City News Blog

Road Construction: Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Belmar St

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:42:30 GMT

On Monday June 24th City of Lakeland crews will be begin intersection improvements at Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Belmar Street. The concrete island will be removed, new curb alignment and pedestrian crossing improvements will be constructed.

Belmar Street will be closed East bound to thru traffic for approximately two days. Motorist are encouraged to use alternate routes. Construction will continue beyond the two days, however no closures and only minor delays will be encountered for the remainder of the project. The project should be complete within two weeks, weather permitting.

SIMPSON PARK GYMNASIUM TO BE DEDICATED IN HONOR OF COACH MAC

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:39:55 GMT

SIMPSON PARK GYMNASIUM TO BE DEDICATED IN HONOR OF COACH MAC

LAKELAND, FL (June 12, 2013) -- At 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15^th the City of Lakeland will dedicate the gymnasium at Simpson Park in honor of Sylvester Douglas McArthur, known by many as Coach Mac who passed away February 2011 at the age of 75. McArthur dedicated over 40 years to the betterment of his community through coaching and mentoring at risk youth.

He was employed by the Polk County School Board for 26 years and the City of Lakeland for 15 years. It was during this tenure as coach and recreation supervisor that he helped shape the lives of numerous young men and women. McArthur taught many children how to swim at Simpson Park Pool. He also was a football and basketball coach at Rochelle High and Lakeland Senior High.

Marquis Roberts, Recreation Supervisor II at Simpson Park Recreation Complex said, “I use to come to Simpson Park as a kid and I had some great positive role models like Coach Mac. I saw how he dealt with the kids and I knew then that I wanted to be like him.” He added, “Coach Mac was definitely an influence that helped shape me to be the man I am today and now I’m a Recreation Supervisor at the very same place where Coach Mac helped guide me.”

McArthur was a pillar in the African American community and a faithful member of Rose Heights Lodge 318. He was a major influence for a number of athletes from Lakeland to attend college and he assisted many to attend his beloved Bethune-Cookman University.

For all Coach Mac’s hard work and dedication to the City of Lakeland the Gymnasium will be dedicated in his honor on June 15, 2013 at 1 p.m. The Simpson Park Community Center is located at 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

For more information regarding the City of Lakeland and the Parks & Recreation Department, visit www.lakelandgov.net. Follow the City of Lakeland through social media by searching City of Lakeland once you are logged-into Face Book or follow us on Twitter @ lakelandgov.

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MERRITT VS. TROLLER - CITY OF LAKELAND COMMISSIONERS BATTLE IN WEIGHT LOSS COMPETITION

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:53:44 GMT

MERRITT VS. TROLLER

CITY OF LAKELAND COMMISSIONERS BATTLE IN WEIGHT LOSS COMPETITION

LAKELAND, FL (June 10, 2013) -- The City of Lakeland recently initiated a weight loss program for employees as part of an overall corporate wellness initiative that also includes health screenings and a dedicated clinic for City employees. Commissioner Troller and Commissioner Merritt are both participating in the weight loss program and they have proposed a friendly bet on who will lose the most weight. The losing Commissioner will donate $100 to the charity of choice of the other Commissioner.

The weight loss program started May 1^st and will run through the end of October with the final weigh-in taking place November 1^st. Commissioner Troller said, “We have had two weigh-ins and I’ve lost over five pounds in four weeks by reducing my intake of fast food and by walking at least 10,000 steps a day per my pedometer.” He added, “I’ve replaced sweets with fruit and soda with water.

Commissioner Merritt said, “I’m very eager to help promote a healthier community and I believe the Walk Lakeland initiative where I invite members of the community to walk with me on the 1^st Tuesday of each month is doing exactly that. I would like for people to get off the couch and exercise.” Merritt said, “The friendly bet with Commissioner Troller has given me the little incentive to watch what I eat as I try to exercise more.”

Troller said, “I wear my pedometer every day. May the skinner man win and I’ve already identified my charity of choice to Commissioner Merritt because I’m confident that I’ve got this.” Commissioner Merritt said, “On the first Tuesday of each month I meet up with walkers at a destination around Lakeland for a brisk walk. No timers, no medals, just an opportunity to get up, get out and start walking.”

