How many Wal-Marts do we need?

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, has proposed building a 207,205-square-foot “supercenter” on Kathleeen Road at I-4, but the company will have to allay the concerns of city planning officials on traffic and zoning issues.– Lakeland Ledger

Seriously, I live just off downtown Lakeland and there are seven Wal-Marts within 15 miles of my house. Five of them are “Super Stores.” They’re building another at the Polk Parkway and Lakeland Highlands Road.

On average, entry by either a Kmart or a Wal-Mart store displaces forty to fifty
percent of the small discount firms. — What Happens When Wal-Mart Comes to Town: An
Empirical Analysis of the Discount Retailing Industry by Panle Jia

I’d be interested to hear from Wal-Mart fans. Do you believe we need that many this close to town? Do you shop at only Superstores?

I remember when Wal-Mart campaigned that it was a Buy American kind of store. Well, Sam Walton is dead. Here’s what I read now:

According to Ted Fishman, author of the newly published China, Inc., “…there’s a Chinese component in virtually every aisle you walk there in Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart is the conduit for all of the output of the Chinese economy directly into American lives.” Fishman also notes, “…70 percent of the things sold in Wal-Mart stores have a Chinese component to them.” And a stock analyst for Gladstone Capital notes that figure is even higher, saying, “They have about 70 percent of their products coming from China, not including the food products.” The “Buy American” program has virtually vanished, as “its shelves bear little trace of the ‘Buy American’ philosophy of its founder,” notes the Washington Post. [CNN, 2/16/05; NPR, 2/12/05; Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 3/27/05; Gladstone Capital Quarterly Shareholders Call, 2/10/05; Washington Post, 10/29/03] — Walmartwatch.com

I’m obviously pro-local ownership of businesses. I’m also pro-growth and responsible corporations. I just would like to know where Wal-Mart stands.

Update: Jan 18, 2007: Wal-Mart canceled a meeting with the city about the new store: “The city has not rescheduled the meeting. Earlier city officials told The Ledger the property was not zoned for a supercenter and that they had concern the roads could handle the increased traffic”

Louisville – Lakeland

I might have mentioned that I moved here from the Louisville, Kentucky area. On the Ledger Forum I found another ex-Louisivillian looking to move to Lakeland. He wanted to know a bit about our fair community. I explained in terms I knew he’d find familiar.

You can stop reading here if you’ve never lived in Louisville.

Originally posted by UKCatfan: We originally came from Louisville, KY which is 1M people. Cape Coral seems almost too small for us, so more rural would not make us happy. I believe that Bartow and Winter Haven would just seem too small. We do not need to be right in the action, but at least close. The other areas seem like they are getting too far away for the commute time.

I’d say make the move. Louisville housing prices are lower than here in Lakeland, but there are some big advantages to this “small town.”

Living in Lakeland makes a trip to Disney seem about as long as driving to Louisville to Frankfort. We can get to the beach in about the same time.

South Florida Ave. equals Bardstown Road for traffic. That makes Hwy 98 Lakeland’s version of Frankfort Ave. Neither have the restaurants you’re used to in Louisville though. There are some good places to eat here, but I haven’t yet discovered a Bristols, Lynn’s Paradise, or North Side Cafe.

High school football is king here, just like back in Louisville. Football seems more popular than basketball though. If you like baseball, the Detroit Tigers have spring training here.

The University of South Florida is making a big commitment to Lakeland. In a few years they plan to have a school larger than U of L, but not as large as UK. Florida Southern College is about the size of Bellarmine, but the campus has Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings.

The elementary schools are about the same as in Louisville. (Not quite like the East End schools, but most are solid schools.) Some Lakeland schools have problems with overcrowding. I’d say look at the magnet schools.

The regular bus system is no where near the level of TARC. I don’t know about the school bus system, but I can bike my daughter to school in less than 15 minutes.

(Oh, yes, you can actually bike around here! It’s not just riding through Cherokee Park.)

Anyway, write me if you have any other questions. And if you move here, a welcome cup of tea is on me.

Lakeland doesn’t have an Olmstead designed park system, but I have high hopes we’ll see a major park push in the next decade.

I made a couple of edits from my original Ledger Forum post.

Photo illustration “Lynn’s Fountain” CC by Vidiot

The Lakeland Lake Morton Draft Al Gore Meetup Group

I’m not one to make a lot of political posts, but on the Ledger Forum I caught wind of this new Meetup group. Who couldn’t notice such a specific name? I’m sure, however, you can join if you’re not from Lake Morton.

The first meeting will be to get acquainted and to discuss a strategy for building the group, i.e., getting the word out.

We will discuss how we will structure ourselves as an organized group and outline our objectives.

Subsequent meetings wil be outlined as we grow. — Rev Walter M Dow

The first meeting is Tuesday, Feb 6, 2007, 7:00 PM. It looks like they have room only for the first 25 that express an interest. You can get all the information at their Meetup.com page.

Photo illustration CC by Steve Rhodes

Burglary near Lake Hollingsworth

An update to Always Be Careful from this afternoon. There was a theft traced back to the phony Lakeland city employee, and he had an accomplice.

The robbery began innocently enough. An elderly Cleveland Park man answered his door to find a stranger. The man explained he worked for the city and needed access to the resident’s back yard. They walked through the house into the back yard. The faux employee explained to the elderly man that the city planned to widen the alley behind the house.

The resident later told neighbors the man kept him talking a long time. The conversation was interrupted when the resident’s wife called from the house. She had finished bathing and came out to find a man leaving their house. She noticed items were in disarray and called out to her husband.

As her husband went back into his house a neighbor noticed the fake employee walking down the alley. He questioned the man and was given the same “widening the alley” story. The neighbor thought it odd, especially when the man quickly walked away down the alley. The neighbor walked around the block looking for a city car or truck, and found none. He then called the city to find no work was planned for the alley.

The elderly homeowner and his wife lost valuables today, but fortunately neither were hurt. Unfortunately, this type of crime isn’t rare. It’s called “deception burglary.”

From the Baltimore County, Maryland website:

Suspects, posing as legitimate workers, approach elderly homeowners at their residence with the intent of gaining entry under a seemingly legitimate role: local gas company, water department, cable company, tree trimmers, pavers, County inspectors, or government officials. One suspect will distract the homeowner while a second suspect will enter the home and search inside for valuables and cash.

Another type of ruse used to gain entry into the home is for a suspect to knock on the door and ask for a pen and piece of paper to leave the victim’s neighbor a note. The suspect may appear to have difficulty writing the note, and will ask to come inside the house. Once inside the victim’s house, the suspect will ask the victim to help write the note. As the suspect keeps the victim occupied, others enter the residence to remove money and valuables.

A variety of vehicles have been associated with these subjects including pick-up trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles.

Be particularly alert to anyone in your neighborhood looking to perform home repairs, or asking to gain entry into your home. Be sure to ask to see identification and let them know you are going to call and get authorization from their company before allowing them access. If they are legitimate, they won’t mind the wait.

Remember, do not intervene, but call 911 immediately about suspicious activity.

The South Wales (U.K.) Police Force offers good advice to anyone answering the door:

Divisional Crime Prevention Officer, PC Dick Collins said, “It is always important to remember the simple stop, check and chain advice whenever someone calls at your door.

STOP – Are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment
CHAIN – Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
CHECK– Ask for and double-check the caller’s I.D.

To check ID you can call the City of Lakeland at (863) 834-6000. The Lakeland City Police emphasize always dial 911 for emergencies. Their non-emergency number is (863) 834-6900.

The Lakeland City Police Community Services Unit can speak to your group about Neighborhood Watch, Elderly Services, or crime prevention. You can contact Sgt. Mike Spade at (863) 834-6912 for more information.

