LPD Introduces High Schoolers to Law Enforcement Careers
The High School Police Academy is one of the tools the Lakeland Police Department is using to recruit future officers.
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AIRPORT: A $32 million expansion positions Lakeland Linder Regional Airport to attract maintenance and cargo businesses.
MISS FLORIDA: The pageant people are in town. Here’s what they’re up to.
We Vote in August and November; Here’s Who’s on the Ballot
Candidates wanting to run in state and local 2018 elections had until Friday to file for office. Here is a look at:
- Who was elected because they had no opposition.
- Who Lakeland residents will see on ballots for School Board, County Commission, legislative seats, judgeships and the water and soil board.
Primary and non-partisan elections are on the Aug. 28 ballot. The rest will be decided Nov. 6.
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MOVIE: An article about fans coming to Southgate Shopping Center to watch filming of a Disney film this week ends with quotes from a woman who drove from Clearwater in hopes of spying Angelina Jolie. Guess nobody told her that Jolie is a voice actor in the partially animated movie.
PHOTO: A famous 1943 photograph of George Bernard Shaw by Yousuf Karsh has been donated to the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern by Robert and Malena Puterbaugh in memory of John Rodda.
ENTRERPRENEUR: After winning a meeting with WalMart execs, Jo-Ann Tilghman of Lakeland doesn’t have her Granny Jo products for seniors on the store’s shelves yet, but they are on the retail giant’s website | See them here
State Auditors Fault Florida Poly on Course Design Spending
Auditors said the university kept poor records on spending of $2 million in state funds to work with a contractor on design of a statewide anti-hazing course for college freshmen that was ultimately taken by only 184 students, Fox 13 News reports.
Low Concrete Barrier Envisioned for Florida Avenue Downsizing Test
To test the effects of downsizing Florida Avenue in Dixieland, planners anticipate separating cars from pedestrians with a low, four-foot-wide concrete barrier and decorative planters.
After seeing artists’ concepts for the planned “road diet” today, Lakeland Downtown Development Authority board member Eric “Bro” Belvin said he views the test as a needed boost for Dixieland businesses, their customers and nearby residents.
Photos: Tracking the ‘Ivan’ Movie Shoots
Photographer Jeff Lakeland caught images of actor Bryan Cranston and other scenes involved with the filming of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The One and Only Ivan” in Lakeland this week:
Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend
It took summer a little longer to get here this year, but it’s hit with a vengeance. Still, as the Lovin’ Spoonful told us, at night it’s a different world: “Come-on come-on and dance all night. Despite the heat it’ll be alright.” Check our local music calendar below to find some cool tunes for a balmy, Southern night.
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DINING: Restaurant critic Eric Pera heaps praise on Mission BBQ‘s brisket as he awards four stars to the patriotic-themed Maryland chain’s recently opened Lakeland location, its 65th.
THINGS TO DO: Fly-Into Summer 10-2 Saturday at Sun ‘n Fun | Comedy Carnival 8 p.m. Saturday at Pink Piano
Dunn Pushing to Allow Downtown Alcohol Carrying
City Commissioner Michael Dunn is pushing an idea he heard on the campaign trail last year: that people be allowed to carry alcoholic drinks from bar to bar downtown. Bay News 9 talked to a bar owner who was excited by the idea, but the director of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority questions the idea because of unintended consequences it would bring. Before Dunn was elected, his wife sparked the move that led to Sunday morning alcohol sales in Lakeland when she told the City Commission that people should be able to order mimosas at brunch before noon.
Publix Shoppers Will Have Two Delivery Options
Until now, no company has offered home delivery of Publix groceries in Lakeland. But by next week, Lakeland customers will be able to choose between two delivery services. A day before Shipt service starts here (we wrote about it June 9), Publix has announced that Instacart-powered Publix Delivery delivery comes to Lakeland June 28.
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TALLER BUILDINGS: City commissioners on Monday heard a passionate plea to allow taller apartment buildings in the Lake Morton district followed by an equally passionate appeal to preserve the current neighborhood esthetic. Saying they wanted more time to mull the issue, the commission decided to wait until July 2 to decide on a proposal to increase building height limits | Read the proposal
ALSO: Nancye Thornberry named a CityMaker | One obstacle to Oakbridge Health Care re-opening has been removed | Couple charged in death of 6-year-old girl | Body of missing boater found in Scott Lake