The next Walk Lakeland event will take place at Lake Hunter. Walkers will meet at the Lake Hunter Boat Ramp located at 650 Sikes Blvd. on Tuesday, July 2^nd at 6 p.m. Keep track of where the next Walk Lakeland event will take place on the City’s website at www.lakelandgov.net or receive updates through social media by searching City of Lakeland once you are logged-into Face Book or follow us on Twitter @ lakelandgov. All ages and fitness abilities welcome.

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RED WHITE & KABOOM! - July 3rd at Lake Mirror

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:28:58 GMT

The City of Lakeland is pleased to announce that the T.Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration will take place with live music at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Wednesday, July 3rd from 6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m. with a breathtaking fireworks display dazzling the crowd at 9 p.m.

A live concert featuring Sam Bullock and the Soul Alliance will entertain the crowd. This multi-piece R&B Band comprised of a tight rhythm section, horns and back-up singers play music that includes hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and the ‘90s, done with a big band swag. They also play hit music from Broadway, some Jazz, and newer pop to round out their repertoire. The lead singer, Sam Bullock has been influenced by singers such as Michael Bublé, Paul Davis, Peabo Bryson, Brian McKnight, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and Prince. He also names the Eagles and Journey as huge influences. The Soul Alliance has a commanding stage presence with the goal to have fun and get the crowd energized as they show the audience that they truly are masters of their craft.

Tom Mims, President of T. Mims Corporation said, “We are very excited to sponsor Red, White & Kaboom again this year. It is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together in celebration of our great country and it is free to the public." Mims added, "We will be continuing our Chow for Now canned food drive to benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly so we want each spectator to bring at least one can of food for VISTE." There will be Chow for Now volunteers with grocery carts circulating through the park collecting canned goods. Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a community-based, non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Ft. Meade. Established in 1983, the primary goal of VISTE is to enable frail elderly persons to continue living independently and safely in their own home.

During Red, White & Kaboom there will be a variety of food and drink vendors around Lake Mirror so bring a blanket and enjoy the festivities in celebrating our great nation. The event will conclude with a dramatic display of fireworks over the lake. The evening is free to the public and everyone attending is encouraged to bring at least one food item to benefit Chow for Now. All City parking garages will be open for T.Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom.

Questions regarding the event can be directed to Kevin Cook at 863.834.6264.

South Florida Ave Design Project - Public Hearing

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:54:15 GMT

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for SR 37 (South Florida Avenue) design project from Polk Parkway to Belmar Street in Polk County. The hearing is Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites, 4141 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. We've included project and meeting location maps below for your reference.

The hearing starts with an open house at 6 p.m. and follows with a formal presentation and public comment period at 7 p.m. People attending the hearing can review project displays and aerial photographs and speak one-on-one with project team members. Written statements or exhibits submitted at the hearing, emailed, or mailed and postmarked by July 5, 2013 will become a part of the official hearing transcript.

FDOT will add pedestrian refuge islands, or short raised areas, to the bi-directional left turn lane of SR 37 within the project limits. Pedestrians can use this area to wait while crossing SR 37 in areas other than intersections with signals. The improvements will not require the acquisition of additional right-of-way and or significantly change existing access to properties.

FDOT is sending notices to all property owners and interested people located at least 300 feet on either side of SR 37 within the project limits. FDOT welcomes and appreciates the community’s participation in the project. The hearing gives everyone an opportunity to express his or her views regarding the project plans. For more information about the project, please contact Amy Blair, P.E. by phone at (863) 519-2272 or by email at Amy.Blair@dot.state.fl.us. Ms. Blair also can assist with arrangements for translation services or special accommodations. We need about one week’s advance notice to make these arrangements.

The meeting is developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

Lake Beulah Public Meeting - Monday, June 24, 2013

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:27:50 GMT

The Florida Department of Transportation and Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (LCRA) are funding improvements around Lake Beulah in order to beautify this gateway into Lakeland and the surrounding neighborhoods and to improve conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit patrons. Through this project, the existing five-foot wide concrete sidewalk will be replaced with an eight- to ten-foot wide asphalt multi use trail. This project also includes the installation of decorative lighting along the trail, landscaping and transit stop improvements including the construction of a new transit shelter at the Hartsell Avenue intersection.