Photo illustration CC by Brenda Wallace

Always Be Careful

Some neighbors in the Cleveland Park neighborhood (near Florida Southern College) noticed some suspicious activity this afternoon. A man was walking through yards and an alley. When questioned he said he was with the city and looking for property lines. He mentioned the city was planning to pave the alley. The man left without showing any ID. A call to the city couldn’t find a department planning any work in the area.

This is a reminder to everyone: Lakeland city employees carry picture identification badges.

Employees on city business would be more than happy to show their identification. If someone comes to your yard and balks at showing ID, be careful.

If you need to call the city to confirm any work on your street or alley call the city at: (863) 834-6000.

Photo illustration CC by richardmasoner

Always Be Careful

Some neighbors in the Cleveland Park neighborhood (near Florida Southern College) noticed some suspicious activity this afternoon. A man was walking through yards and an alley. When questioned he said he was with the city and looking for property lines. He mentioned the city was planning to pave the alley. The man left without showing any ID. A call to the city couldn’t find a department planning any work in the area.

This is a reminder to everyone: Lakeland city employees carry picture identification badges.

Employees on city business would be more than happy to show their identification. If someone comes to your yard and balks at showing ID, be careful.

If you need to call the city to confirm any work on your street or alley call the city at: (863) 834-6000.

Photo illustration CC by richardmasoner

Whoa Nelly!

I didn’t take the opportunity to stop and take a photo. However, I can explain why there were four police cruisers slowing traffic on the Polk Parkway at Lakeland Highlands Road this morning just before 8 a.m.

Cattle. More specifically a single domesticated member of the genus Bos.

The soon to be hamburger had wandered through a fence onto the Parkway. The police, having braved alligators in the recent past, were channeling their inner cowboy to herd said bovine away from the road.

True, they stayed in their brightly flashing steads instead of jumping out to wrestle the mad cow to the ground, but they were able to coax him against a fence and away from the rush hour commuters.

I wonder if any of our finest can handle a lariat?

Photo illustration, CC Road Sign near Fitzroy S30183, by yaruman5

When flowers aren’t enough…

Though it wasn’t in John Deere Green, Tom Talley expressed his love for Carrol Suzann Edwards.

I found the sign today on Bartow Road (US-98) near S. Combee Road, but didn’t go inside for an explanation. Sometimes, it is best not to reveal the magic.

Lakeland’s Urban Legend?

A Lakeland news story has been added to the popular site, Snopes.com. The site investigates urban legends, especially those circulated by e-mail, and pronounces them based on fact or fiction.

In the article, Ammo Dump, an e-mail is tested for accuracy:

Another case of underestimating the ammo requirements

As reported earlier this week, some dirtbag who got pulled over in a routine traffic stop in Florida ended up “executing” the deputy who stopped him.

The deputy was shot eight times, including once behind his right ear at close range.

Another deputy was wounded and a police dog killed.

A statewide manhunt ensued. The low-life piece of human garbage was found hiding in a wooded area with his gun. SWAT team officers fired and hit said low-life 68 times.

Now here’s the kicker: Asked why they shot the guy 68 times, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told the Orlando Sentinel … get this. “That’s all the bullets we had.”

God bless Sheriff Judd!

That’s a fairly recent, and highly publicized story here in Lakeland. Snopes.com writer, Barbara Mikkelson, concluded the gist of the e-mail is accurate. I didn’t remember reading the “all the bullets we had” quote in The Ledger. I tried to check the Orlando Sentinel, but they only keep online seven-days worth of news. However, the quote is repeated in an AP report stored by Jacksonville, FL station WOKV. So, I guess the Associated Press stands by it.

The story was discussed by readers of the blog of Dilbert author, Scott Adams. They primarily debated whether a SWAT team of 9 officers would carry a mere 12 bullets each.

Photo CC by kitsu

Merry Christmas

For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation. — Rainer Maria Rilke

Lakeland Flying Tigers Website

No, the new official address for the Lakeland Flying Tigers isn’t live. But, I believe this site on Minor League Baseball is a sneak preview.

The team has a new fan club, and an expanded season ticket package. Details won’t be set until after the 1st. I’ll post more as I get the information.

This and That: Christmas

If you need a gift-wrapped and you want to help out a worthy cause: Good Shepherd Hospice has a gift-wrapping booth at Lakeside Village. The booth is near the Christmas Tree and BD Mongolian Grill. It’ll be open noon to mall closing today through Sunday. If you’ve already wrapped all your gifts then call Lori McDonnell at (863) 393-6818 to volunteer.

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All our thoughts and prayers for Gabriela Trinidade.

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Let’s wish George Jenkins High School defensive coordinator Gabriel S. Alvarado gets a head coaching job in 2007.

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We’re thankful for USF and PCC.

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Thanks to all the Santa volunteers at the Post Office.

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Let’s all wish Christmas brings the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce a heart that grows three times bigger.

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Photo Christmas in Florida CC by Pandarine

You have a Voice

You’re sitting there reading this site and thinking “I can do that.”

You can. Easily. You don’t need special software or a college degree. You just need a desire to write. Share your concerns, your memories, your rants and raves.

Just don’t bring up that time in 5th grade. No one wants to hear that story again.

So, we’ve established you have something to write about. Here’s the place to write it: Polk Voice. It’s a site for and by the citizens of Polk County. (Yes, that includes all residents of Lakeland.)

It takes a minute to register, and about two to read the rules, and you’re on your way to hyperlocal blog stardom! (Ok, closer to being on the way to giving your family one more place to read what you think of, well, anything.) [Note: except wedgies in the 5th grade. They've heard that story every Christmas.]

Publishing your concerns and cares takes a minimum of computer software knowledge. The Polk Voice interface lets you type it exactly the way you want to see it. Enter your text. Click a button to make it bold or another to highlight your sister’s comments in italics. There are few more buttons to make the text appear in different colors or sizes, but there is no need to make your readers remember the Sixties. Just save those fancy buttons for your 4th of July post.

Press a button when you’re finished typing and the whole-wide world can see you misspelled Lakleand. Fix that and they can read, laugh, cry, or get really angry at the city council. All because of you.

The Polk Voice is operated by The Lakeland Ledger. They must be running it out of the goodness of their hearts. (Yes, occasionally corporations have hearts.) They don’t charge you for space or the extra-special features. And, as far as I can see, they don’t have an advertisement on the site. It’s a pretty rare newspaper that gives its readers such an easily accessible and open forum.

Give it a try. Even if you feel a strong need to discuss 5th grade wedgies from your best friend. Who knows? Maybe he’ll read your post and get you to meet him over lunch to discuss old times.

And then you’ll have your chance to give him a wedgie back for revenge.

Lake Hollingsworth Clearing

Is the beauty of a lake in its serene surface or the plant and animal life of its shoreline? It has to be a mix of the two, and you shouldn’t remove the shore life simply for an unobstructed view of the lake. Anyone who walks Lake Hollingsworth lately has found it easier to see the water. Florida Southern University hired a crew to clear the shore line. Ledger columnist Tom Palmer addresses the work in today’s column:

I guess the most offensive part of the work isn’t what the college’s work crew removed, but what it left behind.

The workers cut down or lopped off pines, willows and oaks, but left standing were 20 Chinese tallow trees, which federal wildlife officials consider the worst invasive tree species in the Southeast. One Brazilian pepper, another troublesome invader, also remained untouched.

The brush-clearing project has given both invaders ideal conditions to further infest the shoreline.

A better-thought-out plan would have been welcome. — The Nature of Things

Read the Chinese Tallow and Brazilian pepper links. You’ll wonder why FSC kept those trees. The photo is from Anchor Park in May 2005. That day we also saw a couple of rabbits and a really fast turtle. Much was cleared from around the lake after that date. We didn’t see any ducks in that area in 2006.

