WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
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We have put together some very instructive pieces in this Access Lakeland newsletter to help you stay informed and engaged as we continue to battle the impacts of COVID-19. The past 30-days have created some of the most significant habit changes in our lives. This major reset provides time to think about the things that matter most. In some respects, as we protect against virus spread, it offers good reset moments to focus on opportunities we’ve raced by earlier. As you see those items, follow your good impulses! Write a note, call a friend, wave (from a safe distance) and smile more often. Let your actions show people how much you care.
I encourage this reflective time, despite knowing that workloads have shifted dramatically for many of you. Complications resulting from the challenges that have been put before us make our days full, yet in other ways, simpler. Stay encouraged as you adapt and seek happy moments in your household to be as creative and positive as possible. We are going to get through this successfully together and I applaud the community for practicing social distancing and applying good hygiene. Medical experts tell us the toughest weeks are still likely ahead. This probable scenario is why it is time for firm resolve, increased patience and accepting what we CAN do instead of focusing on what we cannot.
This week holds two of the year’s most sacred faith-based celebrations. Passover was Wednesday and Easter is on Sunday. This is a great time to reflect and be thankful for what we do have even in this time of crisis. Indeed, all things can work together for good, and it is my prayer that after this pandemic passes, we will see significant benefits that enhance what we can accomplish together in the years ahead. Thank you for what you do and please think of those great heroes that keep this community going during this time of uncertainty.
Bill Mutz, Mayor
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TAMPA BAY FISHERIES
DONATES GLOVES
AND MASKS TO LOCAL
FIRST RESPONDERS
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Commissioner Scott Franklin was recently contacted by one of his insurance clients who wanted to donate personal protective equipment to first responders and public health agencies. Franklin, acting as a conduit, contacted organizations within the Lakeland community to secure the PPE.
Tampa Bay Fisheries, a local food manufacturing company with locations in Dover and Plant City, was able to secure 40,000 surgical masks and 75,000 nitrile gloves that they have donated to local city and county front-line employees.
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SITE WORK BEGINS
ON SUMMIT CONSULTING'S NEW LAKE MIRROR HOME
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Site work has begun on Summit Consulting’s new nine-story 135,000 square foot office building which is being constructed at 117 N. Massachusetts Avenue. Summit purchased this 1.2-acre Lake Mirror property from the City of Lakeland on March 3
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of this year after completing an extended due diligence period. Since closing on the property, the site plan has been approved and the development team has received work and right-of-way use permits, which have been used to secure the site and grade the property.
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Listen Lakeland - April 3, 2020
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On Friday, April 3, City Manager Tony Delgado and Emergency Manager Audrey Cain spoke with Director of Communications Kevin Cook in an informative session on the impacts of COVID-19. The discussion is from a local government perspective from those that are working to keep the community safe and also informed as we confront this virus together.
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Florida Dept. of Health Dashboard
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To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the coronavirus, the Florida Department of Health has launched a
COVID-19 dashboard
. On Friday, April 10, there are 17,531 total Florida COVID-19 cases with 237 in Polk County. These twice-daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information.
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YARD WASTE COLLECTION
SERVICE CHANGES
DUE TO COVID-19
EFFECTIVE APRIL 6
The City of Lakeland Solid Waste Division will made changes to yard waste services, effective April 6, due to Covid-19. The division uses a great deal of temporary staff as part of their collection services for alley, junk and yard waste routes. Yard waste routes will be reduced from once per week to every other week. The change in collection is necessary as an effort to reduce in-cab contact from three people down to two.
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LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH
PATH TO BE RESURFACED
BEGINNING APRIL 15
Contractors working for the City of Lakeland will begin milling and resurfacing portions of the Lake Hollingsworth path beginning April 15, 2020. The path is currently closed due to the impacts of Covid-19. Those travelling around Lake Hollingsworth Drive should expect delays while the work is taking place. The project is expected to take four days to complete, weather permitting.
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Commission Presentation -
Dr. Achinger & Michael Spake
At the Monday, April 6th City Commission Meeting, Dr. Steven Achinger and Michael Spake addressed the City Commission and answered questions regarding the most recent Covid-19 developments.
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Dr. Joy Jackson Speaks to Commission
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Dr. Joy Jackson, the Director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk and Hardee Counties, addressed the Lakeland City Commission on Thursday, April 9, in a workshop dedicated to Covid-19. Dr. Jackson provided an update and current state of impact for Covid-19 as positive cases are on the rise in Florida and Polk County.
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LISTEN LAKELAND •
First Sunday | FM97.5 WPCV @ 8:30AM | FM 98.3 WWRZ @ 8AM | AM 1430 WLKF @ 8AM | AM 1230 WONN @ 9AM
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Commission Meetings • First & Third Monday • 3PM
Utility Committee Meeting • First Monday • 1PM
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