Lakeland Local
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Move Over
Posted: 29 Feb 2008 04:06 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/243252112/move-over.html
The "Move Over" law in Florida states you must leave an empty lane between you and emergency vehicles or, if you can't, slow down at least 20 MPH below the speed limit.
To help remind you of the law, the Lakeland Police Department will be out in force from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm today to help educate drivers in the following areas:
The Polk County Parkway.
Harden Blvd between Beacon Road and Lakeside Village Shopping Center.
South Road 98 (Bartow Highway) between Edgewood Drive and South Crystal Lake Drive.
According to LPD, "Violators of this law will be stopped and given literature and anything from a verbal warning to a uniform traffic citation."
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Provincial in Lakeland?
Posted: 29 Feb 2008 03:42 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/243239637/provincial-in-lakeland.html
Writer Larry Thornberry was a reporter for the Ledger when he met William F. Buckley in 1976. Evidently the meeting made some impact...
The interview took place in the living room of the upscale home of the Ledger's publisher, who, with his wife, was big in such limousine liberal circles as existed in Polk County, Florida, in those days. Contrary to the stereotype of the day -- conservative meanie vs. caring n' compassionate liberal nice guys -- Buckley the conservative was the very soul of graciousness, treating a reporter he had just met with all respect and civility, while the publisher treated me like hired help. Which I was, but that's no excuse. The wife and the uniformed maid ignored my existence. -- Buckley in the Provinces
I'm willing to bet there are a couple of more sides to that story. I have no idea who was the publisher for the Ledger in 1976. Thornberry obviously doesn't name him. I plan to stop the library and read that article though. I wonder if Thornberry was able to keep his politics out of the story? Whether he did or not, it is a good reminder that not all reporters are liberal, not all media publishers are conservative, and it doesn't hurt to remind the public of our biases.
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University of South Florida Lakeland
Posted: 28 Feb 2008 05:00 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/242660425/university-of-south-florida-la.html
Tuesday House Representative Seth McKeel introduced HB 1143. Simply entitled University of South Florida Lakeland, HB1143 states:
An act relating to the University of South Florida Lakeland; creating s. 1004.345, F.S.; establishing and designating the University of South Florida Lakeland campus; providing legislative intent; requiring the Board of Trustees to appoint a Campus Board; providing membership, powers, and duties of the Campus Board; providing that the university is administered by a Campus Executive Officer; requiring the President of the University of South Florida to consult with the Campus Board before hiring or terminating the Campus Executive Officer; providing duties and powers of the Campus Executive Officer; providing that students enrolled at a branch campus of the university have the same rights as other students; requiring the University of South Florida to provide for a system of student registration that meets certain conditions; providing an effective date.
That pretty much sums up the bill. You can read a PDF of the full bill here.
Lakeland Local
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Spring Training Officially Opens Today
Posted: 27 Feb 2008 05:59 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/242063098/spring-training-officially-ope.html
The Detroit Tigers officially open spring training today with a game against the New York Mets. The weather won't e as warm as yesterday, but hopefully we'll have no rain.
The Mets are bringing their A team to the game today. Unfortunately, I mean their Single-A team. MLB requires spring training teams take at least five players from the major league roster to every away game. That's exactly what the Mets are doing today: Ryan Church,Ramon Castro, Pedro Feliciano, Jorge Sosa and Mike Pelfrey are the MLB players scheduled to appear in Lakeland.
When you go to the park be prepared for a couple of changes: parking went up to $7 and don't try to turn left onto Lakeland Hills Blvd. from Al Kaline. That's a right turn only now. You can solve both problems by getting to the game early and parking at the church at the corner of Grenada and Lakeland Hills. Parking there was just a $3 donation last year.
For those who read Lakeland Local on email or through a feed...remember there all all kinds of spring training maps and links on our home page special Spring Training column.
Lakeland Local
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Starbucks Closes
Posted: 26 Feb 2008 07:32 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/241508063/starbucks-closes.html
Yes, it's true. Starbucks will close today from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Evidently it's time for a little retraining.
In an effort to help those who need coffee to navigate I-4 at rush hour, Dunkin' Donuts will offer 99-cent small lattes, cappuccinos and espresso drinks today from 1 pm until 9:30.
I'm not including a map of all Starbucks and Dunkin' Donut shops. The afternoon drive is too wired as it is.
This information has been presented as public service announcement. With caffeine.
