April 2025

 

Dear Lakeland Residents,​


Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes a season of growth and community engagement. This month, we're excited to share updates on infrastructure improvements, cultural events, and opportunities for you to get involved in shaping our city's future.​



Warm regards,​



Shawn Sherrouse

City Manager​

A First-Class Flight for Lakeland’s Newest Swans


Lakeland is welcoming six new White Mute Swans to diversify the gene pool and ensure the long-term health of our iconic flock. The birds, flown in from a respected breeder near Chicago, were personally delivered by local pilot and community hero Mike Araldi—at no cost to the city.

This marks the first swan arrival by plane since Queen Elizabeth gifted a pair in 1957. After a health check by the city’s swan vet, the newcomers will join their feathered family at Lake Morton.
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Featured Stories
 

New Assistant City Manager: Meet Ashley Stathatos


Ashley Stathatos has been appointed as Assistant City Manager, bringing over 30 years of municipal government experience to Lakeland. Her leadership is expected to enhance city operations and community engagement. 
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A graphic banner showing a 747 airplane with the Avelo Airlines logo flying through a clear blue sky. Bold text reads, 'Where will you fly next?' The banner invites viewers to check out flights from Lakeland International Airport with Avelo Airlines.

Downtown Infrastructure Enhancements


Starting April 21, 2025, city crews will begin reconstructing sidewalk curb ramps to meet ADA compliance standards. Work will occur one ramp at a time to minimize pedestrian disruption, with detours in place as needed.
 
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See Local Art With Arts and Rec


The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department hosts rotating art exhibitions featuring Central Florida artists across the city.


Check out Arts and Rec at city facilities like the Kelly Recreation Complex or the Coleman-Bush Building.
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Water

Conservation


Join the "Lakeland Learn and Grow" workshops, a collaboration with UF/IFAS Polk Extension, focusing on Florida-Friendly Landscaping and water conservation techniques. Workshops are free and held at various locations monthly.
 
Learn More

Lakeland Youth Council Now Accepting Applications


High school students: want to make your voice heard? The Lakeland Youth Council is now accepting applications! This is your chance to learn how local government works, build leadership skills, and represent your peers.


🔗 Apply now to be part of something meaningful!
Learn More
 

Solid Waste Collection Schedule

Regular trash and recycling services will continue without interruption through April. Please note that the next holiday affecting collection will be Memorial Day on May 26, 2025.
 

Events

🎶 Live Music in Munn Park

  • Performer: Walker Mathinson & The Ranahan Band
  • Date: April 25, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Munn Park


🎭 Lakeland Community Theatre: Disney’s Newsies Jr.

  • Type: Musical
  • Dates: June 13-22, 2025
  • Location: Lakeland Community Theatre
  • Details: Newsies JR. tells the inspiring story of newsboys who strike against powerful publishers in turn-of-the-century New York.


🎸 RP Funding Center: Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Texas Flood'

  • Type: Classic Albums Live Concert
  • Date: June 21, 2025
  • Location: RP Funding Center
  • Details: Enjoy this note-for-note recreation of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s iconic debut album.


🖼️ Polk Museum of Art: Matisse to Gehry

  • Type: Gallery Exhibition
  • Dates: Ongoing through September 9, 2025
  • Details: Explore works on paper from legendary artists spanning nearly a century.
A promotional graphic for a concert at the RP Funding Center. The left side shows a cheering concert crowd under dramatic stage lights with the text: “Concerts and more are happening at the RP Funding Center! www.rpfundingcenter.com | +1 (863) 834-8100.” The right side features a circular inset photo of a musician playing an electric guitar, with text above reading: “Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Classic Albums Live: Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood.” Below the photo is the RP Funding Center’s 50th Anniversary logo.
Illustrated graphic promoting City of Lakeland Swim Lessons. The design features a child swimming at the top surrounded by playful aquatic characters, including a dolphin, rubber duck, seahorse, shark, stingray, and bubbles. Bold text in the center reads 'City of Lakeland Swim Lessons' on a blue, water-textured background.
A bright, playful yellow graphic with bold, cheerful text that reads, 'We are hiring for Summer 2025.
Logo for the History and Culture Center featuring an elegant swan with a graceful, curved neck.
A bright, playful green graphic with bold, cheerful text that reads, 'PR&CA Programs and classes."
A blue graphic that says "PR&CA 2025 Adult Athletics"
A bright, playful green graphic with bold, cheerful text that reads, 'PR&CA Parks Finder."
Promotional graphic from the City of Lakeland’s Business Resource Office. The text reads: 'Starting a new business? We can help.' Below, it lists: 'City of Lakeland, Community & Economic Development, Business Resource Office.' The right side features a photo tinted in blue of a person working at a desk with business charts and papers. The City of Lakeland logo, featuring a stylized swan, appears at the bottom.

Andrew Gash, with the Communications Department, breaks down the City Commission Meeting in our video series "Meeting Minutes."
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The LakelandGov Podcast aims to produce quality audio content with the goal of having an informed and engaged citizenry.

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Community

Calendar

City Commission

Agenda

Library

Events

Neighborhood

Association Coalition

Job

Openings

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Lakeland Podcast
 
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City Lakeland, Florida | 228 S. Massachusetts Ave | Lakeland, FL 33801 US

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