New Estimate Takes $30M Off City Broadband Cost

Jul 19, 2019 at 10:48 am

The release of estimated costs to build a city-owned internet service utility brought millions of dollars of good news for Commissioner Justin Troller and other “gigabit city” advocates Friday.

The new $80 million estimate to build a network that covers the area within the city limits cuts $30 million from a 2016 ballpark estimate prepared by Magellan Advisors, the city’s broadband consultant. The Colorado-based company was hired by the city this year to create a business plan for a proposed retail internet service. More

Business/ Dining

Owners of New Downtown Teriyaki Spot Scouting More Locations

Jul 19, 2019 at 7:10 am

Sampling everything on the menu was a pivotal moment for Becky and Ryan Richmond, owners of the newly opened Teriyaki Madness at downtown’s NoBay Village. More

A & E

Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend

Jul 18, 2019 at 7:27 am

It would be an understatement to say that Peelander-Yellow attracts attention. A headline in the Japan Times May 30 declared: “Peelander-Yellow makes a triumphant homecoming from outer space.” Now the punk rocker with an action-comic-book persona is kicking off his Yellow Nite Fever tour (and local art exhibition) Saturday at LkldLive in his only Florida stop. Art exhibition reception is 5 to 7; music starts at 8. Admission: a pay-what-you-want donation to the non-profit LkldLive.

Also coming to Lakeland this weekend — but only from Atlanta, not from outer space: Indie rockers Gringo Star debut their new album “Controlled Burn (Live in Atlanta)” at Hillcrest Coffee tonight at 7. A hometown critic praised the band’s “magic mix of garage rock grit and sunny pop haze.”

Keep scrolling for our updated live music calendar: More

Downtown/ Recreation / Sports

Harrell Family Donates $1.3 Million to Bonnet Springs Park

Jul 18, 2019 at 6:25 am

Bonnet Springs Park, now under development as a major recreational and educational space near downtown, announced Wednesday that it has received a large donation toward the construction of a botanical garden that will be a significant feature of the park. More

Business/ Dining

New Irish Pub at Cleveland Heights Clubhouse Brews Hope

Jul 17, 2019 at 6:54 am

An Irish pub anchors the new restaurant-catering service at Cleveland Heights Golf Course, and city officials are optimistic that their fourth private partner providing clubhouse cuisine will be their lucky charm. More

Public Safety

Bicycle Rider, 35, Dies in Galloway Road Collision

Jul 16, 2019 at 2:57 pm

A 35-year-old Lake Wales bicyclist was killed during a pre-dawn ride on Galloway Road this morning after being hit by two vehicles, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Mitchell Johnson suffered head trauma and died shortly after arriving at Lakeland Regional Health, the Sheriff’s Department reported. More

Activism/ Neighborhoods

Buffalo Soldier Park Advocate Hints at Merged Names

Jul 15, 2019 at 11:22 pm

Dressed in the uniform of an 1898 U.S. Army cavalry soldier, Richard Wilder came to today’s City Commission meeting with a simple request: Promote Lakeland tourism and pride by naming a park between Lake Wire and Florida Avenue after the Buffalo Soldiers who camped along the lake 121 years ago. More

Business/ Dining

A Look Inside Nineteen61’s New Downtown Home

Jul 15, 2019 at 7:38 am

What: Grand opening of Nineteen61, a Latin fusion restaurant that has moved from Dixieland to downtown.

Where: 215 E. Main St., the circa-2005 building that was renovated three years ago to house the Posto 9 Brazilian gastropub.

When: Today, after several days of soft openings last week. More

Downtown/ Transportation

More Roads Closing Around Heritage Garage Construction

Jul 12, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Two streets bordering the Heritage Plaza Garage construction site downtown are currently closed, and a third will be blocked for nine weeks starting July 22, according to the city of Lakeland. In addition, 12 to 14 daily weekday deliveries of large pre-cast concrete panels are expected to further disrupt traffic for four months. More

A & E

Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend

Jul 11, 2019 at 11:32 am

Dixieland is becoming a music hub. Among this weekend’s music highlights: Hillcrest Coffee is hosting an acoustic showcase tonight featuring Luke Gard, Roses From Bones, and Tyler David. Union Hall founder Dan Signor is ringing in his birthday on Friday with a bash including food trucks, drinks, and live music from the jazz, funk, soul fusion band Leisure Chief from Orlando. Union Hall is also hosting a Summer of ’69 event Saturday in support of local charities Play It Forward Polk and Kiwanis Treehouse for Kids with auctions, raffles, and live music from Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, The Sofa Kings, and Jacksonville funk rock band Side Hustle. Stop in next door at The Pink Piano to catch Sarasotan Lesa Silvermore and her folk, indie pop set around the same time. Here’s our updated music calendar: More

lkldnow