Photo CC by Chuck Welch

A New Sun?

Wait for the Lakeland connection to this one….

Polk County-based Frisbie Publishing Co. Inc. was sold this week to the Sun Coast Media Group Inc.. Or, to put it another way, S.L. Frisbie IV sold his company to Derek Dunn-Rankin.

If you still don’t know who I’m talking about then you’re also new to town. Basically, the guy that owned and ran the Polk County Democrat sold his newspapers to the guy that is president of the company that publishes the Charlotte Sun, North Port Sun, Englewood Sun and DeSoto Sun.

How does the Polk County Sun sound?

The Polk County Democrat has been a family-run paper for 75 years. It seems Frisbie Generation Five didn’t want to run the company. So, Frisbie IV sold the company to an old friend.

But S.L. Frisbie said that, despite various offers over the years, Sun Coast and the Dunn-Rankin family is the only organization he’s ever seriously considered to continue his publishing ventures. Indeed, he approached the Dunn-Rankins about a possible deal shortly after they attended the Polk County Democrat’s 75th anniversary celebration in late August. — Desoto Sun Herald

How does this tie into Lakeland? Well, some of the 9,000+ readers of the Democrat live in town. And, more importantly, the new owners of the Democrat might be setting their sites on joining The Lakeland Ledger as a Polk County daily newspaper.

So, while there are no immediate plans to increase the frequency of publication, Frisbie said that he could foresee a day when Polk County readers will demand more news. “Sun Coast has an outstanding track record in converting weekly newspapers to dailies,” he said. — Desoto Sun Herald

I don’t see it. Competing daily newspapers are so last century. Still, I wish all the employees and readers of the Polk County Sun Democrat all the best.

Publix Sabors

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets executed a similar strategy when the chain opened its two Publix Sabors in Kissimmee and Hialeah, says spokeswoman Maria Brous. “That is what we do with all of our stores: identify the consumer and understand the community while carrying items and providing a service that customers will be looking for,” she explains. She adds that South Florida’s Hispanic community is multigenerational, with extended families living under one roof, a familial structure that shifts the farther north one goes. This observation guided the way Publix laid out its current Sabor stores and two more planned for 2007. — Hispanic Trending

With Lakeland as the company’s home base, I wonder when we’re going to get a Publix Sabor? Everything I’ve read about the concept emphasizes the expanded bakery. I want a shot at finding some new pastries.

See Also:

Publix Expands Hispanocentric Sabor Supermarkets

Publix SABOR: In-stores Uncover Broad Audience — Publix Super Markets’ new store format is targeted to Hispanics, but its bakeries’ top quality products and extensive selection bring fans from beyond their niche.

Hide the laundry and sweep the deck

We have guests.

It’s Christmas season. A lot of us are having family in for a White Christmas. Yes, blinding sun and white sand makes for a festive time.

With all the folks unfamiliar with our roads and odd traffic rules — during rain speed limits are doubled for residents and halved for visitors — we need to drive extra carefully. No one wants to spend Christmas listening to Christmas Muzik in the ER.

Speaking of visitors to Lakeland: Everyone say “Hi” to Warrick and Annmarie, Sweetie and La Poo. We hope you enjoy your stay.

Friends of Joe Prine

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? I have an idea, but first I have something to quote:

In the early 1990’s, Joe Prine almost single-handedly revived the live music scene in Lakeland, bringing performers including; Roy Book Binder, Steve Young, Eric Taylor, Richard Shindell, Michael Smith and Trout Fishing in America.

In 1996, Joe Prine brought Willie & Lobo to the Renaissance Ironworks in downtown Lakeland. Then they appeared later that year at an outdoor performance in Munn Park and mesmerized an audience of thousands with their gypsy and flamenco sounds.

Joe continued to bring acts to Lakeland until a few years ago including venues at Arts on the Park and also organized the music at Mayfaire on Lake Morton. He helped provide a forum for local musical artists including Ken West, Bill Peed and Bryan Rivers.

Joe died on April 17, 2005 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, but his legacy will go on. — joeprine.org

The Friends of Joe is a not-for-profit group dedicated to bringing good music to downtown Lakeland. On Election Day I met FOJ President Anne Kearton, and if she runs this group as well as she ran her precinct, you’re in for a festive and flawless show.

Did I say show? Yes, there is a concert this Saturday at 8 pm. The Lakeland band Angus Kahn and The Cantiga Project from Sarasota are headlining. I understand the concert will end with a special sing-along. Who doesn’t love to lend their voice on a fun Saturday night? (Well, actually, my wife prefers I don’t lend mine. She gets tired of the folks around me asking that I take it back.)

And now the details:

8 pm Saturday, December 16, 2006. Arts on the Park gallery, 115 North Kentucky Ave.

Tickets student $5.00 adults $10.00.

Call (863) 646-1972 for information.

Only 13 Shopping Days Left!!!

I’m prejudiced. I’d rather shop at a locally owned store. There is something about seeing your neighbor behind the counter and knowing he or she will directly benefit from your patronage. The sign at left sits in front of Brooke Pottery at 223 North Kentucky Avenue. Gloria Brooke shop is one of the success stories of the block. (Others haven’t fared as well.)

There isn’t much I could tell you about Brooke Pottery that hasn’t been said by better writers in the Ledger and other local publications. Suffice it to say, that when my family first entered her shop she greeted us warmly. Her shop was buzzing with patrons and staff, and even with the hubbub she took the time to welcome us to Lakeland.

Take the time to walk downtown Lakeland. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of shops and shopkeepers like Gloria Brooke. Buy a bibelot or two…dozen. I’m sure your dad doesn’t need a new tie though.

This and That: History

The Florida Memory Project mixes photographs, oral history, and other records of Florida through the years. At left is a photo from 1993 showing Lakeland resident Reginald Reese making a net while Max Dooley looks on. Included in the collection is the World War I induction card for Lakeland resident Bert Hunter Lane, and a film about the 1953 Pop Warner League Santa Claus Bowl.

Photo by the Folklife Collection of the Florida Memory Project

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The December 9th NASA launch as seen from Lakeland..

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As part of the Memory Project “highly skilled art students create original portraits for children living in orphanages around the world.” A Lakeland student participating in the project was quoted today in the Washington Post:

“This project is changing how I look at my life,” said Lakeland, Florida’s Mikayla Sanford, 16. “I cannot even begin to comprehend what these children’s lives are like.” Mikayla hopes the portraits will help the orphans know that people care about them.

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After the jump is a partial transcript from today’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Why would I include that? Well, Lakeland resident Mary Ellen Krakowski appeared on the show. And that’s also part of Lakeland history…

Snowfest 2006

Snow comes to Lakeland, Florida each winter at the Snowfest. This little one is remembering how much she loves snow. A few minutes after this photo she’ll remember how much she hates cold, wet mittens.

This year Snowfest was held at the USF/PCC campus. The event was moved from Lake Mirror primarily due to the Main Street Realignment Project. It also gave the city and county the opportunity to officially open the Fort Fraser Trail – a bike, walk, and run path from the corner of Winter Lake Road and Bartow Road into Bartow.

A butterfly release and the usual photo op officially opened the trail.

This and That: Golf Edition

Because you’ll never get a golf course review from me:

Cleveland Heights is a good find. It’s essentially in downtown Lakeland, but it has a variety of wildlife, including alligators, hawks, eagles and other Florida animals.

