Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Merry Christmas
Posted: 25 Dec 2006 09:48 AM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/merry_christmas.html
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 Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Lakeland Flying Tigers Website
Posted: 21 Dec 2006 11:22 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/lakeland_flying_tigers_website.html
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.
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// This and That: Christmas
Posted: 20 Dec 2006 12:49 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/this_and_that_christmas.html
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
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// You have a Voice
Posted: 19 Dec 2006 11:54 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/you_have_a_voice.html
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
Posted: 19 Dec 2006 08:46 AM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/lake_hollingsworth_clearing.html
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
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// A New Sun?
Posted: 16 Dec 2006 10:18 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/a_new_sun.html
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.
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Publix Sabors
Posted: 13 Dec 2006 09:02 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/publix_sabors.html
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
Posted: 13 Dec 2006 03:55 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/hide_the_laundry_and_sweep_the.html
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.
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Friends of Joe Prine
Posted: 13 Dec 2006 08:00 AM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/friends_of_joe_prine.html
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.
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Only 13 Shopping Days Left!!!
Posted: 12 Dec 2006 07:42 AM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/only_13_shopping_days_left.html
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
Posted: 11 Dec 2006 08:27 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/this_and_that_photos.html
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...
Meredith: Mary Ellen Krakowski, our homemaker from Lakeland, Florida. came all the way up here to win a million dollars. You said to me in the break that now you can go home, because you've got your thousand.
mek: exactly.
Meredith: so you feel good.
mek: I was not -- I wasn' t going back, I wasn' t going back.
Meredith: No, well now -- now you can go home safely.
mek: phew.
Meredith: but we' d like you to make it to a million.
mek: oh, that would be good.
Meredith: 10 away at this point, you still have all your lifelines.
mek: Yahoo.
Meredith: you ready to keep playing?
mek: I' m ready.
Meredith: all right then, let' s play. this is for $2,000 Mary Ellen.
Meredith: the think pad.
mek: the think pad. I have a sister who works for the company that I believe makes this. I believe it is c, laptop computer.
Meredith: final?
mek: final.
Meredith: it most definitely is a laptop computer.
[cheers and applause] [buzzer sounds]
Meredith: oh, I know, you never want it to end.
mek: my god, I just got here.
Meredith: I know, well, you' re coming back.
mek: oh, ok.
Meredith: all right, you just go to sleep, then you come back.
mek: all right.
Meredith: it' s easy enough. you folks come back, too. from new york, everybody, bye-bye for now.
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// Snowfest 2006
Posted: 09 Dec 2006 10:53 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/snowfest_2006.html
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
Posted: 09 Dec 2006 10:08 PM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/this_and_that_golf_edition.html
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
Lakeland Local
/////////////////////////////////////////// links for 2006-12-09
Posted: 09 Dec 2006 01:26 AM CST http://lakelandlocal.com/2006/12/links_for_20061209.html
fd's Flickr Toys
(tags: flickr photography photos Photo toys tools)
/////////////////////////////////////////// Links for 2006-12-08 [del.icio.us]
Posted: 09 Dec 2006 12:00 AM CST http://del.icio.us/chuckwelch#2006-12-08
fd's Flickr Toys
/////////////////////////////////////////// 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