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT view meeting notice

The City of Lakeland and the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency will conduct a public information meeting on Monday, June 24, 2013, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District (Citrus Connection) Offices located at 1212 George Jenkins Boulevard, Lakeland. The City of Lakeland is hosting this meeting to inform the public about the project scope and schedule, and provide the public and adjacent property owners with an opportunity to ask questions concerning the upcoming improvements. The meeting is an open-house format with no formal presentation, allowing you to view the displays at your convenience. Materials on display will include illustrations of the proposed improvements and project schedule. City staff will be available to answer questions and address concerns.

Display boards of this project will also be made available beginning June 17th in the lobby of Lakeland City Hall located at 228 South Massachusetts Avenue.

We invite and encourage you to attend this meeting. If you have any questions about this meeting or the project or may require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act contact Chuck Barmby at 863-834-6011, at least seven days before the meeting.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS

Lake Beulah is an important public space for the surrounding neighborhood, serves as a gateway to the Downtown Lakeland area and is a component of the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway Network. The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (LCRA) has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to implement the following project that is intended to beautify and improve transportation facilities around Lake Beulah:

Replacement of existing five-foot wide sidewalk with an eight- to ten-foot wide asphalt bicycle and pedestrian trail.
Installation of decorative lighting along the new trail, around the entire lake.
Construction of new transit stops, including the installation of a new transit shelter on the south side of Lake Beulah Drive just west of the Hartsell Avenue intersection. Each stop will include decorative benches and trash receptacles. Bicycle racks will also be installed as part of this project.
Traffic signal and pedestrian crossing improvements at the “Five Points” intersection and a new crosswalk at Veterans Park.
Planting of “Trees of Military Significance”, descendants of trees from important battlefields in American history.

Summer Public Ice Skating Is Back For July! Tickets On Sale Monday, June 10th

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 21:09:20 GMT

Summer Public Ice Skating Is Back For July!
Tickets On Sale Monday, June 10th

Lakeland, FL – Beat the summer heat with ice cold family fun as Public Ice Skating returns to The Lakeland Center with multiple sessions July 2^ndthrough July 13^th. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 10^th at 9:30am and can be purchased for $7 adult, $6 children ages 2-12 and $5 for skaters with their own skates. Tickets are available at The Lakeland Center Box Office, by calling 863-834-8111, online at thelakelandcenter.com or by calling the 24-hour ticketing line 888-397-0100. Group discounts and birthday party packages are available and can be purchased by calling 863-834-8137.

2013 Summer Public Ice Skating Schedule

July 2^nd -3^rd
10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm

July 4^th

10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm

July 5^th – 6^th
10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm

July 7^th
2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm

July 8^th -12^th
10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm

July 13^th
10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm

The Lakeland Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida off I-4 on Lime Street; The Lakeland Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 834-8111 or visit our website at www.thelakelandcenter.com. Tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day, seven days a week through www.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100.

TEMPORARY SOUTHWEST LAKELAND FIRE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENS

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:55:13 GMT

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

TEMPORARY SOUTHWEST LAKELAND FIRE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENS

WHO: Lakeland Fire Department

WHAT: Unveiling of new Fire Engine 71 at the Temporary Southwest Lakeland Fire Station located at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

WHY: To provide fire and rescue service to Southwest Lakeland residents and businesses

WHEN: Monday, June 10, 2013 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: In front of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Terminal at 3900 Don Emerson Drive

LAKELAND, FL (June 7, 2013) – The Lakeland Fire Department will officially open the temporary fire facility at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport on Monday, June 10^th at 9 a.m. with an unveiling of the new Fire Engine 71. The temporary station will house Engine 71 and the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit that is dedicated to public safety inside airport property. The temporary station will house six personnel on a 24-hour rotation with four dedicated to Engine 71 and two dedicated to the ARFF unit.

Engine 71 will be dedicated to serving residents and business in the Southwest Lakeland area. The unit was delivered to the Lakeland Fire Department in early May and then it was outfitted with equipment to get ready for service. Engine 71 was built in Appleton, Wisconsin by Pierce Manufacturing, a global leader in custom fire trucks and fire apparatus. The unit is equipped with a 55’ sky boom to assist in elevated aerial firefighting and it will be staffed with at least one paramedic for rescue response.

