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. More
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, which have been in limited supply this year. More
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 it off by 4 p.m. today at VISTE, 1232 E. Magnolia St.
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. More
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. More
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 an even bigger and better rendition of the yearly showing. More
A passionate speech by conservative political consultant Roger Stone fired up a crowd of nearly 250 people at a Lakeland rally supporting the right of health-care workers to reject an employer’s vaccine mandate. More
A lush, vacant lot across from Southgate Publix lined with stately oak trees is taking on a new life after a group decided it’s the right place for a shared residential lifestyle for seniors and adults with disabilities. More
Zack Kirkland, a teen who started a project 4 1/2 years ago to bring cheer to children at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, has received a letter from the White House praising his work. His Silly Sock Saturdays, now a nonprofit organization, delivers bags with colorful socks, coloring books and other fun items monthly, Fox 13 News reports. MORE: Silly Sock Saturdays website
An Orlando Sentinel article about expanded LGBTQ-focused venues in Central Florida since the Pulse massacre five years ago opens with a segment about amateur drag competitions at The Parrot in Lakeland. Japonika Work, who performs there regularly, said the Polk community has become more accepting during the last five years. (The article is for subscribers only, but the photo gallery isn’t.)