Lakeland Local
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CSX: It's in the Middle of Somewhere
Posted: 24 Feb 2008 09:07 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/240396377/csx-its-in-the-middle-of-somewhere.html
Far be it for me to criticize a Ledger article, but what were they thinking with the piece headlined Proposed Rail Facility Is 'In the Middle of Nowhere? You might have missed it since it ran in the East Polk news section of the paper. Let's take a look, shall we?
The Quote
The gist of the article is that the proposed CSX rail facility is in the "middle of the middle of nowhere." Now, I'm quoting the reporter, Rick Rousos. You can tell I am quoting, since I put quote marks around the text. Rousos says he is quoting newcomers who allegedly have said "This is the middle of nowhere." Now, really, who has visited the site? Reporters, CSX officials, and their supporters? I've been there, but not on CSX company property. In the photo we see three people. Was it one of them? If not, then who said the site is in "the middle of nowhere"? If he heard it himself, then why not identify the person? If not, then who told him it was said?
That's important, because this is almost a puff piece. There is really nothing new reported, and some statements are misleading. It seems it exists only to give the impression that the facility is located away from civilization. Which, it most assuredly is not.
The Graphic
Take a look at the graphic that accompanies the story. I've placed the graphic on a map. You'll see the Ledger graphic places 655 slightly west of its true location, plus only the first 318 acre section of the CSX project is shown. Why not an outline showing the full 1250 acres?.
When you visualize this project remember that the first piece is about the size of Lake Hollingsworth. The full build out would fit in Lake Parker with some room to spare. A two mile long train? That's a train that would start at South Florida and Lime Street and end at South Florida and Edgewood Drive.
As far as people living near the facility? Well, we hear a lot about the Sundance community. It is true. They are just across the tracks. However, there are other close roads and communities. Ridgeview Road is about 2000 feet away. That's less than 1/5 of the length of one of those two-mile long trains. I am sure the good people of Wahneta don't find the facility in the "middle of the middle of nowhere." (I'm quoting Rousos.)
I could go on: Crystal Lake is about 3000 feet away. Plus, I'm sure people living in those "Terranova" homes don't feel like they're in the middle of nowhere.
The Photo
With photos it is sometimes as much what you don't show as what you do. What about the picture in the article? Nice work with perspective. Let that road lead your eye away to infinity. How about to the right? Can we see a picture there? What about showing where they're standing on that overhead graphic?
The "Number"
In news you can get away with saying almost anything -- as long as you can find someone else to say it. Then you report it as "news." We don't know who Rousos is quoting that the project is in the middle of nowhere. However, he did at least remind us that "The company has said 8,500 jobs will be generated by the facility." I once said I would play for the Chicago White Sox. That doesn't make it a fact.
Now, this isn't the first time this particular reporter reminded us of the company line. In that linked story CSX admitted that their original projection of 200 CSX jobs was wrong. Now CSX claims it is about 110 and 55 of those are most likely to be taken by transferring employees. But they're still sticking by that old 8500 chestnut.
Why doesn't the Ledger find an independent firm to make a wild guess how many real jobs will be created years after this mythical full build-out? That's the way to check claims..
Postscript
While Rousos wrote the article, and is responsible for the items I mentioned, I don't believe he has an agenda or that he is a poor journalist. Take a look at something else he wrote for Saturday's paper, Driver Recalls Harrowing Hour Pinned in Truck
Lakeland Local
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Latest in Lakeland Crime
Posted: 23 Feb 2008 09:42 PM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/240209074/latest-in-lakeland-crime.html
We have the latest in Lakeland crime maps over at our sister site, Lakeland Crime. As usual, thanks to the Lakeland Police Department for the information.
You can always get the latest crime maps delivered by email or in your feedreader.
Lakeland Local
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Suzanne
Posted: 22 Feb 2008 09:35 PM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/239759528/suzanne.html
You hear the numbers on the news. Banks and mortgage companies counting revenues lost. Economists writing about recession, upticks, and downturns.
Suzanne is moving to Lakeland. She knows the story firsthand:
We've all heard about the astronomical numbers of foreclosures currently clogging our courts. All over the US, people are in dire straights and losing their homes. Folks, count us in those numbers. Today, I'm going to tell you our story to put a face on what is happening everywhere. - Suzanne Sez
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CSX Blinded by Science in Polk County
Posted: 22 Feb 2008 08:39 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/239440798/csx-blinded-by-science-in-polk-county.html
Flu and deadlines have kept me from pointing out some recent articles in the always fun "main steam media."
