More than 80 years after his demise in a Japanese POW camp, U.S. Army Air Force Pfc. Robert Colter Jr. is in his native Lakeland, where he will be buried Feb. 22.
Category: History
Posted inHistory
Jimmy Carter, Who Died Sunday, Visited Lakeland During 1980 Presidential Campaign
The president was greeted by then-Mayor Carrie Oldham, who had suggested he come to Lakeland during a White House visit.
Posted inDowntown
Lakeland’s Swans ‘Looked Good’ During Annual Vet Checkup
Parks workers collected 44 of the city’s signature birds during the 44th annual roundup on Lake Morton.
Posted inArts & Culture
Public TV Documentary Series Spotlights Lakeland
Topics include Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, swans, Silver Moon Drive-In, women aviators and Bonnet Springs Park.
Posted inPeople
Sarah McKay, Civic Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 98
The Lakeland native was the first woman to chair the boards of major local educational, health and arts institutions.
Posted inHistory
White Paint on Brick Building Angers Historic Preservationists
The 1921 W. Fisk Johnson Building next to the Polk Theatre was painted white without proper permitting.
Posted inHistory
Historic Preservation Awards Recognize Building Owners Protecting the Past
A special ‘Award of Excellence in the Advancement of Local History’ was also presented.
Posted inDowntown
Historic Preservationist Purchases Brick Home on Lake Wire That Was Slated for Demolition
Gregory Fancelli steps in to secure the fate of the 1925 Emory Bryant home at 401 W. Peachtree St.
Posted inHistory
Lakeland Woman Played Important Role in Allies’ Victory Over Japan in WWII
Ida Fields Dodd was stationed at the Pentagon and helped U.S. code breakers uncover Japanese battle positions.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Lakeland Makes Juneteenth a Paid Holiday for City Workers
Mayor Bill Mutz said it’s not a political concession, but a recognition that the Fourth of July did not bring freedom to those who were enslaved.