There’s something about a cell tower proposed for a vacant lot near Lake Hunter that’s frustrating city commissioners: Even though many residents have expressed health concerns about the tower, a federal rule bars commissioners from considering those concerns when they decide whether to approve the tower.
Category: Neighborhoods
Posted inNeighborhoods
Builder Seeks OK for 4 Townhouses on Lake Hollingsworth Drive
View this post on Instagram What will replace the single-family home that was recently demolished on Lake Hollingsworth Drive across Mississippi Avenue from Florida Southern College’s Christoverson Building? Maybe four townhouses. Plans by developer Mark MacDonald were approved 4-3 this morning by the Lakeland Historical Preservation Board’s Design Review Committee following a discussion of whether […]
Posted inSchools
Kathleen Middle Still Rebuilding a Year After Tornado
A year after a tornado ripped sections of roof from Kathleen Middle School, students prepare to return to auxiliary buildings but a lot of work remains on the main 1928 structure, 10 Tampa Bay reports. Repairs estimated at $8.1 million and covered by insurance are expected to be completed by December 2021. Source: 10 Tampa […]
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Tools to Fight Illegal Dumping May Include Cash Rewards
The days of too much talk and not enough action may be over when it comes to illegal trash dumping in the city. People may soon be able to earn cash rewards for ratting out dumpers, similar to Crime Stoppers.
Posted inNeighborhoods
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.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
Continued Illegal Dumping Infuriates Commissioner
It takes plenty for Commissioner Phillip Walker to get riled up. But one thing has really gotten to him: the loads of trash Walker sees dumped around the city. During a teleconference meeting on Friday, Walker mounted a passionate argument that it’s got to stop.
Posted inNeighborhoods
What’s Next for the Vacant St. Joseph Academy Building?
The spacious building at 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way that served Southside Baptist Church for decades and St. Joseph Academy more recently is up for sale for $5.15 million. What’s next for the city landmark? City zoning rules, the design of the building and neighborhood opposition could make it hard for the former academy to […]
Posted inNeighborhoods
City Will Sell Some Swans to Ease Overpopulation
For the first time in six years, the city of Lakeland plans to sell some of its iconic swans, The Ledger reports. The reason: overpopulation. An estimated 80 of the regal creatures squeeze into a habitat that can support around 50, leading to territorial squabbles and more dangerous venturing onto Lake Morton Drive, city officials […]
Posted inNeighborhoods
Debate Over Lake Morton Turkey’s Name Takes Flight
In a light-hearted break from pandemic tedium, residents of the Lake Morton area are debating a name for the turkey that flew into their neighborhood this week to co-exist with the resident swans, geese and ducks. Seven names are under consideration, Bay News 9 reports; fortunately, none of them contain fowl language. Source: Bay News […]
Posted inNeighborhoods
Nearly Finished Lake Parker Trail Highlights Lakeland History
People walking, jogging or bicycling along the western shore of Lake Parker are now getting an artful look at Lakeland history along with their exercise.