City News

LAKELAND, FL (April 21, 2025) | The City of Lakeland recently acquired six White Mute Swans to introduce fresh genetics into the local swan population. Diversifying the gene pool is vital for the long-term health, vitality, and resilience of the flock. It helps prevent inbreeding, supports disease resistance, and enhances adaptability to environmental changes—ensuring the continued viability of this cherished local population.

Lakeland, FL (April 16, 2025) | Publix Supermarkets is moving forward with a significant expansion in downtown Lakeland as it prepares to launch a state-of-the-art technology campus. The development includes renovations to two key buildings: the former FedEx facility located at 333 East Lemon Street and the existing Publix operations center at 321 South Kentucky Avenue.

LAKELAND, FL (April 7, 2025) | City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Stathatos as Assistant City Manager for the City of Lakeland, effective Monday, April 7, 2025. Stathatos brings over 30 years of experience in municipal government, most recently serving as City Manager of High Springs, Florida. Her extensive career also includes 25 years in various leadership roles within local governments across Texas.

LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2025) | The Lakeland CRA invites the public to a mural unveiling event on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. The mural, sponsored by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, highlights Florida's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation. The Florida Wildlife Corridor spans nearly 18 million acres of interconnected wilderness and working lands, essential for the survival of 131 imperiled animal species. Beyond protecting wildlife, conserving these lands enhances recreational opportunities, strengthens resilience against extreme weather, and safeguards water quality.

Elevate Florida: A Statewide Residential Mitigation Program

Elevate Florida is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind statewide residential mitigation program led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Designed to protect homes and communities, this initiative aims to reduce damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.  The deadline for Elevate Florida applications is April 11, 2025.

LAKELAND, FL (March 27, 2025) | The Larsen Memorial Pier, a local landmark since 1962, has been closed to the public since Hurricane Milton because of structural damage. Moving forward, the pier will remain closed indefinitely due to safety concerns, infrastructure limitations, and changes in the surrounding community. Owned and maintained by Lakeland Electric, the pier is primarily used for water sampling at the Larsen Power Plant. These samples are shared with the Southwest Florida Water Management District for regulatory purposes. 

LAKELAND, FL (March 18, 2025) - On March 7, 2025, the Lakeland Police Department received a missing person's report for Howard Keen, age 58.  Mr. Keen left a family member's residence in Lakeland the morning of February 24, 2025, and was last seen on February 25, 2025, at a residence in the 2800 block of County Line Road in Plant City where he left his vehicle.   Mr. Keen is a ...

LAKELAND, FL (March 17, 2025) | The City of Lakeland has submitted a request to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to modify the parameters of a previously approved permit. This permit authorizes the City to operate an emergency pump that transfers water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker when water levels reach the 10-year flood stage. SWFWMD, the regulatory agency responsible for managing surface water elevations and flows, oversees this process.

FATAL SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH    LAKELAND, FL (March 13, 2025) - On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at approximately 10:35 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a black Lexus sedan in the 3400 block of East Lake Parker Drive. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, prior to the crash, the Lexus was traveling southbound on East Lake Parker Drive and for unknown reasons travel ...

*****UPDATE***** Around 10:45 p.m. Julius Cabbagestalk was located safe!  Thank you to everyone who assisted in getting his information out and was looking for him!   ***ORIGINAL POST*** LAKELAND, FL (March 13, 2025) - The Lakeand Police Department has received a report of a missing child, 10-year-old Julius Cabbagestalk.  Julius was last seen near his home in the 1800 bloc ...