Plus, $1.4 million in livestock sold.
 
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81º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:38 a.m. | Sunset 7:35 p.m.
 

Who can you call at City Hall?

Who’s my Lakeland City Commissioner?
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.
The City Commission meets here in City Hall. | Photo provided by the City of Lakeland
March 11-15 is Civic Learning Week, which aims to get citizens across the country engaged with the government. Start right here at home by getting to know the Lakeland City Commissioners.

Who represents me?

The city commission is made up of the mayor, two commissioners at-large who represent the entire city, and four commissioners who represent specific districts: northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast.

To find your representatives, use this interactive map and pinpoint your address to see which members represent your district.

Pro tip: If you live outside the city limits (think: in places like the Combee, Lakeland Highlands, and Kathleen areas), you may not have a city commissioner. Instead, find your Polk County Commissioner.

How can I get involved?

If you have a question or concern you’d like addressed, each commissioner and the mayor can be reached via email. You can also email all members of the commission at citycommission@lakelandgov.net.

Prefer to be in the room where it happens? City commission meetings are open to the public and occur on the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall. Read our tips on attending and how to make comments before you go.

Another way to get involved is through elections. Commission members are elected for four-year terms. The most recent election in 2023 included one at-large seat and the northeast and northwest district seats. Elections for mayor, the other at-large seat, and the southwest + southeast district seats will take place in 2025.
Asked

Who was the first woman elected to the Lakeland City Commission?
A. Lois Q. Searl
B. Carrie Oldham
C. Stephanie Madden
D. Sara Roberts McCarley
Try this civics trivia
 
Events
Wednesday, March 13
  • Glow Animals — Gecko | Wednesday, March 13 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $27-$29 | Join this family class to paint a luminous lizard together, step by step.
  • Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, March 13 | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to work and chat with others.
Thursday, March 14
  • Yogadance | Thursday, March 14 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
  • Trivia at Crave | Thursday, March 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss this event hosted by Dang Yo Trivia — prizes are on the line.
Friday, March 15
  • Bartow’s Unparade | Friday, March 15 | 5:30-6 p.m. | Nye Jordan Park, 800 E. Stuart St., Bartow | Free | Get wacky with a wild parade from the park to Friday Fest in downtown Bartow.
  • Movie on the Lawn: “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” | Friday, March 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Watch this small movie on the big screen at 7 p.m., and arrive early for science-themed activities.
Saturday, March 16
  • UthMpact’s 2024 Project Prom Shopping Days | Saturday, March 16 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland | Free | High schoolers can sign a pledge to celebrate prom safely and receive free formal wear.
  • Seraph Brass Quintet | Saturday, March 16 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $0-$10 | Hear this group of five top female brass musicians from around the US.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Number
  • $1.4 million. That’s how much local youth raised through the Florida Strawberry Festival’s steer sales. This year, 115 youth showed their livestock, including cows, pigs, and even sheep in costumes.
Outdoors
  • Lace up your sneakers. After being named a Runner Friendly Community in February, Lakeland is continuing to add more trails and sidewalks for pedestrians. Construction is underway on Three Parks Trail + Se7en Wetlands’ new paths, and more sidewalks are in the works around town. (LkldNow)
Environment
  • Crews began surveying Lake Bonnet this week as part of a project to restore wetlands + reduce flooding in nearby communities. Expect to see workers around the lake through the end of April.
Edu
  • This year marks the 10th anniversary of Florida Polytechnic University. Celebrate this milestone at Excelerate 2024, a black tie optional event on Saturday, March 23. Tickets are on sale to enjoy dinner, drinks, and entertainment in the Barnett Applied Research Center.
Opening
  • Botanical Brewing will hold a ribbon cutting for its new taproom (8515 US Hwy. 98 N.) this Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m. This brewery features alcohol alternatives like kava and hemp drinks in cans or on tap.
Plan Ahead
  • Polk Pride has officially set the date for Pride in the Park. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 15 to join the celebration in Munn Park. Pro tip: Vendor, sponsor, and food truck applications are now open.
Edu
  • Southeastern University’s Link program for students with intellectual disabilities will host a fashion show on Saturday, April 20. Tickets are available for “SEU on the Runway,” featuring the designs of Link alumna Aarushi Pratap.
Coming Soon
  • La Gran Muralla, a new restaurant specializing in Asian-Latin fusion fare, is opening soon at 2810 Lakeland Highlands Rd. (think: the Winn-Dixie plaza). An opening date is still TBA, but you can take a sneak peek inside at the progress.
Arts
  • Bok Tower Gardens’ International Carillon Festival begins today and runs through Sunday, March 17. Don’t miss daily performances, a Q+A with carillonists today at 11 a.m., and a Floating Lantern Festival on Saturday, March 16 at 7 p.m.
Pets
  • Find a new furry friend at SPCA Florida’s community adoption event with the Lakeland Chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Police. Head to 125 W. Brannen Rd. this Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for family fun and same-day pet adoptions.
Plan Ahead
Job
  • Interested in working in education? Polk County Catholic Schools has multiple job openings for teachers + school staff. See the benefits of working at one of their five local schools and why PCCS educators love what they do.*
 
Holiday

🍀 It’s time to shamrock and roll

Try your luck at these St. Patrick’s Day events
A crowd dressed in green celebrates at a St. Patrick's Day street party. The street is lined with lit palm trees and festive banners are hung between them over the partiers.
It could be your lucky day. | Photo by @btlakeland
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from Friday, March 16 to Sunday, March 17 with these Lakeland events and deals.

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave.
The party starts when doors open at 11 a.m. on Friday. Enjoy a full menu of traditional foods and green beer before the street party begins at 9 p.m.

Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
Live entertainment + food trucks will be at the taproom all weekend, including Just Fun Celtic Music on Friday and Irish food from Fat Maggie’s on Saturday and Sunday.

The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave.
Try the St. Paddy’s Smash and Feelin’ Lucky seasonal cocktails or the corned beef + cabbage egg rolls — they’re only available this Saturday and Sunday.

The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Party in the Yard on Sunday, 1-4 p.m., with live tunes by Micah Madore Music Duo, food by Tito’s Latin Cuisine, and drink deals.
The Buy

The Buy 3.13.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The perfect spring shoe for women, featuring a block heel that won’t get stuck in grassy areas. We love colors “Skyward Suede” and “Gold Leather” for special occassions.
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The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Got your green ready to go? If you’re looking to start the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early, check out even more drink specials available at bars around Polk County.
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