A public forum called “Lift Lakeland” drew a crowd large enough to fill 2.5 hours with 2-minute bits of input on race relations Thursday night.
Author Archives: Mary Toothman
Dixieland Neighborhood Recognizes Historic Houses
A two-story bungalow at 304 Hillcrest Street is the first to be graced with a cast-bronze plaque declaring it an official “Dixieland Century House.” It’s one of at least three dozen 100-year-old-plus homes identified so far in the neighborhood.
Dan Signor Sets May 3 Opening for Dixieland Music Venue
As Dan Signor sipped on a latte and talked about his plans to open a hip new music venue in Dixieland, it was easy to get caught up in his enthusiasm. The rock ‘n roll musician has entertained in Florida for years, but now he’s setting up a permanent location in Lakeland called Union Hall […]
Poor Porker Owners Pushing Forward Without Founder
Internal tension and differences over management blew up at The Poor Porker last week, and its co-founder was dismissed — prompting an online hailstorm over the weekend. Owners Wesley and Ashley Barnett say they want to ride out the storm and keep the business going. But they will move forward without Robyn Wilson, co-founder and primary […]
Court Dismisses Suit Attempting to Halt Relocation of Confederate Monument
The much-debated city saga of the fate of the 109-year-old Confederate monument in Munn Park continues to drag on: most recently, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by groups and individuals who want it to stay put. City Attorney Tim McCausland said Tuesday afternoon he and City Manager Tony Delgado will brief […]
Kids Missing School? Teacher Has a Solution
When the faculty at Oscar J. Pope Elementary School kept hearing that students were missing school because they didn’t have clean uniforms, one longtime teacher had a brainstorm of an idea.
Man Chases 11-year-old Girl in South Lakeland Neighborhood
An 11-year-old girl who lives in Imperial Southgate Villas told police she was chased Saturday night by a man after attempts to lure her to him with money and candy failed.