The permanent Fire Station 7 is estimated to be completed summer 2014. Once the facility is built it will house an additional fire fighting apparatus and 10 personnel on a 24-hour rotation. Lakeland Fire Chief Gary Ballard said, “Our design team is preparing the bid documents for Station 7 and we expect those packets to be ready later this summer. We hope to break ground for the new facility by early fall of this year.” He added, “We are very eager to start providing much needed service to the citizens in Southwest Lakeland and our temporary station will do that until we get our permanent facility built.”

-END-

Road Construction Update

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:29:46 GMT

Message updated Thursday June 6th 2013

Let them work – let them live. The City of Lakeland Public Works Construction and Maintenance Division wants you to be safe. Speeding through construction and work zones puts you and the workers at risk, so please slow down. The workers might be your family, friends, or neighbors.

City of Lakeland Construction crews will be constructing new sidewalk along the South side of McDonald Street from Johnson Ave to Ingraham Ave. No major delays anticipated, however, temporary lane closures might be encountered; flagmen will be available to direct traffic if needed. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate route if possible. Construction is scheduled for approximately four weeks.

Public works construction crews will be constructing a recreational path along the South side of Edgewood Drive between Buckingham Ave and Southington Ave. Construction will last approximately three weeks. No major delays are anticipated however, motorist should approach the work zone with caution.

Crews will be removing the asphalt from Buckingham Ave between Edgewood Blvd and Demington Street and returning it to a brick street. Motorist can expect closures and detours between intersections. This project is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Contact Michael Whigham at 834-3300 with questions and continue to check this number (834-ROAD) for updated information.Contractors working for the City of Lakeland will begin work on Prado Street. Milling of roadway will begin on Monday June 10, 2013. This work will take approximately one week to complete.

LAKELAND ELECTRIC BILLING CYCLES WILL CHANGE

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:20:03 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kevin Cook

Director of Communications

City of Lakeland

863/834-6264

Twitter @lakelandgov

LAKELAND ELECTRIC BILLING CYCLES WILL CHANGE

LAKELAND, FL (June 5, 2013) -- Some Lakeland Electric customers will see a change in the date meters are read beginning with bills issued July 1, 2013. Approximately 20% of customers will experience a change in their billing cycle resulting in a new due date for payment.

Lakeland Electric General Manager Joel Ivy said, “This change is necessary because Lakeland Electric is modifying its meter reading schedule to accommodate the elimination of manual electric meter reads.” He added, “This is a direct benefit of the Smart Meter program. However, we will continue reading water meters manually.”

Assistant Water Utilities Director Bob Conner said, “We are slowly changing out mechanical water meters with smart technology as older meters fail so at this time we are still conducting manual reads for water meters.”

In order to streamline operations and to make water meter routes more efficient, some customers will experience a change from their present read date. Most of the affected customer’s read/bill date will change by as little as four days. However, a few hundred customers will see changes ranging from 10 to 14 days.

For those customers that may have a bill that exceeds a 30 day period and if this bill requires payment assistance, please contact the Lakeland Electric Customer Service Call Center at 863-834-9535. Ivy said, “Staff has the ability to assist customers to help make sure that this one-time change does not adversely affect accounts.”

Lakeland Electric is the third largest public power utility in the State of Florida. The utility is also one of the first utilities established in Florida having started operation in 1889. Today, power is generated at Lakeland Electric’s two main power plants, the 941-megawatt McIntosh Power Plant and the 176-megawatt Larsen Power Plant. For more information about Lakeland Electric and the services offered, please visit www.lakelandelectric.com.

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Buckingham Ave Brick Street Restoration Project

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:52:02 GMT

On June 10^th, 2013 City crews will be starting the Buckingham brick street restoration project. Crews will be removing the asphalt from the underlying brick, adjusting driveway elevations and replacing missing areas of brick between Edgewood Blvd and Demington Street. Motorist can expect closures between intersections and detours. This project is expected to last approximately Three weeks.

LPD Retains Former Judge Monterey Campbell

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:36:05 GMT

View Full Release

Road Construction Updates: May 23, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:12:11 GMT

Road Construction Updates: May 23, 2013

1. City crews will be installing new sidewalk along North New York Ave between 5th Street and 10th Street. No major delays anticipated however, motorist should approach work zones with caution.

