Residents of northwest Lakeland interested in serving as an interim Lakeland city commissioner for one year are asked to fill out an online form and then submit an application packet by noon on Aug. 26. The position fills the remainder of the term of Commissioner Phillip Walker, who is resigning effective November as part of […]
Category: Activism
Posted inActivism, Events
Nikki Fried Attends Lakeland Pro-Choice Rally to Show Support for Arrested Teen
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried came to Lakeland Thursday to attend a pro-choice rally and show support for a 13-year-old who was detained by police after using a megaphone at a similar rally on Monday. “How can I not be here to show her support?” Fried, a Democratic candidate for governor, told Fox 13 News […]
Posted inActivism, Public Safety
13-Year-Old Arrested at July 4th Pro-Choice Protest
A social media firestorm erupted on Independence Day after a mom posted a video of her 13-year-old daughter being arrested by Lakeland police for using a megaphone at a pro-choice rally in Munn Park.
Posted inActivism, Politics
Lakeland Reacts to Supreme Court Abortion Ruling
As black clouds threatened rain, about 20 pro-choice protesters lined Florida Avenue in front of Southgate Shopping Plaza Friday evening.
Posted inCity Hall
Juneteenth Not a Day Off for City of Lakeland – Yet
President Joe Biden signed a law in 2021 making June 19 a federal holiday. However the state of Florida does not recognize it.
Posted inActivism, Events
Polk Pride Week Resumes After 2-Year Pandemic Break
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Polk Pride Week is back for its sixth year with a theme of “Prouder than Ever” and events spanning June 11 to June 18.
Posted inActivism, People
United Way Awards Celebrate Volunteerism, Philanthropy
A lawyer, a logistics advisor, a tax advisor and a Lakeland couple who raised more than $100,000 for the United Way of Central Florida’s early education programs were honored Thursday during the agency’s annual meeting.
Posted inActivism, People
SEU Masters Degrees in Hand, Boko Haram Escapees Plan to Start Non-Profits
Giving back is on the minds of two young Nigerian women who escaped Boko Haram as teens, came to the U.S. and received scholarships to Southeastern University. The pair graduate with masters degrees today, News Channel 8 reports. Joy Bishara is applying for social work jobs and plans to start “Destiny Prevails,” a non-profit to […]
Posted inActivism, People
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine’s Valerie Poole Receives Champion of Service Award
Volunteer Florida recognized Valerie Poole of Lakeland by awarding her the “Champion of Service Award” for her “outstanding efforts in volunteerism and community service” with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.
Posted inActivism, Housing
Mutz Pledges to Seek Fines on Owners of Unsafe Rental Properties
A pledge by Lakeland’s mayor to hold landlords responsible for clearing up unsafe living conditions drew enthusiastic praise from leaders of the Polk Ecumenical Council for Empowerment (PEACE) and the crowd of up to 1,000 people at a drive-in rally Tuesday evening.