It was built back in 1927 and designed by a man named W.S. Flynn, a contemporary of Donald Ross, who obviously influenced his work: the course has the small, elevated greens Ross loved so much. — Tim McDonald

Photo CC by Dean Shareski

links for 2006-12-09

• fd’s Flickr Toys
  (tags: flickr photography photos Photo toys tools)

Lakeland Poverty

In yesterday’s Ledger you might have read the article entitled Poverty Joins the Flight To Suburbia Across U.S.. I’ll pull out a quote:

“Economies are regional now,” said Alan Berube, who co-wrote the report for the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. “Where you see increases in city poverty, in almost every metropolitan area, you also see increases in suburban poverty.”

That simply means, the poor are not the problem of the city, but of the region. And those moving to the suburbs are not going to be able to hide ostrich-like and pretend the poor don’t exist.

The Ledger didn’t pull out the Lakeland numbers from the report, but I will. Lakeland lands in at 10th in the 2005 list of suburbs with the highest poverty rates. In the list below, the first number for each year is the percentage of the total population that falls under the poverty level. The number in parentheses is the percentage of poor under-18.

Lakeland Metropolitan Statistical Area

1999: 12.9 % (19.6 %)
2005: 13.7 % (22.6 %)
MOE 1.5% (2.9 %)

Lakeland Central City

1999: 15.0 % (24.4 %)
2005: 14.3 % (27.7 %)
MOE 3.1% (8.3 %)

Lakeland Suburbs

1999: 12.5 % (18.9 %)
2005: 13.6 % (21.6 %)
MOE 1.9% (3.8 %)

MOE: Margin of Error

So, Lakeland’s city core total population actually improved from 1999 to 2005. The sad finding is that nearly a quarter of Lakeland’s poor are children.

About the facts:

“* – The federal government defined the poverty level as $15,577 for a family of three in 2005.” (source)

The Brookings Institute announcement: HTML and original report: PDF.

Who is the Brookings Institute? According to Sourcewatch and According to A Measure of Media Bias by Tim Groseclose and Jeff Milyo, September 2003 (DOC)

Photo illustration: Hope for the Son CC by Shavar Ross

Your baby is choking!

What do you do????

In today’s Lakeland Ledger there is the story of a young man who saved a choking baby’s life. The young man is a hero for remembering his training, and responding calmly to a difficult situation.

One paragraph of the story concerned me:

Miller walked over to the table and said he could help. He took the baby and stuck a finger down his throat. He said he was lucky because he swiped the crayon out on the first try.

Every Red Cross training I’ve attended emphasizes you don’t stick your finger in the throat of the choking person. You may force the object deeper into the throat. Instead, you open the mouth and use your finger as a hook to remove any objects.

The word “swipe” gives me the clue the young man followed the correct procedure. But, I worry that someone reading the story may remember the incorrect information.

I’ve read a few comments blaming the parent of the child. I really feel that’s a dangerous slope to slide. Blaming the mother leads to “That wouldn’t happen to me because I’m a good, attentive parent.” I’ll be blunt: good, attentive parents have lost children to choking. You can not watch your child’s mouth every second of the day. You need to help reduce the risk and reduce the danger from certain foods.

But, most importantly, learn CPR. It will come in handy. Parents and babysitters should take a Infant/Child CPR class. The Polk County Red Cross holds classes at the Lakeland Police Department (map). There are classes every month, or you can call (863) 294-5941 or (863) 386-4440 for more information.

Explorations V

Lakeland has a children’s museum. We Work-at-Home-Parents (W@HP) – Yes, I like silly acronyms – need places to take our children during the week. There are only so many times you can have lunch at Lake Morton and feed the swans. Frankly, I think they’re bored with Mint Oreo Cookies. The kids, not the swans.

Where was I? Right. Lakeland has a Children’s museum. It’s called Explorations V. For the life of me, I can’t find out why there’s a V. I don’t think there were four previous museums.

We joined the museum as soon as we wandered into Lakeland. That means we get the member email. And that’s where I got all this information:

Dec. 15, 2006 – Downtown Holiday Fest – Special evening workshop: 6pm-8pm (Ages 5+) $12 for members. Sign the kids up now…we’ll supply fun for them while grown-ups take in downtown Lakeland!

Dec. 18-20 – Family Gingerbread Contest – Design a gingerbread creation with your family && drop it off at Explorations V! (Call (863) 687-3869 for details)

Dec. 21-23 – Vote for your favorite gingerbread creation!

Dec. 27-30 – Gingerbread winners on display! Prizes awarded to winners!

Holiday Workshops:
Pre-registration/pre-payment required

Dec. 18-23 & 27-30 – Gingerbread Houses – Walk in workshops 1pm-5pm daily $2 per house

Dec. 22 & 23 – Holiday Spoons -10am-12 noon OR 2pm-4pm $12 for members

Jan. 2 & 3 – Snow Daze – Walk in workshops 1pm-5pm $2 per person

Make your own snow! Toss snowballs! Design snowflakes!

Photo CC by Chuck Welch

Oh, Tannenbaum!

Last week I wrote about the Lakeland church that had some Christmas trees stolen. It looks as though the community has responded by digging deeper. The church reports many have stopped by to donate, and others pay extra for their tree to help make up for the loss.

It also seems the story has reached Silver Spring, Maryland. I found this on the blog of a cable show producer*, Life in the Sprung:

* On my weekend show we’re doing a segment called BAH HUMBUG where we try to “right” Christmas “wrongs.” Today’s segment involved a church in Lakeland, Florida who had about $3000 worth of Christmas trees stolen from their church parking lot. (Read a story about it HERE.) The proceeds were supposed to go not only to the church, but also to about half a dozen area charities (Boys & Girls clubs, Habitat for Humanity, homeless shelters, etc.) We had one of the church’s volunteers on the show today to tell us the story and then we put up a fullscreen with information on how our viewers can send donations. I feel really proud and hope it helps. — Dec, 2, 2006, Life in the Sprung

* – I couldn’t find the name of the blogger or his show

Tigers Sale

Sunday the Lakeland Flying Tigers are having a 2006 Holiday Merchandise Sale. We picked up some old logo stuff 50% off today. The new logo hats and shirts aren’t on sale. Neither is any 2006 World Series stuff. My daughter was gracious enough to model the new logo hat for me, but declined appearing in the photo.

The Tiger Souvenir Stand will be open on Saturday from 10am – 5pm & Sunday from 12pm – 5pm on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17.

Morton the Library Duck

Normally I’d never display a photo that doesn’t have a Creative Commons license, but I couldn’t resist.

Morton the Library Duck has landed at the Lakeland Public Library. It seems he’s already well acquainted with the library. So much so that he gives guided tours.

To the Lakeland Public Library staff member who hired Morton: great idea! I was wondering if Morton will give a tour of the Larry R. Jackson Branch and my daughter wants to know where Morton lives when he isn’t giving tours.

Photo by Morton the Library Duck — I’ll remove it if someone quacks. I don’t want to step on any webbed toes.

Lake Hollingsworth HIV Awareness Event

If you drove or ran around Lake Hollingsworth this morning you noticed small signs had sprouted up all around the lake. They’re part of a program in recognition of World Aids Day. A local group, Friends-Together, placed the signs to increase awareness of the world-wide HIV/AIDS problem and how we can help in Lakeland.

The organization has an information tent at the corner of Ingram and Lake Hollingsworth. From 10 am to 2 pm today they’ll offer free HIV tests and massages.

Photo CC by Chuck Welch

James Michaels: Presentation for Paint

‘The Stoning of St. Stephen‘ is one of a series of life-size figurative works I started in 1988,” Michaels explains. “The paintings were inspired in part by the masters of the 16th and 17th centuries. In this work I wanted to present a drama, as if on stage, that moment just before St. Stephen’s martyrdom. The actors frozen in time, they are posturing, gesturing, playing up to an audience (us), which gives the work, I believe, a chilling contemporary effect.