2. City of Lakeland Construction crews will be constructing new sidewalk along the South side of McDonald Street from Johnson Ave to Ingraham Ave. No major delays anticipated, however, temporary lane closures may be encountered; flagmen will be available to direct traffic if needed. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate route if possible. Construction is scheduled for approximately 4 weeks.

3. Public works construction crews are continuing to work on constructing a recreational path along the South side of Edgewood Drive between Buckingham Ave and Southington Ave. No major delays are anticipated however motorist should approach the work zone with caution.

Contact Michael Whigham at 834-3300 with questions and continue to check this number (834-ROAD) for updated information.

Let them work – let them live. The City of Lakeland Public Works Construction and Maintenance Division wants you to be safe. Speeding through construction and work zones puts you and the workers at risk, so please slow down. The workers might be your family, friends, or neighbors

CAMP BLAST SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM REGISTRATION – SPOTS FILLING QUICKLY!

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:54:54 GMT

CITY OF LAKELAND PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

CAMP BLAST SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM REGISTRATION – SPOTS FILLING QUICKLY!

LAKELAND, FL (May 20, 2012) – Have you registered your child for summer camp, yet? The City of Lakeland is offering Camp Blast, an eight-week summer recreation program located at City recreation facilities and various schools (Carlton Palmore and McKeel Elementary Academy– NEW SITES) throughout Lakeland. Camp Blast offers elementary students, who have completed kindergarten through the 5th grade, endless opportunities for enrichment including weekly trips, on-site games and activities, service opportunities and several special events.

Don’t miss out on Camp BLAST! Registration is ongoing for this opportunity and spots are filling up quickly! A copy of the child’s report card is needed and registration fees are $200 per child paid by cash or check. Camp begins Monday, June 17^th meeting Monday – Friday through August 9^th. Camp hours are from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

For full details on camp dates, camp locations and pricing options check out www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec, or call the Kelly Recreation Complex, 863/834-3284 with any questions.

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Upcoming Book Discussions at Lakeland Public Library

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:25:40 GMT

The Lakeland Public Library System offers two monthly book discussion groups, Books Sandwiched In and Discussions at the e.

Books Sandwiched In (BSI) is a monthly book discussion group, which meets every first Tuesday in the Main Library (100 Lake Morton Drive) meeting room & first Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. in the Jackson Branch Library (1700 North Florida Avenue) meeting room.

Discussions at the E (DATE) is a monthly book discussion group, which meets at the elibrary South Lakeland on the first Thursday of every month at 12:30 p.m.

Each month’s selected book can be purchased for $2.00 at the respective libraries during the preceding month while supplies last. Coffee/tea and books are underwritten by the Friends of the Library. Please feel free to bring a bag lunch.

Books Sandwiched In

Upcoming titles:

June 4 & 5

Nightwoods

Charles Frazier

July 2 & 3

At Fault

Kate Chopin

August 6 & 7

The Best American Short Stories, 2012

Tom Perrotta, editor

Discussions at the e

Upcoming titles:

June 6

Interpretation of Murder

Jed Rubenfeld

July 11

The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady

Elizabeth Stuckey-French

(Later date due to Independence Day holiday.)

August 1

Innocent Traitor

Alison Weir

The programs at the Lakeland Public Library (100 Lake Morton Drive) are free and open to the public. For more information, call Brenda J. Patterson at (863) 834-4276 or send e-mail toBrenda.Patterson@lakelandgov.net.

For upcoming events and programs, visit Lakeland Public Library's website and Facebook page at http://www.lakelandgov.net/library/ClassesPrograms/AdultPrograms.aspx andhttp://www.facebook.com/lakelandpubliclibrary. Follow our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/#!/lakelandpublib.