You must read Fasano has concerns about CSX proposal
Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, told the Buzz this morning he has "concerns" over the proposed $490-million deal that would have the state buying rail lines from CSX, and over proposed legislation that would exempt CSX from any liability as they operate.
Don't miss the comments:
Yesterday Billy Townsend, re-introduced Polk County to the fine readers of the Tampa Tribune:
You know Polk's rap.
It's the county of oranges, phosphate mountains and trailer parks. It's where they spread hepatitis through meth use, once elected a white supremacist sheriff, and often find themselves in perp walks on Orlando or Tampa Bay TV.
If that lead doesn't convince you to read his story, you're a lifelong Lakeland resident and consider that old news. Townsend takes a good look into the perception though. (Read his blog for a point that didn't make it into the article.)
Three years ago, when I was looking to move here, I made a few inquiries about Lakeland. I didn't hear about the sheriff, but meth was mentioned. However, I was moving from the Northern meth capital and it didn't seem to be a big change. I heard much more about how boring I'd find life in Lakeland.
Well, if Lakeland is boring, I don't want to be excited. I like life here. I'm just afraid we're in a rush to join Tampa or Orlando.
"There's an old police saying," Judd said. "No people, no problems; a few people, a few problems; a lot of people, a lot of problems."
Who knew Sheriff Grady Judd was so hip? That had to be a reference to The Notorious B.I.G's most famous quote, "The more money you make, the more problems you get."
Remember when Wired noticed Polk County? Well, they've kept an eye on Florida. Their blogger, Brandon Keim, was pleased with this week's Florida Board of Education vote:
The 4-3 vote was obtained by including a last-minute amendment to the standards. Suggested last Friday by religious conservatives and dubbed the "academic freedom proposal," the amendment required that the curriculum's references to "evolution" be replaced by the "scientific theory of evolution."
The amendment's supporters called the language change a victory -- and it is, though not in the way they imagine.
Not only will Florida's students learn about evolution; they'll also learn that the scientific definition of a theory is different from the everyday definition, referring not to wild-eyed speculation but to a vast body of observation and testing that confirms a hypothesis so strongly that it might as well be considered fact.
A big thank-you, then, to religious critics of evolution education. The language change will better help Florida's children understand not only evolution, but science itself.
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Scan Polk County is 10-8
Posted: 22 Feb 2008 06:07 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/239371874/scan-polk-county-is-108.html
How many times have you heard or watched a Polk County Sheriff cruiser zoom down the road lights ablaze? Now, how many times have you wondered what was their destination? Or who were they chasing?
You could buy a scanner to listen to their calls or you could surf over to Scan Polk County, That site present live and recorded radio communication from the Polk County Sheriffs Office and Fire/Rescue calls. It's a labor of love from an unknown Polk County resident who hooks up a scanner to the Net and a Georgia resident who hosts the hardware for Scan Polk County and 11 sister sites.
There is a handy chat room to discuss current events and police business. A link to the Polk County Dispatch and Status Codes so you understand the lingo. They even maintain links to interesting articles about police business and crimes.
I know I couldn't leave the scanner on as background music, but it will be useful the next time we have a major crime event. I wonder if someone has plans to add Lakeland Police Department?
Lakeland Local
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Here all News is Local
Posted: 20 Feb 2008 10:19 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/238273573/here-all-news-is-local.html
An important part of a story is often where it happened. With that in mind, I've created another map. When appropriate, an article will include a link to a map point to help you understand where the story was set. This should enable residents to quickly find news in their neighborhood. By the end of the year, with most Lakeland Local articles included on the map, there will be yet another way to find a link to a story you remember happened near you, but you've forgot the date.
Here's the current map with most 2008 articles already linked. In the future look for the Lakeland News Map 2008 link at the bottom of an article.
CommunityWalk Map - LakelandLocal.com Articles
Lakeland Local
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Not So Fleet of Foot in Downtown Lakeland
Posted: 19 Feb 2008 05:14 PM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/237840454/not-so-fleet-of-foot.html
The following is a Lakeland Police Department Media Release. Blame the highlighting on me....
The Lakeland Police Department arrested Steward Butler, DOB: 6/28/91, B/M, for Burglary to a Conveyance and Grand Theft after a foot chase in the downtown area of Lakeland today. At approximately 1451 hours, the victim left her unlocked vehicle parked at in the 500 block of Michigan Avenue.