The Polk Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition James Michaels: Passion for Paint. On Friday, December 8th at 12:15 pm Michaels will give a slide presentation and talk at the museum. It will cover his fine art career, not just the style currently on exhibit. Come early, Michaels will answer questions in the exhibit gallery.

More information:

Michaels’ exhibition will be featured during a segment of A&E’s Breakfast with the Arts on Sunday, December 3, sometime between 8 and 10 am. (Ch. 48 on standard cable, 692 on HD, and DirectTV Ch. 265)

Michaels’ art in the Raymond James collection.

An essay on Michaels by Todd Behrens, Curator of Art at the Polk Museum of Art.

James and Julia Michaels – Photo CC by Chuck Welch

George Haldeman inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame

George Haldeman, a Lakeland pilot who learned to fly in St. Petersburg, went on to break several aviation world records and played a critical role in Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose project. Haldeman counted Charles Lindbergh among his friends. An induction ceremony is scheduled for noon, Dec. 15 at the Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun campus in Lakeland. — Tampa Bay Business Journal

George Haldeman attempted to become part of the first co-ed crew to fly non-stop across the Atlantic. His co-pilot was fellow Lakeland resident Ruth Elder. You can learn much about Mr. Haldeman from this recent Ledger column, Pioneer a ‘Glorius Failure’.

Homeless Coalition of Polk County

The Homeless Coalition of Polk County is looking for volunteers to count the homeless population of Lakeland and the rest of Polk County. Last year’s count found 2,129 homeless people in the county.

Why the count? Evidently there is a Congressional mandate to collect such data. I’d bet that the amount of cash Congress directs to Polk County is based on the census of homeless. That makes it important everyone is counted.

The Coalition needs 100 census takers to complete the survey. The count is January 22 to January 26th, 2007 with a different area of the county surveyed each of those five days.

Call the coalition at (863) 687-8386 for information on volunteering.

Future mirror

Future mirror of Lakeland Local

Message in a Bottle

I don’t know how I forgot to publish this last month. On October 23, the Ledger published the heartwarming story of a message in a bottle. On a Bahamas vacation in 2003 three Lakeland children had sent the bottle on it’s journey. In October the family received word that their bottle had washed up in France. The Ledger article mentioned the French couple had included an article on the discovery from a local newspaper.

Thanks to my favorite bilingual librarian — and wonderful wife — guess who has that article text for you?

What follows is the translated text of De la Floride à Saint-Pabu : la bouteille traverse l’Atlantique from the August 13, 2006 edition of Le Télégramme:

From Florida to Saint-Pabu : the bottle crosses the Atlantic

A bottle in the sea, which the famous Brittany seamen may have crossed on their various oceanic trips. Thrown to see on July 13 2003 by the Stephens kids, the bottle took three years and 23 days to reach one of the most beautiful Brittany coasts, the Saint-Pabu coast.

A 8.500 km trip, at least

Gilles and Eveline de la Courcelle are from from Lattes (near Montpellier); they love Brittany and come from time to time to find cooler weather and quiet between Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau and Saint-Pabu. Friday morning, they were strolling on the beach between Coulourarn and Korn ar Gazel when suddenly their eyes fell on a bottle covered with algae and shells. A nice bottle, carefully seal with wax and bearing the brand of a Chilean wine.

Back in their vacation home in Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau, the couple carefully took out the wax seal by melting it and discovered, inside, a message and one dollar bill, all in perfect shape. This after 8.500 km of sea conditions, not to mention numerous rocks.

A response to the children

The message is written in English; it comes from Lakeland, in Florida, near the Bahamas. What was written: “This bottle that you just found is part of an experimentation program on water currents and communication. You who have found it, be so kind to answer me along with the date of your find”.

Gilles and Eveline will, of course, respond in a few days to the Stephens kids and will add to their letter documents on Saint-Pabu and its region, not to mention an aerial photograph of the beach where their bottle has ended its great trip. They will bring this bottle with them to Lattes, which will remain a small treasure to them.

Note: The map illustration is not the exact route. Interesting tidbit: The French use a period where we use a comma. So 8.500 km is 8,500 km or 5,281.655 miles.

Plea to the Ledger: Please ask your reporters never to quote Wikipedia. Even they are looking for a citation for that Columbus story.

Lakeland Photos

Vivian at Mama Need Java mentioned she was looking for a way to add a slideshow of photos to her posts and that reminded me of FilmLoop. I installed months ago and promptly forgot all about it. Here are the latest photos from Lakeland Local:

update: Changed to a smaller sized loop.

Oh Christmas Tree

The Men’s Club of United Methodist Temple asks people to keep an eye out for a makeshift roadside stand selling Fraser Firs. The trees aren’t cheap, but they might be at a quick-strike stand near an intersection. Anyone with information can call Lakeland police at 834-6900. – The Lakeland Ledger

That church housed one of the princinct where I worked. I believe the home across Kerneywood was empty and the parking lot beside the trees were hard to see from South Florida. I doubt it was a crime of opportunity or that they’ll be selling them in Lakeland.

Lakeland Government Offices (State, County, and Local)

I’ve started collecting all the Florida government links needed by a Lakeland resident. All the locations are mapped and office hours, phone numbers, etc. are accurate as of today. This entry will be updated often and a link to the latest information will be added to the Lakeland Government sidebar.

This and That on Thanksgiving

What kind of speed do you get with your cable modem in Lakeland?

Here’s a Lakeland Local Geogreeting

Need weather info now? In your address bar type weather.gov/##### (your five digit zip code). Here’s Lakeland.

Downtown Lakeland Avenue Is the Main Corridor for Retail District

Attention Lakeland Ledger

Is there any hope for local papers? The smartest ones are looking to leading examples, like the Lawrence, Kansas Journal World. That local paper has long done incredibly innovative things online – everything from local music blogs to mobile notification of schedule changes for local kids’ sports games. — Techcrunch

I think The Ledger is taking some of those steps with the Polk Voice and the online forums*. But making it easier to read local band news, local kids’ sports information, and other Lakeland-centric, reader-written content would be worth the advertising that wraps it. It isn’t only offering space for the information, you have to make it easy to find and advertise the reader-written content a bit more.

* -Though I must admit the forums sometimes remind me of high school current event classes.

Toys for Tots Needs Volunteers

In Friday’s Ledger is a short article about the need for volunteers at Toys for Tots. It seems the local drive needs civilian volunteers to help with phones, package, and pick-up and deliver toys.

I just called the volunteer number, 863-292-8687, but a recording just directs parents in need to apply next week at their school. No additional information for potential volunteers.

I want to help with this program. I still remember a year when my little sister’s only gift was a donated doll. People have no idea how such a simple act can do a lifetime of good.

I’ll try again until someone is in the office.

Update:The number given doesn’t go to the volunteer center. The best bet to go help is to apply directly at the staging center. They’re set up in Publix donated space at 4760 S. Florida Ave. in the Lake Miriam Square shopping center (in the old Hancock Fabric store). I just walked in this morning with my offer to help. They’ll really need people starting Monday the 27th after 9 a.m. See you there.

Big Toy CC by Empirical Polk’s Josh Hallett

Property Taxes

In the Ledger today was a short article about receiving a 4% discount if you pay your property taxes by November 30th. Also included is where and how to pay them.
Photo by Rickenbacker Check out this guy’s art and photos! The Sonic anime is a hoot.

Lakeland Forecast

Lakeland has a prime spot in the Inaugural Florida & Metro Economic Forecast from the University of Central Florida Institute for Economic Competitiveness. You can click the first link to find the full report in PDF, but I thought I’d share a couple of the major numbers.

