In a move expected to improve recruitment and retention of police officers, Lakeland commissioners approved a union contract that increases starting pay, grants delayed raises and reduces the time it takes to achieve the highest salary. The agreement between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police applies to officers, sergeants and lieutenants, The Ledger reports. | Memorandum summarizing the changes
Gloria Rivera called 911 and alerted neighbors Monday morning when she realized several apartments were on fire at Cecil Gober Villas, a 55+ village behind the main Lakeland post office, News Channel 8 reports. Injuries were averted. The electrical fire, which was deemed accidental by the Lakeland Fire Department, destroyed two apartments and damaged two more. More
Lakeland city commissioners agreed today to continue discussing body cameras for police officers after hearing officials from two other Florida cities say the cameras have become essential policing tools that once-skeptical officers now embrace. More
A single-engine airplane crashed in an industrial park just east of a Lakeland Linder Airport runway on Saturday afternoon; both men in the plane sustained serious injuries, according to Lakeland police, and were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. More
Traffic is backed up on the Polk Parkway after a plane landed on the shoulder near the Waring Road exit. No injuries were reported.
Off-duty police officers and supporters rallied at City Hall and packed the City Commission meeting on Monday to push for better wages and benefits, News Channel 8 reports. Police, who have not received a raise since October 2019, have switched to a new union that is currently negotiating with city administrators. | ALSO: Ledger coverage (subscribers only)
Safety versus unexpected expenses for businesses was at the heart of a controversy for city commissioners today when they adopted changes to Lakeland’s fire code. More
Preliminary results from the Florida Avenue road diet test in Dixieland are renewing controversy over the project, News Channel 8 reports. The city of Lakeland says that trips through the Ariana Street-to-Lime Street corridor are taking around 60 seconds longer but injury crashes are down 12.7%. Business owners are divided about whether the project is harmful or helpful. | See city Facebook posts for more info and comments More
A fatal accident reportedly involving a semi trailer and two pickup trucks has closed U.S. 98 between County Road 540A and Ernest Smith Boulevard, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports. The road is expected to be closed for several hours, and deputies suggest avoiding the area. The accident happened around 8:05 a.m. today.
City water crews are cleaning up Ariana Street in front of Dixieland Elementary School this afternoon after water spewed on the street when a digging crew hit a water main. Traffic is being detoured away from Ariana between New York and Dakota avenues; city officials say the detours could last into this evening. More
