Hello Friday.
April 26 2024
The City of Lakeland is gearing up for its 2021 Municipal Election on Nov. 2, 2021. Qualifying for this year’s elections began on Sept. 13, and ends at noon on Sept. 17. Candidates pay a qualifying fee of $250 + 1% of the position’s annual salary, $696.00 for the Mayor’s seat, and $547.33 for a Commissioner’s seat.
Spots up for election include the seats for Mayor, District C for the southwest, District D for the southeast, and At-Large: Seat 1.
Meet the candidates 👋
Mayor
District D
- Commissioner Mike Musick is a deacon at Heritage Baptist Church and established Leverage Ministries, a nonprofit organization benefiting underserved youth.
- Dr. Shandale Terrell is currently an educator for Polk County Public Schools. He has been actively involved with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and served on the City of Lakeland Gang Task Force.
District C
- Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley is active in the Lakeland community, working particularly with the Harrison School for the Arts Philanthropy Committee and Parent Association, the Lawton Chiles Middle Academy PTO, and others.
- Allyson Lewis is a political organizer who created a wellness-check system during the pandemic to ensure the safety of older adults and hosted public “call to consciousness” forums to discuss racial inequities in 2020.
At-Large Seat 1
The Lakeland Chamber of commerce is hosting its 2021 Political Hob Nob on Wed., Sept. 29, at Yard on Mass at 5:30 p.m. Come to this free event to meet the candidates. More information on how, where, and when to vote can be found below.
Use the buttons below to share this story with someone who needs to meet the 2021 municipal election candidates.
Today
- September Luncheon | Wed., Sept. 15 | 11 a.m. | Cleveland Heights Country Club | $22 | Reserve your spot for this luncheon by Fri., Sept. 9 to hear from guest speaker Nancy Self while creating your own decorative fall craft.
- Happy Ending at Grove Roots Brewing Company | Wed., Sept. 15 | 5 p.m. | Grove Roots Brewing Co. | Free | Happy Ending is serving up your favorites at Grove Roots Brewing, so grab your crew + pick your perfect snacking spot. 🍔
Thursday
Friday
- Canned Tuna Concerts | Fri., Sept. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Bring a can of tuna or any non-perishable food item and enjoy the musical stylings of Dan Signor. 🥫
Saturday
- Central Florida CollectorFest | Sat., Sept. 18 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10+ | This anniversary toy-collecting event is coming back to Lakeland with over 100 tables of collectible items, and parking is free. 🤖
- Central Florida Arms Show | Sat., Sept. 18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd. | $12 | The Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club Educational Center is hosting this year’s arms show all weekend, where parking is free and children 16 and under get free admission with an adult.
Sunday
- Just Between Friends Sale | Sun., Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free | Peruse the goods at this large-scale consignment event in the RP Funding Center’s Sikes Hall.
Monday
- City Commission Meeting | Mon., Sept. 20 | 9-11 a.m. | City Hall | Free | This public meeting addressing city topics is also available for remote viewing. 💻
Tuesday
- Couples Cooking: Well Seasoned | Tues., Sept. 21 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $100 | Take part in a hands-on cooking class for 2 where you’ll explore + enrich your knowledge of seasoning and flavor. 🍴
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
This is a very difficult but important topic, and may be troubling for some readers.
The Greenlaw Foundation is raising funds through individual and community donations to help support struggling veterans | Photo provided by The Greenlaw Foundation
22 veterans die by suicide every day. The rate of active duty suicides has increased over the last 5 years, and veteran-focused organizations are seeing decreased funding as a result of the pandemic.
That’s why SC-based 501C3 nonprofit The Greenlaw Foundation is raising funds through individual + community donations to help support struggling veterans, specifically focusing on preventing veteran suicide and homelessness.
Donations are tax deductible — and will change the lives of veterans in need. Ⓟ
Weather
- 88º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain
Number
- $13,000,000. That’s how much money Polk County allotted for improvements and renovations to public parks in 2022. Parks receiving improvements include Crystal Lake Park in Lakeland, North East Regional Park in Davenport, plus a handful of others across the county. 🌳 (The Ledger)
- $5,000,000. That’s how much Auburndale resident Jose Serrano, who opted for a one-time lump-sum payment of $4,450,000, won in the 200X THE CASH Scratch-Off game. The winning ticket was purchased at a Shell retailer in Vero Beach, which will walk away with a $10,000 prize. 💰 (News Channel 8)
Biz
- Metrc, the Lakeland based cannabis tracking company, added 2 new executives to their staff last week. Metrc originated with strawberry farms in Plant City, and now has clients all across the country. (The Ledger)
- The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre are offering free business coaching, training, financial support, and networking opportunities to female entrepreneurs. For a full list of upcoming webinars + events, click here. 🖥️ (LkldNow)
Now Open
- Medicare Connection, a Lakeland company that helps people choose the best Medicare plan, officially launched last week at 2000 E. Edgewood Dr. Ste. 101. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce welcomed them with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, and they are now open to help Lakeland residents. (The Daily Ridge)
Show
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at Polk Theatre. Watch the cult classic Fri., Oct. 29 and Sat., Oct. 30 — tickets are on sale for $18. 👄
Legacy
- Former Polk County lawyer and Florida Supreme Court Justice Stephen Grimes passed away last week at the age of 93. Stephen graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida Southern before graduating law school at the University of Florida. Stephen served on the Florida Supreme Court for 10 years. (The Ledger)
Try This
- Winter Haven is hosting its annual 7 Rivers Water Festival this Sat., Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join in the festivities and take a free 35-minute boat tour through the Chain of Lakes, run in the 5K, or enjoy the food, prizes, and music. 🌊 (The Daily Ridge)
Today Is
- The first day of Yom Kippur (also known as the Day of Atonement) — the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The Jewish holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service. Shabbat candle lighting is at 7:14 p.m., 18 minutes before sunset. May you have an easy fast.
Sports
The Buy
- Every day feels like Sunday with these joggers from Vuori. The Sunday Performance Joggers are premier in fit, function, and soft stretch — designed to keep you moving with less bulk around your ankles. Get 20% off your first purchase. Ⓟ
Ready for some good news, Lakeland? Jenna O’Brien, former owner of Twenty Seven, shared that the tea blends that made their debut at the whimsical shop are making a comeback.
Color Theory Tea Co. is launching on Saturday, Sept. 25, and will feature the brand’s former bestsellers as well as new blends. Plus, a portion of all proceeds goes to a mental health organization of your choice at checkout. ❤️
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In case you missed it, we shared a new Mexican restaurant coming to 3635 S. Florida Ave., formerly home to Ruby Tuesday. Plaza Mexico’s projected opening date is still to be announced, but we’ll be sure to share it with you once we hear. Have the inside scoop? Share it with us.
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