From now until 2009 personal income is expected to grow at 6.5% annually…slightly below state average. Employment growth is predicted at 2% annually over the next three years with the professional and business sector (3.3%) the major recipient of that growth. Also going up slightly are information (2.9%) and trade, transportation and utilities (2.5%). Heading down are federal government (-.4%) and manufacturing (-.8%). By 2009 unemployment (3.4%) is projected as slightly above the state average (3.2%).

For the 2009 Lakeland Metropolitan Statistical Area the report gives two different expected population totals: 602,700 and 606,400.

The report also notes ZIP code 33813 is the 25th wealthiest zip in the Tampa bay area according to The Ledger.

Here are the current Lakeland stats from the US Bureau of the Census.

Lake Mirror photograph CC by Rickenbacker

Gotta Have It II

I was by the PS3 line this afternoon so I snapped a couple of pictures. I spoke to the first guy in line and he told me he got there Tuesday night at 8. That’s only a 60 hour wait.
I had to blow this up a little, but you can still see that one person in line hopes to re-sell the PS3 for $2500. It may be a joke, but I don’t doubt someone will make the offer. If a system costs $700 that means the seller will make $1800 for 60 hours of waiting. $30 an hour isn’t a bad wage for simply holding a place in line. Though I understand the benefits are pitiful and there is a risk of losing your job if you sneak away to the bathroom.

Gotta Have It!

Check out Dixon Steele’s photograph if you drove past Best Buy last night and wondered why all those people are lined up outside.

Evidently they want to buy a Playstation 3 tomorrow. Yes, your friends and neighbors will sit outside for over 40 hours to get a game console.

Leyland Named AL Manager of the Year

Tigers manager Jim Leyland has said many times he was simply in the right place at the right time for the Tigers resurgence, but on Wednesday he received some well-deserved credit for Detroit’s sudden ascension to the AL pennant when he was named the AL Manager of the Year. Leyland becomes just the second Tiger in history to win the honor.- mlb.com

As you read Lakeland Local you’ll find I’m a big baseball fan. There is a Lakeland connection to this story though. Jim Leyland managed the Lakeland Tigers in 1976, ‘77, and ‘78.

Photo of Jim Leyland Oct. 8, 2006 by MontageMan

This and That

I found this photo by Tampa Seamoor. He took in at the 2005 Sun-n-Fun Fly In.

If you’re a fan of teen fiction writer Niki Burnham, she autographed some books for sale at: Barnes & Noble Lakeland Square, 4136 US 98 North, Books-A-Million, 1520 Towne Center Drive, and Waldenbooks Lakeland Square, 3800 US 98 North. (OK, she isn’t a teen. She writes for teens.)

What were they thinking???? Take a look at the story about the pot growing family found here in Lakeland. They had marijuana growing in the baby’s room! Idiots.

In Wilkes-Barre, PA they like Lakeland band Copeland.

links for 2006-11-13

• Lakeland Unveils ‘Flying Tigers’ Nickname
  A story at TigsTown with some info supplied by Roger DeWitt
  (tags: tigers lakeland 33801 baseball flyingtigers)

Lakeland Flying Tigers Photos

The new Lakeland Flying Tigers team name and logo.

The new jersey patch and cap designation for the team.

I have additional photos at Flickr:

Shannon Follett wears a team shirt as the new team name and logos are unveiled.

The home uniform lettering for the Lakeland Flying Tigers. (Note: the colors for the lettering, cap logo, and patch aren’t exact colors.)

Fans walk past photos of the old Lakeland Airport — present home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

Ace, the new team mascot for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, and his first fan.

If you want to see much better photos go look at Roger DeWitt’s Flickr set.

Update 11/12/06 : The Ledger now has the story.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Take Off!

Yep, it’s official. Welcome the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The unveiling was well done. The staff of the Tigers, er, Flying Tigers, did a great job. Shannon Follett took the group on a quick tour past some photographs of the old airfield that is now Tigertown. We walked back to one of the old runways and listened to club officials speak on the rich history of Lakeland and the Tigers.

I think Plan B and the team did a good job putting together the whole package. I was a little concerned that “Flying Tigers” wasn’t unique enough for a team to adopt, but I’m betting they’ll pull it off.

The entire theme of the team will revolve around an old flying squadron. The manager is now the “commander” and will have “scrambled eggs” on his hat. We haven’t seen that since the old Seattle Pilots. During WWII pilots would paint a symbol under their window to signify each confirmed kill. Harking back to those days Flying Tigers pitchers will get a star added to their cap for each win. Staying true to the era the team will even feature nose art. Look for a contest to name the lady featured. The music featured at the park will be the same tunes heard in the 40s. I hope we open games with In the Mood and leave with Thanks for the Memories.

Due to technical difficulties I can’t upload my photos until tonight. The new logo features the tiger head in an old flying wings pin style. You’ll recognize the style in an instant. (Younger folks will remember the Aerosmith logo.) There is a second logo of a plane in a circle that I really liked. (Yeah, I bought that t-shirt.) My daughter already loves the new mascot, Ace.

I’ll post more tonight with the pictures.

Lakeland Flying Tigers

Four days ago I speculated about the new name for the Lakeland Tigers. The press conference for the team is in an hour. I don’t know for a fact, but I think they’ve picked the Flying Tigers.

That was one of the names I didn’t list. I didn’t think they’d want to compete with the memory of the Flying Tigers of WWII.

I’m betting now I was wrong.

We’ll find out in an hour.

Veterans Day Parade

The Veterans Day Parade from Veterans Park to Lake Mirror is Saturday, the 11th starting at Noon. There is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial set up by Lake Mirror. I haven’t seen the replica, but the memorial in Washington, D.C. is one of the most powerful images I’ve ever seen.

You’ll find out much more about the events of the day at the Lakeland Ledger, but I had to make my own parade route map. The one the Ledger featured was too tiny for my old eyes. You can click the map above to make it larger.

Photo illustration aided by Bikely

Another Publix entry…

I promise this won’t turn into a Publix fan site, but I did notice that Publix moved up a notch in yesterday’s 2006 Forbes’ list of The Largest Private Companies. The Lakeland grocery company moved from fifth in 2005 to #4 on this year’s list. The next grocery company on the list is Meijer at 10th.

Yes, your vote counted…

If you voted in one of my precincts…your vote counted. I can’t guarantee you picked the correct candidate.

Yesterday was a long day. I started out at 5 a.m. and made it home just before 10 p.m. — after a stop for dinner. I covered six precincts, and helped out once in a seventh. For my job, the big rush was 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. and then again from 6:30 p.m. on. Basically, I was a troubleshooter. I’d circulate from precinct to precinct checking every machine was working and every poll worker had what she or he needed. I never stayed more than a few minutes at each precinct station before I’d drive on to the next. Once I finished a circuit I started again. Occasionally, one of the precinct clerks would have a problem and I’d drive right over. We all stayed busy. Every precinct had good turnout. All six precincts had steady streams of voters though there was an odd lull during lunch though.

There where no major problems in my group. We had a few rejected ballots — almost always due to voter error. They’d mark outside an oval or vote twice in the same race. The voting machine type used in Polk County are susceptible to pencil leads falling in the scan slot, but we didn’t have that problem.

Josh has a picture of the counter of one of the machines we use. He participated in the Polling Place Photo Project. Most of my precincts looked much the same as his. I considered adding to the project, but I figured the day would be hectic enough even without pictures. I also didn’t want to worry about adding more gear to the many supplies and machine parts I would carry around all day. Finally, I was conspicuous enough in my red Supervisor of Elections polo shirt. Standing there with a camera I didn’t need.

