City commissioners unanimously approved a new schedule of impact fees on new construction despite a last-minute objection from builders about the portion derived from state roads. David Lee Martin, who founded Mister Fish in 1969 and was fond of the expressions “everything is beautiful,” “big bucks,” and “think fish,” died at age 82. Read his family-placed obituary. Source: […]
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The administration building at Kathleen High School was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Clint Wright, who made his biggest education impact on Kathleen schools. Jarvis Kendrick, who oversees nine MidFlorida Credit Union branches and has been honored for volunteerism, likes working in finance because it combines his talent with numbers with his interest in […]
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City Commissioner Philip Walker faces election challenges from A.J. Rodriguez and Ricky Shirah. Meanwhile, Justin Troller was re-elected without opposition, and newcomer Bill “Tiger” Read becomes a commissioner in January since nobody else qualified to run for the seat being vacated by Keith Merritt. Lois Searl, who leaves a legacy in volunteerism and as the first […]
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An ad agency’s rebranding as Curious Jane reflects its focus on serving a nationwide niche of health/wellness companies marketing to women. Kathleen Middle School is piloting a United Way program that tries to identify and remove barriers to success for at-risk students.
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As Tony Delgado begins his first real day on the job as interim city manager facing a contentious budget hearing (6 p.m. today at City Hall), reporter Christopher Guinn looks at his “customer service-centric” approach in a 2,200-word profile, and an editorial declares “he has the foresight to elevate Lakeland to new heights.” At Southeastern University, […]
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Two young women who make a difference are profiled: Mandy Fulton was named a Polk Emerging Leader for her work as a United Way fund raiser and as a volunteer; Lakeland native Ashlee Wright thought she was going to be an attorney but joined the family business (parents Clint and Debra Wright were well-known educators) […]
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On Doug Thomas’ last day as city manager, a Ledger editorial reviews some accomplishments and blunders, and concludes he’s leaving Lakeland a better city than he found it when he came 12 years ago. Local magicians compare tricks and one-up each other in monthly meetings that rotate among Lakeland restaurants. Source: The Ledger
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Florida Poly President Randy Avent got a superlative performance review, a 3.5 percent raise to $398k and a $77k bonus. Firefighters will get a heroic statue outside the downtown fire station in time for the Lakeland department’s 100th birthday. Texas Cattle Company gets 4 stars for food and service (3 for ambience).
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Local businesses kicked in $1.8 million to help the Lakeland Economic Development Council attract and retain young professionals. LEDC plans to devote staff to local college outreach, internships and talent recruitment. Lakeland Electric bills will see a $1-per-1,000-kilowatt-hour decrease even as the utility steps up savings in a reserve fund meant to guard against future fuel-price volatility. Low-income military […]
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TIGERTOWN: Despite escalating costs, delays and concerns about project leadership detailed in a 2,800-word Ledger investigative piece, city officials insist the renovation of Joker Marchant Stadium will be finished on time RESTAURANTS: Marcos Fernandez, former chief chef at the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, is opening a gourmet restaurant on South Florida Avenue emphasizing upscale gastronomy. It replaces […]