Evening Edition
ELECTIONS: Ricky Shirah, motivated in part by an insult by incumbent Jim Malless, has launched his fifth campaign for Lakeland City Commission.
THE LEDGER: The morning paper deviates from its pattern of not writing about internal issues and reports the third-degree felony arrest of its former marketing director, Nanay Pittman, on charges of defrauding the company. ALSO: LPD Facebook post
Polk Increasing Fire Service Payments to Lakeland
Polk County increases the amount of its subsidy to the city of Lakeland for fire services near city limits under a five-year agreement approved by the City Commission Monday. Commissioner Justin Troller voted against the deal, saying the county still isn’t paying enough.
Introducing Lakeland Highlands Scrub
LkldTV looks at the flora and fauna at the county conservation area at the south end of Lakeland Highlands Road. Official site | Hiking info