General Fund

• $183,291,370 — This fund covers public safety (Lakeland Police + Fire Departments), parks and recreation, city personnel, and other day-to-day operational costs.

Strategic Plan target areas

• $26,602,894 — Infrastructure projects, including new sidewalks + multipurpose trails, traffic calming projects, and sewer upgrades
• $8,938,941 — Economic development funding for initiatives like Downtown West and the East Main Street district, plus beautification and parks + recreation enhancements
• $1,730,893 — Public safety (think: new firefighters and police officer recruitment)
• $322,747 — Culture, which includes art infusion and the next phase of the historic district resurvey

• $375,000 — Public art projects through the Mayor’s Council on the Arts
• $250,000 — Second non-recurring payment to the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
• $100,000 — Matching grant for a future Police Athletic League (PAL) building
• $100,000 — Matching grant for a senior center

• Power Hour Fitness Class | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | $10 | Work up a sweat in this strength + aerobics class led by world record-holder Ayecia Bryant.
• Jukebox Bingo | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free entry | See if the next song is on your bingo card in this musical game of chance — dining reservations recommended.

• Learn and Play: A Family Herb Workshop | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 4-5 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Bring your little gardeners for a hands-on workshop about growing herbs at home.
• Southeastern University Faculty Gala | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 7 p.m. | All Saints Episcopal Church | Free | SEU School of Music faculty will showcase their skills through solos, duets, and trios.

• Salsa Fundamentals | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $10 | Gain a better understanding of salsa dancing with classes followed by socials in Munn Park.

• 14th Annual Mayors Roundtable | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Polk State College Center for Public Safety, Winter Haven | Free | Polk County’s mayors will meet for a public discussion of the key issues residents face.

• A Tribute To Journey and Heart | Friday, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $25+ | Don’t stop believin’, start buying your tickets to this tribute by Wild Child.

• Work began last week on Lakeland’s first two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Drane Field + Waring Roads. FDOT will spend $14.2 million to construct the roundabout and resurface part of Drane Field Road. The project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2026. (The Ledger)

• There’s a new coffee shop in town serving up breakfast, lunch, and even boba tea. Rogue Coffee is now in soft opening mode near Lake Wire in west downtown, next to Earn Your Stripes Fitness. We recommend trying one of everything like we did.

• A second Mega Mercado location is opening today at 8:30 a.m. in the former Tapatio’s location on South Florida Avenue. Stop in to shop from the market or order from the restaurant (it has City Editor Amelia’s favorite tacos in town).

• Lakeland’s home affordability has increased 5.9% since mortgage interest rates decreased in May, and the local cost of living is around 8.4% cheaper than the national average. See what it costs to call Swan City home. (GOBankingRates)

• The 2024 list of Great Colleges to Work For is out, and Southeastern University is one of only 75 schools to make the cut. The survey graded colleges based on employee pride, supervisor effectiveness, and staff well-being.

• Emporium Art Collective is seeking artwork for its next fine art showcase starting in November, plus vendors for the Dixieland Night Market. Interested artists, artisans + makers can now apply online to be considered for upcoming events.

• Preventative + whole-family care that stands at the forefront of every health decision — yep, that’s why choosing a good primary care doctor is so important. See how Lakeland Regional Health’s 50+ primary care providers partner with you for all your healthcare needs, and schedule a checkup for you or your family.*

• Lyft’s Women+ Connect empowers women and nonbinary drivers. New drivers (of any gender) earn a $400 bonus for 40 rides in seven days. Terms apply.*

• On Friday we shared that the newly opened Adams Athletic Performance Center at Florida Southern College contained locker rooms for all basketball + lacrosse teams. However, we’ve learned that while all these teams have offices in the center, only women’s lacrosse will have a new locker room. Nevertheless — go Mocs.