As the victim returned to the vehicle, three suspects that were standing nearby fled at the sight of the victim. Citizens in the area chased after the fleeing suspects as police were called. The suspects discarded the property taken from the vehicle – a computer and a cell phone -- that were recovered.
Butler was later apprehended by K-9 Officer Jose Bosque in the area of the 700 block of Magnolia Street. This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be made. No further information will be released today on this incident. -- LPD Online News
This is a good time to remind everyone that the Lakeland Police Department has two very good sites: Inside LPD; for Lakeland Police Department information and LPD Online News, for all the media releases concerning select crimes and news.
You can also find crime maps at Lakeland Crime. I'm to blame for that one though.
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Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Closes
Posted: 19 Feb 2008 08:44 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/237624340/lone-star-steakhouse-closes.html
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon closed seven of its eight Florida restaurants yesterday. The Lakeland location at 3723 US-98 North was shuttered along with locations in Bradenton, Fort Myers, Ocala, Pensacola, Port Orange, and St. Petersburg.
Lone Star closed 27 restaurants yesterday, leaving the company with 152 locations. According to a report in this morning's Bradenton Herald Tribune the stores were closed for poor performance related:
"The main reason for the closings is performance-related," Van Warner said. "Despite the best efforts of the teams, none had been performing that well for a long time." -- Herald Tribune
A call this morning to the Lakeland store was answered but staff reported they couldn't comment.
I have a call in to the company spokesperson to find out how they'll handle gift card redemption.
Update: I spoke to Lone Star spokesman Rick Van Warner. He reiterated that the restaurants were closed based on their performance. The chain's only remaining Florida location is Orlando. However, he didn't rule out the company's return, "Florida is a market we'll look at again."
On the issue of employee compensation, Van Warner said all employees would receive severance pay based on their tenure and hours worked.
Van Warner said customers holding Lone Star gift cards can use them at any other Lone Star restaurant (list). The closest location is 8850 Vineland Avenue in Orlando; about a 40 minute drive from the closed Lakeland restaurant. (directions)
If you have a card, and don't feel like driving to Orlando, you might check into the gift card secondary market. These are Web sites where you trade, auction, and buy gift cards. Read more about the service at Bankrate.com.
Lakeland Local
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Take a Bite Out of Crime
Posted: 17 Feb 2008 11:25 PM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/236920980/take-a-bite-out-of-crime.html
Over at Lakeland Crime we have the latest weekly crime map and something special for all Lakeland business owners: January 2008 Lakeland Business Burglaries & Robberies.
Lakeland Local
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CSX Update
Posted: 16 Feb 2008 05:24 AM CST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/236030226/csx-update.html
Lately, you've not found a lot of CSX coverage here on Lakeland Local. Frankly, I've had nothing to add over what the Tribune and Ledger have reported. Also, I believe the project is getting plenty of non-media scrutiny from the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and the Stop CSX in Polk County website. Plus, three Ledger blogs are covering aspects of the CSX story: Tom Palmer, Diane Lacey Allen, and Bill Rufty.
Still, I'll be watching Monday's 9 am Lakeland City Commission meeting. According to the agenda, the commission will vote on Resolution 08-007 "Resolution Indicating Support for Alternatives to the Proposed CSX Integrated Logistics Center (ILC) Facility." You can watch also on the Web or on cable at channel 622.
I fear we'll hear more about Quiet Zones than rerouting freight trains. You might want to read a Federal report form 2000 (pdf) One telling statistic: "55 percent of the collisions occurred when motorists deliberately drove around lowered gates. These collisions occurred 128 percent more often at crossings with whistle bans than at other crossings." That's why to create Quiet Zones you must first install gates that can't be driven around.
Well, unless you live in Orlando:
Tuesday, Eyewitness News timed the CSX train sitting on the tracks along South Street. It didn't move for 30 minutes. Traffic was so backed up that drivers started getting out of their cars. Some even lifted up the crossing arms so they could make an illegal u-turn and go around the train.
Eyewitness News confronted a CSX employee, asking what the legal limit is that they can block the road.
"All day," was the response. -- WFTV
Again, this isn't a noise problem; it's a traffic problem. We have at least six crossings to consider. Spending money to close New York and create quiet zones is throwing money down a rabbit hole. The zones really aren't quiet. You can't silence the rumble of a mile long train. Quiet Zones are not permanent installations. They have to be re-approved every three years. Yes, after they're constructed you'll have to maintain them at additional cost. I wonder who will pay for that?
