Most boards + committees meet once a month here at City Hall. | Photo by @justlakelandpics
Swan City citizens like you are integral to creating the Lakeland we love. Wondering how you can make an impact? Serve on one of nearly 20 municipal boards and committees focused on arts, development, housing, and more — two are now accepting applications.
Code Enforcement Board | 7 members | Meets monthly
Enforces city codes + ordinances, imposes fines for violations
Opening for one alternate member
Beautification Board | 6 members | Meets monthly
Advises the city on natural preservation + beautification projects, gives Beautification Awards to local businesses and residences
Opening for two members
Pro tip: If you live outside Lakeland city limits, check out Polk County’s advisory board openings — applications are always open to throw your hat in the ring.
A new subdivision planned for south Lakeland received approval from county commissioners after a 3-2 vote. Highlands Club will consist of 747 single-family homes on 300 acres on Crews Lake Drive, including some lakefront properties. (The Ledger)
Health
Lakeland Regional Health and Tampa General Hospital are partnering up to streamline + improve patient care. Oncology specialists from Tampa General’s Cancer Institute will bring their expertise to LRH’s Hollis Cancer Center to serve more patients with complex care needs.
Eat
Good Thyme lives on at Cob & Pen, which is soft-launching lunch service today. Starting at 11 a.m., you’ll be able to enjoy a midday meal, including some brunch favorites from Good Thyme that are yet to be revealed. Here’s hoping for breakfast burritos.
Seasonal
Strawberry Season Passports are back in Plant City, giving you access to special offers from eight local businesses through March. Buy your passport for $10 from Parkesdale Market or Keel Farms, then explore more farms for delicious deals all season long.
Arts
Learn from the experts at the AGB Museum of Art’s new Distinguished Lecture Series. The first speaker, Dr. Victoria Addona, will present on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. Registration is free for museum members and $10 for non-members.
Answered
How cold did it get during Polk’s “Big Freeze” of 1894? After an 85º morning just days before, citrus growers were shocked to wake up to 20º weather. Just 48% of readers got this trivia question correct — see what happened two months later.
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Category
Travel
✈️ More planes, more jobs, more flights
Avelo will replace some of its aircraft with more efficient Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. | Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
After shaking up its finances, Avelo Airlines is focusing on its long-term strategy, and Lakeland plays a major part.
Lakeland International Airport (LAL) is one of four current bases where Avelo will concentrate its operations this year. The company plans to add two Boeing Next‑Generation 737‑800 aircraft to LAL’s fleet, as well as 40 local jobs.
What does that mean for Lakelanders? Expect more frequent flights to Charlotte/Concord, NC (another one of Avelo’s bases) and Atlanta, GA by the spring travel season.
Nonstop flights to its seven other destinations will also continue. Right now, you can book flights through late April. Spring break, here we come.
The Buy
Every Thursday, lululemon adds new markdowns to its We Made Too Much section. Read: Deals, on deals, on deals. This is what we’re shopping this week:
47% — Out of state 32% — Abroad 31% — Somewhere within driving distance 10% — Staycationing at home 1% — Somewhere else (the Caribbean islands, to be exact)
Ready to join a local board? Don’t forget that the Polk County Lakes Access Advisory Committee is actively seeking a new member. Resumes will be accepted through the close of business tomorrow.
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