- CITY BUDGET: The $605 million 2021 budget approved by Lakeland city commissioners Thursday represents a 3.5% reduction in spending, reflecting coronavirus-related revenue losses. The property tax rate remains unchanged. The major initiative is $550,000 for affordable housing, though some people calling in to the meeting said it’s not enough.
- KATHLEEN: The issue of housing development in the Kathleen area remains divisive. County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve 94 homes on 35 acres off Kathleen Road after planning commissioners voted 4-3 to deny the development.
- COVID-19 DEATHS in Polk County have passed the 500 mark, with 53.3% of the cases connected with long-term care facilities.
- FOOTBALL: Lake Gibson 34, Auburndale 6 (article) | Kathleen 41, Strawberry Crest 13 (article) | Bartow 49, George Jenkins 7 (article) | Victory Christian 28, Fort Meade 0 (article) | Bishop Verot 21, Lakeland Christian 20 | Lake Howell 41, Teneroc 0
Source: The Ledger