Often voters looking to vent would target me. Believe me, I agree the amendments are confusing. I wouldn’t have wanted to explain them even if I was allowed. We offered pamphlets in English and Spanish that listed the full text of each amendment, but some were upset it didn’t tell them which way to vote. I couldn’t relate to that. It really isn’t that hard to spend some time deciding how to vote before you come to the poll.

The other complaint concerned being in the wrong precinct. People would march up to a poll worker and announce that he or she had moved, but wanted to vote in their old precinct. The worker would gently explain to do so would be a felony. The voter wasn’t out-of-luck as we had people to help them find the correct precinct.

We only had one person who was upset about that law. He rushed in to vote at 7 p.m. and told the worker his driver’s license had the wrong address. He had moved over a year ago. But neither his new address or the license address was in that particular precinct. We found out he was in that precinct because his parents lived there and he had voted there years ago.

We did have one happy moment. The 18 year-old who was voting in her first election. Her very proud parents following close behind. Obviously, voting is genetic.

Photo illustration by George Fox

links for 2006-11-07

• Lakeland Moms on the Move
  The group is based on the model from www.seeMOMMYrun.com.
  (tags: support familiy activity lakeland 33801)
• Ruth and Frank Coleman Award
  January 31st 2007, 12:00 noon, is the deadline to apply to the Ruth and Frank Coleman Award for Excellence in Short Fiction Writing sponsored by the USF Tampa Library.
  (tags: usf lakeland 33803 writing award)
• Southern University Wins 2006 NCCAA II Men’s Soccer National Championship
  (tags: southern university lakeland 33801 college soccer)

Goodbye Lakeland Tigers!

It’s the end of the Lakeland Tigers!

The team announced today they will hold a press conference on November 11th at 9 a.m. to announce a new team name and logo. It wasn’t that long ago they floated this idea and hired a company to make the move. I’m surprised there wasn’t a fan component in this. Usually teams will hold a competition for a top ten and either choose or ignore them. It looks like Lakeland didn’t want to bother with that process.

Here is the Lakeland Local shortlist for the new team name:

Lakeland Fireballs
Lakeland Sharks
Lakeland Shockers

Lakeland Bears
Lakeland Broncos
Lakeland Destroyers
Lakeland Renegades
Lakeland Rocks
Lakeland Shores
Lakeland Unlimited
Lakeland Palms
Lakeland Oranges

Lakeland Hawks
Lakeland Highlanders
Lakeland Hornets
Lakeland Lakers
Lankland Lancers
Lakelands Wildcats
Lakeland Thunderbirds
Lakeland Vikings

update: 11/08

Lake Tigers

Publix

That uniform may already be a thing of the past at your Publix. Their website mentions every store gets redecorated every five years. It looks as though they’re doing the same for the employees. According to the Orlando Sentinel:

Publix is also testing a new look for its employees. You may have noticed some workers at Publix sporting one of the trial wardrobes: a dark green apron, polo shirt and black pants. Publix said it is experimenting with different uniform styles and color schemes and is still evaluating its employee wardrobe options. However, the company said uniforms will be designed to match new, yet to be finalized, store color schemes.

Just before we moved here we were told that Lakeland was Publix territory. Back north there was a lot of grocery store competition. I was afraid a single chain stronghold would cause a lackadaisical approach to customer service. I found just the opposite. All the stores we use are bright, clean, and friendly. There are a lot of little touches Publix uses to make shopping easier for this dad.

One feature is My Grocery List. You can make out a list based on items you’ve seen on the website, but unfortunately not from the Weekly Specials pages. Oddly, they have an entirely different printable grocery list option for the specials. I’d love if they did a little tweaking with their store databases. That way I could set my usual store and my grocery list could arrange itself by aisle. A grocery really isn’t much different than a library. I’m sure they track where most items are located.

They also have flu shot clinics, photo services (you can upload your pictures and they’ll be ready when you next shop), and they’re part of the Upromise program (buying select items adds cash to a college savings account).

Photo from Publix website

Sunrise, sunset

I’m refreshed after a few days break. (Who am I kidding? I was overwhelmed with deadlines and didn’t have the time to post! Of course, this happens just as Sticks of Fire stumbles over Lakeland Local.)

You’ll notice that over on the sidebar I list Lakeland photographers I find on flickr. I just added someone I found today. She doesn’t have a lot of images on display, but I wish I could share a sample image of one of Jeny Plante’s sunset postcards. Take just a moment to see them for yourself. If you like what you see, her website has contact information. She evidently does weddings and portrait work.

A related rant: I know I can quote small parts of someone’s work as Fair Use, but I only display a photographer’s work if he/she has released an image under CC. I think it’s always a good idea for photographers to allow review use of one or two images. It helps others publicize your work.

Vote

No, I’m not stealing signs. Those were from the last primary where it was my “civic duty” to place signs to help you find your precinct. After all the signs were placed I spent 14 hours driving in a loop of six precincts. Just in case they needed anything.

And I’ll be doing it again on Tuesday. So please stop by and vote.

If you’re not sure where you need to vote check Polk Elections.

links for 2006-11-01

• Florida Theatre Conference
  at the Lakeland Center Nov1 to Nov 6
  (tags: acting theatre conference lakeland florida)

Mucking About

This morning a Lakeland Menzi Muck removed overgrown foliage from Lake Hollingsworth near Florida Southern College.

Most people call the area around the wooden walkways “The Sump.” but some refer to the wide grassy area as Anchor Park and others call it Southern Landing. (I’ll have more to say about all those names next week.)

The 1.3 wetland area was designed to provide stormwater treatment to the 66 acre sub-basin on the northwest side of the lake. It also serves as an outdoor classroom for the college. The city commemorated the changes and re-opened the park on November 15, 2004.

In the past year there have been a lot of changes to the area. FSC removed the pavilion over the concrete pad. That took out a shady area that mainly attracted skateboarders and the occasional PS (parent with stroller). However, to create a prime resting area for lake runners/walkers/bikers the college added some “ancient plant species” and benches under the trees near the walkways.

The college also had the lake front extensively cleaned of old overgrown plants and trees. It made for a much nicer view of the lake. But that work wasn’t enough for the city’s Lakes and Stormwater Division.

Lakeland applied to Swiftmud to remove all the overgrown plants under and around the walkways. The plants simply were the wrong type and in some places were higher than the walkways. The city will refresh the area with low-level plants that should greatly add to the beauty of The Sump. They don’t have the exact plan available yet, but look for planting to start in March.

This aerial view of The Sump shows the old pavilion, but gives a better idea of the current state of the park. The water area under the walkways was choked with very tall plants before the dredging. That area will have low-height plants after March 2007.

Mucking photo by Chuck Welch
Aerial photo from Lakeland Lakes and Stormwater Division.

Lakes, phosphate and oranges. Oh my!

It seems the very first Miss Teen USA pageant was held in Lakeland in 1983. The video above was a “tour” of Lakeland by the reigning Miss USA, Julie Hayek. From the video you’d think all Lakeland had to offer was phosphate, oranges, and lakes.

For those who like to play “Where are they now,” Julie Hayek was an actress for a bit. I think her best role might have been “Olga the Masseuse” on Matlock. Yes, she has her own website.

I can’t find anything about host Michael Young after 1989, but the winner of that first Miss Teen was Ruth Zakarian. I found she also turned to acting, but used the name Devon Pierce. You can see her winning the crown here.

If you’d like to see more of Lakeland, the show used Scott Lake, Lake Hollingsworth and Florida Southern College as backdrops for the Swimsuit Fashion Show

The pageant introduction started with a mention of the “beautiful Lakeland Civic Center.” It even includes a brief peek of the Lakeland High School Marching Band and the Florida Southern College Men’s Ensemble. You’ll also get a quick glimpse of The Solid Gold Dancers! (Yeah, you have to be over 30 to understand the import of that.)