Brenda J. Patterson

Fine Arts/Programming Librarian

CITY OF LAKELAND SOLID WASTE BUILDING FIRST LEED CERTIFIED BUILDING IN CITY LIMITS

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:32:07 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kevin Cook

Director of Communications

City of Lakeland

863/934-6264

Twitter @lakelandgov

CITY OF LAKELAND SOLID WASTE BUILDING

FIRST LEED CERTIFIED BUILDING IN CITY LIMITS

LAKELAND, FL (May 13, 2013) – Celebration of the City of Lakeland’s first LEED Certified building will take place at the Solid Waste Office Building on June 7^th at 10 a.m. The Solid Waste Office Building, located at 605 Evelyn Avenue was LEED Certified by the US Green Building Council with a Gold rating based on sustainability, water efficiency, energy efficiency, green materials and innovation in design. The Solid Waste building received a Gold standard, one of the highest ratings.

The building was the former Lakeland Community Credit Union which the City acquired in 2003. The project included renovation and new construction completed August 2012. The City contracted with Swilley Curtis Mundy Honeycutt Architects and the project was completed by Rodda Construction.

Rick Lilyquist, Director of Public Works said, “There are a number of reasons to build green – minimizing the impact to the environment being one.” He added, “Reduced energy and water consumption is a huge driving factor that ultimately leads to lower operating costs. Also, the bright open design along with enhanced indoor environmental quality helps to promote increased worker productivity.”

Design highlights include a solar reflectant roof, the use of skylights for natural light, low impact building materials used to enhance in air quality and water reduction measures that equate to a 42% water savings. Recycled materials were used totaling over 24% of materials cost and the building was designed to optimize energy performance saving 23% compared to baseline building performance.

The celebration will include a tour of the facility highlighting design and construction techniques that factored into the Gold certification and there will be a plaque unveiling that officially certifies the facility as a LEED building by the US Green Building Council. For more information regarding the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Face Book users can stay connected by completing a quick search that includes the City of Lakeland. Twitter users can choose to receive instant updates during important meetings or events by following the City @ lakelandgov.

-END-

Mornings with the Mayor - June 5th

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:47:41 GMT

Mayor Gow Fields invites local residents to attend the next Mornings with the Mayor event that will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5^th at Fred’s Market located at 2120 Harden Boulevard in Lakeland.

Citizens that attend these breakfast sessions get to hear from the Mayor about key issues and initiatives taking place within the City. Mayor Fields also invites questions from the audience and he will share updates on related City projects during the informal session. This is a chance for residents to converse directly with Mayor Fields on a topics of interest or concern.

Mayor Fields said, “Accessibility is one of the keys to local government and Mornings with the Mayor provides the opportunity for our citizens to share their views, ask questions and provide feedback on issues that are directly affecting them.” He added, “I look forward to spending valuable face to face time with our residents listening to their concerns so I can found out how we can better meet the needs of our residents.”

Those attending will have to pay for their own breakfast. Fred’s Market serves a reasonably priced breakfast buffet and patrons can order off the menu. The premise behind the Mornings with the Mayor program is to make elected officials more accessible to residents in the community and to promote one-on-one communications.

This program allows residents an informal and comfortable forum in which to meet with the Mayor to talk about issues, ask questions, voice concerns and offer comments or suggestions. Mayor Fields said, “It’s also an excellent way for us to gather candid feedback about how people feel things are going in our City; what amenities they particularly enjoy, areas they feel could use improvement, or what they’d like to see in the future.” We hope to see you at Fred’s Market on Wednesday, June 5^th.

LAKELAND SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:54:33 GMT

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

LAKELAND SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING

WHO: Skateboarders, City Commission, City Administration & Citizens – BRING YOUR BOARDS!

WHAT: Lakeland Skatepark Grand Opening Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, May 18^th 10 a.m.

WHERE: Lakeland Skatepark located at Lake Bonny Park (800 US 98 South).

LAKELAND, FL (May 14, 2013) – The newly built Lakeland Skatepark located at Lake Bonny Park, 800 US 98 south will officially open on Saturday, May 18^th at 10 a.m. with a grand opening ceremony that will include music, demonstrations and plenty of time for skaters to get familiar with the design elements of the park.

The park was built by world renowned Team Pain who specializes in custom concrete skate park facilities. Team Pain has over 30 years experience with professional riders and they are known for their challenging “first-ever” structures that push the limits. The company has been providing design and construction experience to municipalities around the globe in concrete park facilities since 1997.

