Plus, $56 million given in grants.
 
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Today’s Forecast

93º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. | Sunset 8:06 p.m.
 

One city’s trash is another one’s street art

Where does Lakeland need street art?
Street art on a small dumpster painted mustard yellow with folk-inspired plant and animal paintings.
Find more Trash Can-vases like this around downtown Plant City. | Photo by LALtoday
City editor Connor here. I was recently in downtown Plant City when a dumpster caught my eye. I don’t think that’s ever happened before, but this bright yellow trash bin behind the Krazy Kup coffee shop really was a work of art. After doing some dumpster diving digging online, I found out that it’s a street art piece by Victoria Creel for Plant City’s Trash Can-vas Project.

The project is a collaboration between the City of Plant City, Plant City Main Street, and MAKE Plant City. Funding mainly came from an Arts Council of Hillsborough County Community Arts Impact Grant. It’s not the only project the groups have worked together on — you’ll also find works of art adorning electrical boxes around downtown.

An in-ground water meter painted with a water conservation message

Lakeland Water Utilities tapped Gaby’s Art Gallery for these water meter paintings on Kentucky Avenue.

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Photo by @gabysartgallery

This got us thinking: could Lakeland use something like this? Our town may be known for its many murals, but will we ever run out of wall space? That part may be a stretch, but local government entities like the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency have funded similar arts projects in the past:
We’re thinking of other unexpected spots around town for some vibrant street art. Maybe the trash cans in downtown could be brightened, or the green electrical boxes around Lake Morton could get spruced up.

Think outside the canvas and tell us if you’d like to see more art infused around Lakeland (and if so, where) below.
Asked

Should Lakeland add more street art?
A. Yes, the more the better.
B. Yes, but just murals.
C. No, I like what we have.
D. No, I’m not a fan.
What's your artistic opinion?
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 14
  • Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | Free entry | Cut loose with line dancing lessons, followed by karaoke at 8 p.m.
  • Live Trivia with Hold On I Know This | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | Swan Brewing | Free entry | Grab a beer, order from The Cultivated Pig, and show your smarts to win prizes.
Thursday, Aug. 15
  • Rock Painting with Jin’s Art Florida | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Enjoy a morning of painting in the sunshine — materials will be provided, but bring your own chair.
  • Stargazing at the Rooftop | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 8-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free entry | Head to the Rooftop Bar to view stars through a telescope with cocktail specials in hand.
Friday, Aug. 16
Saturday, Aug. 17
  • Fine Art at the Magnolia | Saturday, Aug. 17-Sunday, Aug. 18 | Times vary | Magnolia Building | Free | Paintings, fiber art, sculptures, and more works by 19 artists will be on display.
  • Southern Soulfood Surf & Turf Festival | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Saddle Creek Park & Campground | Free entry | Bring your lawn chairs for a day full of surf + turf bites, entertainment, and a kids’ zone.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Biz
  • The 2024 Inc. 5000 list is out, with several local businesses among the fastest-growing in the US. Lakeland’s Curious Jane and AgAmerica ranked at No. 1,085 and 2,750, respectively. Ultra Cryo & Recovery in Auburndale ranked the highest locally at No. 279.
Open
  • Take a hike, because Circle B Bar Reserve is open again following Hurricane Debby. Keep an eye out for flooding + wet trails, and remember some trails are still closed for alligator mating season.
Number
  • $56 million. That’s how much the Lakeland-based GiveWell Community Foundation gave in grant money last fiscal year. GiveWell issued the most grants out of six community foundations in the Tampa Bay area and had the third-highest revenue. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Job
  • The school year began this week, and PCPS still has 330 openings for teaching positions across the district. Browse the openings for teachers, administrators, and non-instructional positions, including dozens in Lakeland schools. (LkldNow)
Lakelander
  • He shoots, he scores. Lakeland’s Andy Glogower won first place in the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 2024 International Photography Competition’s nature category. His winning photo will be on display at Tampa International Airport through Aug. 25. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
  • Florida Southern College is gearing up to welcome students back this weekend, and president Dr. Jeremy Martin is nearly two weeks into his role. Learn more about FSC’s new leader in a Q+A where he shared five things Lakelanders should know about him. (LkldNow)
Eat
  • The Terrace Grille will be featured on the TV series “Florida Eats,” with filming taking place during dinner service on Monday, Aug. 26. Make a reservation to be included in the background as you dine and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.
Kids
  • The Aerospace Center for Excellence is introducing a new educational program for kids ages 3-5 called STEM Sprouts. Starting in September, youngsters can learn a new aviation + STEM concept each Monday morning. Registration is required.
Cause
Finance
  • Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*
Shop
  • These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
 
Civic

Commissioners budge on the budget

Lakeland City Commission begins 2025 budget talks
Lakeland City Hall sign in grass and flowers in front of building
The next fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. | Photo by LALtoday
At the City of Lakeland’s first budget workshop in July, the City Commission informally voted to raise the maximum advertised property tax rate from 5.4323 to 6.0529 mills per every $1,000 of appraised property value.

In the second workshop on Monday, Aug. 12, commissioners decided instead to consider two budget scenarios: one raising the millage rate to the 2018 rate of 5.5644 mills, and another raising it to 5.62 mills.

In addition to routine expenditures, the proposed budget currently includes new police officer + firefighter positions, plus funding for the Police Athletic League’s new building, a proposed senior center, and local arts programs.

Mark your calendar for the formal budget hearings on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. to share your thoughts with commissioners. You can also watch any budget workshops you missed.
The Buy

The Buy 8.14.24 (Affiliate)
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More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
If you need some new dining options, check out the pop-ups that keep, well, popping up at Catapult. Meraki Bakehouse will treat your sweet tooth, By the Chef pizza has Friday dinner covered, and Pinoy Cravings will soon return with savory lunch boxes.
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