The Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress said he accepted an invitation to visit Lakeland’s Pulse nightclub because its community has been ignored by politicians for years. Source: The Ledger
Category: Politics
Posted inPolitics
Ross Challenger Finds Little Organized Party Support
Democrat Jim Lange, who is trying to unseat Republican Congressman Dennis Ross: “There is a collection of Democrats, and organizations, but as far as an orchestrated institution, I found that what I thought would exist for me, it just doesn’t exist for me, or really for the average candidate.” Source: SaintPetersBlog
Posted inPeople
Rep. Ross Will Have Heart Surgery Tuesday
The congressman’s operation at an Orlando hospital is intended to correct a birth defect involving a bicuspid aortic valve. Recovery is expected to take six to eight weeks. Source: The Ledger
Posted inPolitics
Political Hob Nob: Candidate Video and Straw Poll Results
More than two dozen candidates for local and statewide offices had a minute each to speak — most took more time; they’re politicians, after all — at tonight’s Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Political Hob Nob. Check after the jump for a video of the speeches and the results of a straw poll.
Posted inCity Hall
City Declines to Review Strong Mayor Petition
The group pushing for a strong mayor in Lakeland thought they’d be hearing back from city officials soon after they filed documents last week that said they are ready to begin collecting signatures to put their proposal on an election ballot. They found out today they’ll likely not hear anything from the city until after they […]
Posted inBusiness
Chamber Group Lists Pro-Business Candidates It Endorses
Business Voice of Greater Lakeland, the political arm of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed 12 local candidates for office.
Posted inActivism
Planned Publix Protest Draws Support, Ridicule
Medical marijuana proponents are planning to gather at Publix Supermarkets’ Lakeland headquarters on Saturday to protest a donation by former board member Carol Jenkins Barnett to an organization opposing their cause. Online reaction to the protest ranged from support to ridicule.
Posted inCity Hall
‘Executive Mayor’ Proponents Set for Ballot Drive
After laying low for months, Citizens for a Strong Lakeland has filed the paperwork needed to begin collecting the 6,038 signatures needed to get a city charter featuring a strong mayor on an election ballot. Source: http://www.theledger.com/article/20160726/news/160729546?p=all&tc=pgall
Posted inPolitics
Hint from Wiggs Led to Candidate’s Political Career
Republican Christine Quinn, who is challenging Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor for her congressional seat, lived briefly in Lakeland. She says she became interested in politics when Howard Wiggs suggested she run for Polk County Commission. Source: SaintPetersBlog
Posted inPolitics
Blind Lakeland Senior a Finalist for Fitness Award
Fans can vote online for Neil Miller, one of 10 contenders nationwide for the SilverSneakers Swanson Award. Source: Fox 13 News