The park was designed with the input from local skaters who attended a series of workshops during the planning phase of the park. A number of skaters and City of Lakeland staff also visited a number of skate parks in the Central Florida area to look at designs and get direct feedback from skaters on what elements they liked about certain parks.

The park features a deep bowl, flow course, snake run and a freestyle/street course. For more information, contact Pam Page, 863/834-6088 or Kevin Cook, 863/834-6264. See you on Saturday!

HORTICULTURE AT HOLLIS GARDEN

Wed, 08 May 2013 22:17:08 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

kevincook

Director of Communications | City of Lakeland

228 S. Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801

863/834-6264 (PH) | www.lakelandgov.net

Twitter @lakelandgov

HORTICULTURE AT HOLLIS GARDEN

LAKELAND, FL (May 8, 2013) - On Saturday, May 11^th Hollis Garden will feature a series of horticulture lectures and presentations from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The day will include informative, hands-on tutorials on gardening, landscaping, orchid care and proper bonsai techniques. Hollis Garden is located at 702 Eat Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801

Horticulturist, John King will conduct two presentations:

· Vegetable Gardening in Florida at 11:00 a.m.

· Designing the Edible Landscape at 4:00 p.m.

The Ridge Orchid Society will conduct presentations on: Repotting Orchids, Orchid Pests and Diseases & General Maintenance. Zeke Wendtz with the Orchid Society will give the presentations at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. They will also have Membership information for The Ridge Orchid Society available.

The Bonsai Club will be doing demos all day and Terry Adkins will give a presentation at 1:00 p.m. Membership information for The Bonsai Club will be available for those that are interested. Carolyn Wilson with the Greater Lakeland Garden Club will be giving a presentation at 3:00 p.m.

Edward Murawski with The Native Plant Society will do a presentation on Native Plants and Their Use in the Landscape and there will be general information available for those interested in native plants.

Presentation Schedule

11:00-11:45: John King; Vegetable Gardening in Florida

12:00-12:35: Zeke Wendtz; The Ridge Orchid Society

1:00-1:40: Terry Adkins; The Bonsai Club

2:00-2:35: Zeke Wendtz; The Ridge Orchid Society

3:00-3:45: Carolyn Wilson; Greater Lakeland Garden Club

4:00-4:45: John King; Designing the Edible Landscape

5:00-5:45: Edward Murawski; The Native Plant Society

6:00-6:45: Zeke Wendtz; The Ridge Orchid Society

*ALL presentations will be held in front of the Koi Pond at Hollis Garden*

Hollis Garden is a formal 1.2 acre botanical garden donated to the City of Lakeland by the Hollis Family. The garden is located on historic Lake Mirror accessible from the Frances Langford Promenade and Orange Street. The garden contains several water features and displays thousands of flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, historic trees, herbs and vegetables. The beautiful layout of Hollis Gardens is set in a neo-classical architectural environment complete with patterned flower beds, public art and ornamental fountains. For more information on Hollis Gardens, please visit www.lakelandgov.net and click on the Parks and Recreation navigation.

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FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION TO FEATURE PUBLIC WORKS

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:23:28 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kevin Cook

Director of Communications | City of Lakeland

228 S. Massachusetts Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801

863/834-6264 (PH) | www.lakelandgov.net

Twitter @lakelandgov

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FIRST FRIDAY EVENT

CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

LAKELAND, FL (April 29, 2013) - The City of Lakeland’s Public Works Department will be celebrating the American Public Works Association national Public Works Week (NPWW) from 6:00pm until 9:00pm on Friday, May 3, 2013, along with Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday event. During this event shops and restaurants will stay open with music and entertainment along the streets including a classic car show.

The NPWW celebration will be In Munn Park featuring displays from each of our Public Works divisions. Some of the feature displays include: heavy duty equipment, Lakes & Stormwater awareness campaigns, pedestrian & bicycle safety, recycling materials and much more! Along with these events, there will be children’s activities, give-a-ways and fun for the whole family!

Everyone is invited to the Downtown Lakeland First Friday and the celebration of National Public Works Week. Parking is free beginning at 5:00pm the evening of the event in the Main Street parking garage. Additional free parking is also available in the Bay StreetLot, the Oak Street Park & ride and old fire station lot located at 400 E. Main St.

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