The Lakeland High School Marching band was featured in the production number, Salute to the Circus while the Sold Gold Dancers and the contestants pay homage to “Let’s Get Physical” with an exercise production number. (As far as I can see, no one from Lakeland has to apologize for being in that number.)

If you must, you can even see Air Supply sing Making Love (Out of Nothing at All).

Does anybody really know what time it is?

If you forgot to set back your clocks it’s earlier than you think.

Some folks at the Ledger forums were complaining about Daylight Saving Time. It doesn’t bother me that much, but I had an idea…

I propose the IST (Individual Standard Time). It works like this:

When each person wakes up it is 7 a.m. When he or she makes it to work it is 9 a.m. When they get hungry it is Noon. When they finish for the day it is 5 p.m. and when they get sleepy it is 11 p.m.

The advantages of IST are (1) universal employment because every store will have to be open 24/7 to service all those people with different hours. (2) No one is ever late for work. (3) It really is 5 o’clock somewhere. and (4) All TV and movies will have to be on demand. So you can watch what you want when you want.

I think IST would revolutionize society.

links for 2006-10-28

• Zip Page for 33801
  Some stats on Lakeland, FL
  (tags: lakeland florida statistics)
• Lakeland Butterflies
  Good photos of the butterflies mentioned at Lakeland Local
  (tags: lakeland florida butterflies photos lakelandlocal)

Lakeland: It’s where to buy now….

CNN/Money.com just listed Lakeland in its list of Top 10 cities: Where to buy now. After #1 Panama City and #2 Vero Beach, #4 Lakeland gets this write up:

Aside from the panhandle and Vero Beach, few places in Florida scream out “buy now” like Lakeland. A house goes for a fifth less than the national median of $227,500, and Lakeland is just 30 minutes from Tampa, a juggernaut of 2.7 million people that’s projected to add almost 210,000 more residents over the next five years.- continue

I’m glad to hear they like us. Lakeland is near and dear to my heart. And evidently now to my checkbook. We haven’t purchased a house yet, but even with rising prices we don’t want to jump into anything. I wish there was a way to turn all those “investors” away and leave the homes for those who need them.

Seriously, we need to change the name of this town to slow down all this real estate speculation. It worked for Iceland and Greenland. Maybe take a lesson from Scott Lake and change our name to Sinkhole?

Photo: CC Lakeland Ambleside by Randy Orrison | OK, so the photo illustration isn’t from Lakeland, Florida. I thought it might help my campaign to keep home prices reasonable.

TV at the Lakeland Library

There was a letter to the Ledger recently that addresses a TV in the new children’s area of the Lakeland Library (100 Lake Morton Drive).

I’ll quote a bit:

Libraries are for reading, not television viewing. The purpose of the library should be to encourage our children and youths to pick up a book and read. Many children will choose a television over a book if given the opportunity. — Karrie Shelnut

While I agree with her concern, I disagree with her call to “turn off the TV.” My response to her letter is after the jump…

Local Businesses

As with all websites, Lakeland Local will reflect the biases of the writers. In my case, one bias is a preference for locally owned businesses. I’ve always tried to shop in stores that are owned and operated by citizens of my community.

This website doesn’t take advertising. So you’ll never see a business featured here because they paid for the mention. The businesses will be places where I spend my cash…and I’m particular.

That said: there is a relatively new coffee and smoothie shop in downtown Lakeland. Java Breeze is at the corner of South Florida and Lime Street (401 S. Florida). The little shop is owned by Denise and Steve Brown, who run their title and video companies in the same building.

I haven’t met the Browns, but I have met the shop staff. They’re friendly, very welcoming to new customers, and they make a tasty Mango Tango. Most of the patrons seem to arrive by car — there is a parking lot next to the shop that is easy to get in and out of for both S. Florida and Lime — but it isn’t much of a walk for those working downtown or at the Ledger building.

They have coffee cakes, donuts, assorted snacks and deserts available, but I can’t testify to their taste. Yeah, I have to watch my diet. However, I can easily recommend that Mango Tango.

Chamber of Commerce link to Java Breeze

Bike Lakeland

I bike my daughter home from school almost every day. It’s just a couple of miles each way so it doesn’t take long. I pull her behind me in a trailer while she tells me about her day. It’s better than a car since we both get to see Lakeland a bit and we don’t pollute.

I’ll have a few bike related entries as Lakeland Local grows. The first is a mention of Bikely, a site to help cyclists share good routes. I just added a South to North Lake-to-Lake run of just under eight miles. (Pictured at left). Eventually I’ll have routes covering all of Lakeland’s parts of Lake-to-Lake.

Kaleidoscope Butterflies in Flight

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. — Nathaniel Hawthorne

A new art exhibit has taken flight in Lakeland. Kaleidoscope, Butterflies in Flight is 88 decorated butterflies installed around downtown Lakeland. The goal of the butterflies is to “enrich cultural activity while raising funds for the construction of CommonGround, a fully inclusive play experience for children of varying abilities.”

The butterflies will be in place until April 27, 2007 when 34 will be auctioned off to benefit CommonGround and other local charities.

Image is detail from La Familia by Linda Ballentine Brown.

James Michaels Passion for Paint

At left is the artist James Michaels and his wife Julia. Friday night Michaels’ opened his exhibit, Passion for Paint at the Polk Museum of Art.

You can see the paintings from the exhibit at his website, but only the full size canvases can truly let you feel the power of his work. I met the Michaels’ a few months ago and have found them very friendly, pleasant, and down-to-earth. The highlight of the opening was listening as he would move from painting to painting to explain the impetus, the process, and the meanings of his paintings. He mentioned that it was the first time in years he had seen some of the paintings together. You could see the excitement in his eyes as he rediscovered his own work.

He took many questions from those who attended the opening; including one from our five year-old daughter, who asked, “Why do you have scary stuff on that painting?” She appreciated his quick, and child-friendly, answer.

Take the time to visit this exhibit. I promise you’ll enjoy it and the rest of the museum’s works.

James Michaels: Passion for Paint at the Polk Museum of Art from October 21, 2006 to January 28, 2007. (directions)

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Statement

Hyperlocal bloggers must make the process as transparent as possible. The idea that journalists have a completely neutral point of view is a myth. Who and what your cover is guided by your biases and concerns. Let your audience know if you have to answer to anyone. While I don’t have them listed as bullet points, here’s my personal statement:
Pertinent education and true change is accomplished only through intelligent and uncensored discourse. Governments, organizations, and relationships operate best when processes and discussions are transparent. That’s also how I operate Lakeland Local.
If you get to know me, you’ll find I sometimes have opinions and beliefs that are not shared by my family, friends or employers. While they may not agree with what I may publish, they agree that public discourse is important.
Every opinion on Lakeland Local is mine alone. Every story I decide to cover is my choice alone. I ask no friend, family member, or employer for information or opinions on what I choose to feature here. No friends, family members or employers have ever, or could ever, influence my decision to cover or not any topic on Lakeland Local.
Furthermore, I am not a member of any organization that I cover, or one that has any dealing with any organization or topic I may join. If I join something, I’ll post it here.
Finally, every link I place on Lakeland Local either is pertinent to the post or contains information useful to Lakeland residents. I may or may not agree with everything found at that link. If you’re confused which is true, post a comment and I’ll clarify the issue.
In other words, if there is something here you dislike or like, you can blame me alone.

About

This hyperlocal blog is for current and future residents of Lakeland, Florida. I’ve recently moved to Lakeland and I can think of no better way to learn about my adopted hometown than to share it with you. On this site you’ll find photos and information about Lakeland places, people, and businesses. I’ll mix in links to other local blogs, photographers, and news.

Photo of Chuck Welch and his daughter