July 2023 The Lakeland History & Culture Center opened at the Lakeland Public Library this past year and this museum quality space tells the Lakeland story by highlighting different groups that helped shape Lakeland to what it is today.The Center’s inaugural exhibit, “Ties That Bind: 1880-1925,” educates guests on the history of the railroad industry and how transportation played a key role in Lakeland’s early years. The display also incorporates key figures of the community and introduces the public to them through interactive touch screens, artifacts, narratives, and traditional displays.Visitors can interact with touchscreen displays and learn about:Pioneers and Places – Learn the history behind familiar names you see around town like Drane, Pipkin, Rochelle and Munn. Crossing Ties – Read about Lakeland’s history of racial segregation and the events that led to a unified city, such as a visit from Booker T. Washington. Business Directory – See photos and early newspaper advertisements from Lakeland’s long-gone hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. The History Room also has a dedicated DIY digitize space that allows residents to convert older analog videotapes, cassettes, and photographs into a digital format. Stop by the main library located at 100 Lake Morton Drive and visit the History & Culture Center. You’ll be glad you did! More Information  Find Your Next Great Read in the Book Vending Machine at Kelly Recreation ComplexDid you know that the Library has a Book Vending Machine at Kelly Recreation Complex? The vending machine works like a small on-demand library, loaded with popular and bestselling titles for adults and children. Just scan your library card, make a selection, grab your book, and go! The service is free for all library card holders, and you can borrow up to 10 items at a time.Not seeing the authors you love? Place an item on hold for pickup at the Library Book Lockers right next to the Book Vending Machine at Kelly Rec. When you’re finished with your materials, leave them in the book return just around the corner. Questions? Contact Jackson Hager at (863) 834-4295 or Jackson.Hager@lakelandgov.netDowntown West Action Plan Survey There is still time to share your feedback on the Downtown West Action Plan! Fill out the community input form below to make your voice matter.The form is available until July 25, 2023. Take the Survey  Hurricane Season is Upon Us!It’s essential to prepare for potential storms and the impact they can have on our water supply. Here are some tips to help you be ready:Fill up containers with clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning in case of a water service interruption.Trim trees and remove debris from gutters and downspouts. This will prevent blockages that can lead to flooding and water damage.Rain in the forecast? Turn your irrigation system off! Our storm drains and wastewater systems can only handle so much water at one time.Check to ensure that we have the most up-to-date contact information in the system by calling Customer Service 863.834.9535. Boil water notices and other important utility updates are communicated this way.For more information, visit LakelandGov.net/Hurricane. Let’s be prepared and stay safe this hurricane season!Red, White and Kaboom a success!Check out all of the great photos from this year’s Independence Celebration! Thanks to T. Mims Corp. for their continued sponsorship of this cherished event. Recap Photos  Additional Downtown Intersections Will Be Converted to Four-Way StopsStarting Friday, July 21, 2023, five additional intersections in downtown Lakeland will be converted from signalized to all-way stop intersections. The intersections will be converted with flashing lights and stop signs in place to control traffic movements. The following five intersections in the downtown core will join the seven that were converted earlier in the year:Orange Street at Missouri AvenueOrange Street at Tennessee AvenueOrange Street at Kentucky AvenueLime Street at Tennessee AvenueLime Street at Kentucky Avenue Read MoreFDOT Virtual Interactive Workshop Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a Virtual Interactive Workshop for the extension of SunRail commuter rail service into Polk County. The workshop is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through July 31, 2023. Workshop  Registration is open for the 42nd Annual Lakeland Christmas ParadeThe Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland are proud to host the 42nd annual Lakeland Christmas Parade! The parade will take place in Downtown Lakeland Thursday, December 7, 2023. A fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 7 PM will start the festivities! Read MoreRegister for the Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog Today! It’s never too early to save! Now until July 31, receive $10 off registration for the Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog when you use the code: JingleinJuly This is a PRIME DEAL you don’t want to miss out on! Register for the 5k today! Register Here  Things are Heating Up!The Flying Tigers wrap up their roadtrip against the Dunedin Blue Jays before returning for a 6-game homestead against the Daytona Tortugas. This series begins Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 PM with Christmas In July night. Fans can enjoy Christmas themed music and fun throughout the game! Baseball Bingo night also returns during the Tuesday game. Single-game tickets are available all season for as low as $8.Tickets are available here!   Stay up-to-date with all the Neighborhood AssociationCoalition’s affiliate eventsLearn More Get ConnectedStay up to date with city info and local government updates Check out thelatest City Jobs Listen Lakeland Andrew Gash, with the Communications Department, breaks down the City Commission Meeting in our video series “Meeting Minutes.”Watch Past Episodes  Download Our AppOur app is full of features that allow citizens to access the City. Find the latest news, information on events, report an issue and view live meetings with the touch of a button. The newest feature allows citizens to Submit An Idea on ways to improve City services. Users can easily find the app by searching lakelandgov in the app stores. City Jobs Current OpeningsFAQsBenefitsRulesART around TOWN |
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