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Let’s talk city strategy
Join the livestream so you don’t miss a moment. | Screenshot via City of Lakeland
Lakeland city commissioners and staff will meet today and tomorrow for their biannual Strategic Planning Retreat. Topics on the agenda include results from community + departmental surveys, plus deep dives into city infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.
The retreat is open for Lakelanders to join in person at the RP Funding Center or watch online. Day one runs from 8 a.m. to around 5 p.m., and day two begins at 8 a.m. and will end closer to 2 p.m. Both days will be broadcast on the Lakeland Government Network, and we’ll bring you the highlights in upcoming newsletters.
Pro tip: Community members are invited, but this retreat does not include time for public comment.
Asked
Asked
Have you attended a city commission meeting?
A. Yes B. No C. I’ve only watched online D. I plan to soon
This weekend, the global City Nature Challenge goes local at Bonnet Springs Park. Visit to take photos of wild plants and animals or record nature sounds, then upload them to iNaturalist to help scientists. Last year, 3.3 million observations were uploaded worldwide.
Ranked
A stretch of Kathleen Road between I-4 and Sleepy Hill Road ranked No. 5 on Polk’s list of county-owned street segments with the most traffic injuries. The Polk Transportation Planning Organization is using federal funding to study how to make the road safer. (The Ledger)
Development
Just five years after opening, Mi Escuela Montessori has more than doubled its enrollment to 400+ students. The dual-language charter school will open a larger campus in Bartow with space for up to 700 students in January. (Spectrum News 13)
Biz
Ice, ice baby. Winn-Dixie is piloting an autonomous ice microfactory in Plant City that will be run by AI. Relocalize, the tech company behind the microfactory, says producing the ice on a smaller scale + shipping to local stores saves time and energy. (Fox 13 News)
Number
$3,960+. That’s how much The Mosaic Company has donated so far through the Strike Out Hunger initiative. For each strikeout the Lakeland Flying Tigers score this season, Mosaic is donating $60 to programs fighting local food insecurity. Catch a game.
Watch
Publix has released another heartwarming ad, this time featuring dog puppets and the power of pie. We’re not crying, you’re crying.
Asked
Are you a mahjong expert? The game has been gaining popularity lately, and we’re in the mood to play. Let us know where you learn, play, or shop for mahjong tiles.
Every Thursday, lululemon adds new markdowns to its We Made Too Much section. Read: Deals, on deals, on deals. We’re eyeing this breathable short sleeve tee that’s perfect for warm-weather workouts, or this cropped legging that’s a great price for lululemon leggings.*
Editor’s Pick
The menu features Japanese fluffy pancakes, shokupan avocado toast, and Wagyu steak + eggs.
Photos provided by Hakucho
Is this the hottest table in town? Hakucho is kicking off brunch service this Sunday, April 26, and all reservations have already been booked. Good thing it will return 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday.
I tried the new menu early, and the chicken karaage + waffles with a spicy syrup are not to be missed. My friend ordered the chicken katsu caesar salad — it was the biggest salad I’ve ever seen in my life — and our server said the French toast on Japanese milk bread was also a hit.
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The 2024 Strategic Planning Meeting was where commissioners approved plans for Munn Park’s redesign, so I’ll be watching today’s meeting closely to see if anything big comes up to share with readers. (If you’re wondering, there haven’t been any updates on the park renovations in a bit.)
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