Did you know Station 1 is in a former Coca Cola bottling plant? | Photo by LALtoday
Did you know the Lakeland Fire Department has been working to keep us safe for over 100 years? Here’s how the idea for the department sparked — and what’s up next.
The early years
When Lakeland was officially incorporated in 1885, there wasn’t much of a fire department. By 1891, there were just a few dozen buckets and one ladder used if a fire broke out.
That single ladder proved to be insufficient when three fires razed major commercial properties, prompting Lakeland leaders to purchase the city’s first portable fire engines around 1905. A formal volunteer fire department was formed in 1909, and the city commission upgraded its equipment to include wagons + horses — a step up from those buckets.
A growing city
With a new city-wide alarm system and more fire engines, the fire department became a paid gig as a career fire department. Enduring Great Depression era slow-downs, the number of fire stations grew as populations boomed after World War II. Two new stations had been built before the 1950s began.
The fire department continued to develop, adding more stations and rescue options. Two separate battalions were created in 2004, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting was added to the department in 2007.
The department today
The Lakeland Fire Department now has 179 employees and seven stations. LFD responded to29,000+ emergency calls in its 84 square-mile response area in 2021. A state-of-the-art, five-acre training complex was added last year.
The City of Lakeland’s approved 2022-2023 budget calls for over $26 million for phases 2 and 3 of fire station development, including relocating Station 3. The budget also allows for nine new fire rescue employees across the department.
Share this with someone who's on fire for the Lakeland Fire Department.
Trivia Night | Mon., Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free | Bring your friends to trivia night + take advantage of happy hour prices all day — including $5 well drinks. 🥃
Winter Haven Beer Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour | Mon., Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45+ | Enjoy beer, spirits + spooky stories on this haunted ghost walking tour through downtown Winter Haven. 👻
Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tues., Sept. 27 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free | Come check out this musical showcase or take the stage yourself — open to all musicians.
Wednesday
“The Office” Trivia Night w/ Quit Smackin’ Food Truck | Wed., Sept. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St. | Free entry | Bring your red stapler for luck and play for free to see who knows the most about “The Office.”
Thursday
Guided Kayak Eco Tour | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr. | $20+ | Register for a guided eco-kayaking adventure and enjoy a scenic journey across Lake Crago. 🛶
Just Between Friends Sale | Thurs., Sept. 29 - Fri., Sep. 30 | 12 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $2 admission | Save on children’s clothes, shoes, books, toys, and baby gear at this resale consignment event.
Friday
Hamlet | Fri., Sep. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | $20 | There’s no question if you’re “to be or not to be” there — don’t miss this classic play, performed by Florida Southern College students. 🎭
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Fly into Reykjavik, Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon, tour the Golden Circle, or see the Northern Lights. | Photo provided by Orlando International Airport
Ready for your next adventure? Here are 10 nonstop destinationsOrlando International Airport (MCO) to add to your travel itinerary starting this fall:
Reykjavik, Iceland (available now)
Amsterdam, Netherlands resumes Sat., Oct. 29
Lexington, KY and Newport News, VA starting Wed., Oct 19
Kalamazoo, WI and Lansing, MI starting Wed., Oct 26
91º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain
Seasonal
A hurricane may be heading for Polk County. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a statewide state of emergency on Sat., Sept. 24 as Tropical Storm Ian gained strength in the Caribbean throughout the weekend. Now is a good time to check out our guide to preparing for a hurricane. ⛈️ (The Ledger)
Number
$730 million. That’s the budget the Lakeland City Commission approved for 2022-2023, which will fund public safety services and increases for city employees. Despite these benefits, the millage rate for property owners remains at 5.4323. 💰 (LkldNow)
Try This
Kick the Monday blueswith reggae rock. Head to Union Hall (1023 Florida S. Ave.)today at 6:30 p.m. for tacos and live music from Fayuca, 48 States Away, and Light Fire Reggae. Tickets are $10 at the door. 🎶
Civic
Police Chief Ruben Garciawill retire after four years of leadership and 35 years of service. To find his replacement, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse has assembled an interview panel consisting of ten members, which had its first meeting last Fri., Sept. 23. (The Ledger)
Adam Lunn was named the next Assistant Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport by the City of Lakeland. Lunn has served as the interim director since March 2022 and holds degrees from Florida Southern College + University of South Florida. ✈️
Read
Pressed will host book clubs on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., starting on Oct. 6. Register for clubs online and buy your books from Pressed (213 E. Bay St.) by Sat., Oct. 1 to reserve your spot. Plus, enjoy a 20% discount on your purchase. 📚
Health
Do you know how to safely dispose of your medication?This video from the City of Lakeland shows you how to toss your expired or unwanted medications at the Lakeland Police Department’s drop-box at 219 N. Massachusetts Ave. Medications must be in pill form and in a sealed container — no loose pills, liquids, or syringes. 💊
Did you know? Our allergy triggers change and evolve over time as we age. Read: You might have new allergies you don’t even know about — to find out your most updated allergy triggers, take Picnic’s easy, at-home allergy quiz. Pro tip: Picnic can prescribe customized allergy medicine for relief, too.*
Biz
In case you missed it,Madden Branded Goods — a promotional products supplier in Lakeland — is opening its headquarters at 238 Massachusetts Ave. this October. Check out a sneak peek of its new digs, including a neon sign, chandeliers, and a wood-paneled ceiling.
Development
ICYMI, Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C opened last week. From new gates to expanded food + bev options, take a look at what the exciting new expansion means for Floridians. ✈️ *
Eat
The Terrace Grille has added new seasonal items to its menus, just in time for fall. Stop by for grilled swordfish and finish off your dinner with a slice of pumpkin swirl gingersnap cheesecake.
Expecting a busy week? This Easy Taco Chili recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep + makes great leftovers (that don’t feel like leftovers). 🥘 *
Travel
Planning on parking your car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for your next trip? MCO recently announced increased rates for its parking facilities that will start on Sat., Oct. 1. Check out new daily pricing here. 🚘 *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Polk County is the fastest-growing county in Florida. | Photo by LALtoday
Polk County commissioners have adopted a $2.4 billion budget for the upcoming year (2022-2023). Here’s a by-the-numbers look at some of the improvements outlined:
35. The number of new positions Polk County will add. Public safety + health roles (like fire rescue and utilities) will make up 17 of these positions. Plus, a 5%phased-in pay raise for current employees.
$94 million. That’s how much the county will set aside in one-time capital investments. (Think: Long term projects like infrastructure and construction.)
$26 million. That amount designated for phases two and three of fire station development.
$26.7 million. The funds being dedicated to reducing traffic on US 27 via an extension of Thompson Nursery Road to connect with US 17.
To learn more about the 2022-23 budget, read more here. (The Ledger)
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Connor + Jessalin.
Editor’s pick: We’re very excited that book club is back at Pressed. If you’re looking for more to read, might we recommend one of these locally written books?
Missed Friday’s newsletter? We gave you our menu and service recommendations for businesses on HAVEN Magazine’s 2022 Best of Lakeland list, here.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
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