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City News Blog: Take the 2026 Lakeland Community Survey - Your Voice Matters
LAKELAND, FL (February 17, 2026) | The City of Lakeland is launching a survey to gather community feedback and opinions regarding services received through interactions with City Departments. The online survey can be accessed by visiting www.COLCsurvey.com from February 16, 2026, through March 16, 2026.

Janard Dominic Childs Age 34 (photo from previous arrest on 8/21/25) *****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (February 24, 2026) – An arrest warrant has been issued for Janard Dominic Childs, 34, of Lakeland, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026.   At approximately 2:00 a.m. on F ...

LAKELAND, FL (February 19, 2026) | The Detroit Tigers return to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Sunday, February 22, as the club opens its 2026 Grapefruit League schedule. This marks the 61st consecutive season the Tigers have called Lakeland home. The 2026 Spring Training season represents Detroit’s 90th straight year in TigerTown, extending the longest-standing relationship between a Major League Baseball franchise and its Spring Training host community. For generations, Lakeland has been where baseball traditions begin, legends are built, and the next wave of Tigers stars take the field.

2025-RFP-099 Selection Committee Meeting - U5 Cooling Tower Water Treatment Services

LAKELAND, FL (February 17, 2026) | On February 18 - 21, the City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department will begin the final restoration phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project, temporarily impacting portions of Josephine Street, Highland Street, and the SW Park Complex area.

LAKELAND, FL (February 16, 2026) | On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the City of Lakeland will kick off Black History Month celebrations with a Black History Festival at Jackson Park and the Coleman-Bush Building, located at 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Lakeland. This free event which begins at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is open to all ages, and promises to be an unforgettable day filled with exciting live performances, cultural enrichment, and family-friendly fun.

This year’s Black History Festival will showcase dynamic local rhythmic dancers and inspirational spoken word artists throughout the day. Community members will also have the opportunity to stroll through the park to explore artisan vendors, enjoy an assortment of savory food truck options, and check out a classic car exhibition. There will also be educational and entertaining interactive children’s activities.
The celebration continues inside the historic Coleman-Bush Building, where visitors can experience a powerful permanent history exhibit showcasing the story of Lakeland’s Black community and its pioneers. The exhibit will feature an interactive touchscreen display that highlights the remarkable contributions and lasting impact of African Americans in Lakeland. While attending the Black History Festival, we invite you to step inside the Coleman-Bush Building to explore the contents of a 25-year-old time capsule and help commemorate the building’s 50-year anniversary.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have engaged citizens and civic leaders who collaborate with our team to ensure the history of our neighborhoods is honored and celebrated. We’re excited to join the community in commemorating Black History Month at this year’s festival and reflecting on the rich legacy preserved within the Coleman-Bush Building,” shares Bob Donahay, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts.
 
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize vital contributions to United States history. Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, this month-long observance has been officially recognized by the U.S. government since 1975, with Canada and the United Kingdom also dedicating time to this important celebration.
For more information, visit LakelandGov.net/ColemanBush or call 863-834-3350 ext. 1. 
Vendors interested in participating in this event should email ColemanBush@Lakelandgov.net. Vendor space is limited.
Don’t miss this powerful celebration of culture, history, and community. We look forward to seeing you there.

LAKELAND, FL (February 16, 2026) | Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Little as Director of Communications, effective February 9, 2026.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Lakeland, Florida, will consider passage of the following titled ordinance(s) at a City Commission meeting which commences at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall, Lakeland, Florida

2025-RFP-092 Selection Committee Meeting - Rental of Dewatering Equipment for Water

LAKELAND, FL (February 9, 2026) | The City of Lakeland is excited to announce the 5th annual Plantae-Palooza Garden Festival, returning to Hollis Garden on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE community favorite celebrates five years of connecting residents with nature and will feature a diverse selection of vendors offering a wide variety of plants:

    • Orchids, Bromeliads, Tillandsias, Aroids, Desert Roses, Plumerias, Tropical Plants
    • Annual & Perennial Flowers, House Plants, String of Plants, Caladiums, Amaryllis, Camellias
    • Ferns, Roses, Grasses, Exotic Fruit Trees, Native Plants, Succulents, Caudiciforms, Carnivorous Plants
    • Butterfly Attractants, Bamboo, Spices, Herbs, Rare Flowering Trees, Palms, Cycads, and more!
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228 S. Massachusetts Ave. | Lakeland, Florida 33801 | 863.834.6000 | Hours & Closing | Accessibility | Important Numbers | Site Map