Reflecting on a fallen soldier’s delayed journey back to Lakeland
Robert Meyerowitz
Executive Director
There was something poignant in our article this week about Bobby Colter, the soldier from Lakeland who went off to war and quickly met a miserable end. Perhaps you’ll agree.
It was the contrast. Robert Colter Jr. and his brother Charles grew up in Lakeland in the 1930s when it seemed like paradise for two boys who loved to hunt and fish and be outdoors. I can’t help imagine them being in the beautiful silence of the lakes and woods then.
Bobby joined the Army right before the beginning of America’s involvement in what would come to be known as World War II. It would also come to be known as the most noble of America’s foreign wars. But it was still a war.
There was nothing noble about what happened to Bobby. He was sent to the Philippines, captured by the Japanese and forced to endure the Bataan Death March.
He spent the last 23 days of his young life in the hospital of a POW camp, probably feverish, in the extreme heat. His end was atrocious – but I’d like to think he found a little comfort recalling palmier Lakeland days. And now, finally, he’s home to stay.
At Rest: Soldier Robert Colter Jr.’s Long Return to Lakeland
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.
No Bird Flu at Lake Mirror (So Far)
We checked with the state after a deceased bird was spotted in the lake over the weekend.
The Tigers Have Returned for Spring Training
It’s the 89th year for the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland. The first game is Feb. 22 at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Workers Are in Dixieland and Munn Park Areas This Week for an Architectural Survey
They are looking at homes and business buildings more than 50 years old to determine their architectural significance.
Market on Kentucky Helps Grow Local Small Businesses
There are tantalizing goods from local food entrepreneurs at Lakeland’s new Market on Kentucky.
From a LkldNow Sponsor
Lakeland’s Rath Center Is Offering Lifelong Learning Classes
By RATH SENIOR ConNEXTions CENTER
Senior Scholars is a six-week educational program designed for Lakeland’s 50+ community.
The Swans Are at Risk from Bird Flu — Now What?
Exercise caution when feeding Lake Morton birds and when interacting with backyard chickens and other pets.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Polk Sheriff’s Office appears to block social media comments about its handling of a rape case | Mother Jones
Federal charge filed in 2020 Christmas Eve shooting death of a Lakeland grandmother | Fox 13 News
Police dogs demonstrate their skills at a Lakeland showcase | Fox 13 News
Lakeland’s JoAnn Fabrics is among the 500 stores that the company plans to close | USA Today Network
Project Prom offers free prom dresses and suits to high school students who promise abstinence | The Daily Ridge
Police K-9 teams from throughout the Southeast will demonstrate skills 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kathleen High | Fox 13 News
With Detroit Tigers Spring Training workouts beginning this week, here’s what to know about games in Lakeland | MLB.com
New deportation threat worries Venezuelans who are in Lakeland under Temporary Protected Status | The Ledger
Contemporary Japanese restaurant targets April to open in long-vacant Main Street storefront across from Munn Park | The Ledger
Polk teachers union seeks referendum for a property tax to boost teacher salaries and halt their exodus to Hillsborough | The Ledger
Lake Bonny residents face delays in repairing flooded homes as a study aims to identify flooding sources | News Channel 8
Polk Judge John Flynn reprimanded in public by Florida Supreme Court for campaign statements | The Ledger
Tootsie | Friday-Sunday | Lakeland Community Theatre
The musical comedy based on the 1982 movie will be performed for the next three weekends at the theater, 121 S. Lake Ave. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $30 adults, $28 seniors 55+, $24 students 18 and under.
Fleetwood Mach | Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre
No, that’s not a misspelling; it’s a Fleetwood Mac tribute show. Tickets: $25-$50.
Black History Festival | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Jackson Park
Explore Lakeland’s black history via spoken word and dance performances in the park and exhibits inside the Coleman-Bush Building. Also: artisan vendors, food trucks, a car show and kids activities. Free.
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