August 2020

The primary mission of the LMCA Grant is the enhancement, promotion and support of Lakeland’s arts community and its associated creative economy. Artistic enterprises headquartered within the Lakeland city limits are eligible to apply for funding through this process. Depending on the number of award recipients and total funds available, individual grant awards will consist of up to 5% of each organization’s prior year operating expenses.
CARE Program: Rent, Mortgage & Utility Payment Relief

The CARE Program has expanded to include mortgage relief through the Keystone Challenge Fund in addition to rent and utilities relief for those impacted by the effects of COVID-19. Visit LakelandGov.net/CARE to learn more and apply or request an application packet.
CITY NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Lakeland Electric has redesigned their utility bills to make them easier than ever to understand. They examined utility bills from across the country and participated in a national utility benchmarking study of bill redesign projects. To make a great bill design, they gathered best practices from around the US and added a little Lakeland spin to make it stand out!

The biggest change is a new City of Lakeland Utilities logo for customers who receive multiple services like water, wastewater, solid waste, recycling, etc. The new donut graph breaks down your electric, water, and other services in a single glance. LE's electric-only customers will still receive a bill with a Lakeland Electric logo. The donut graph will show your electric usage by tier.
The Wyland Foundation's National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation has officially begun! Do your part for clean water and a healthy ocean by making YOUR water pledge today at mywaterpledge.com!

Resolution 5622 Requiring Face Coverings in Indoor Public Locations was passed on August 3rd with a 5-2 vote by the Lakeland City Commission. The Resolution shall become effective on 8/3/2020 at 5 p.m. and shall expire at 5 p.m. on 9/8/2020 unless extended by further action of the City Commission.

FREE Masks are available at eight sites within Lakeland City limits to Lakeland-area residents who need facial coverings to help protect themselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus. The City of Lakeland has designated the following locations for mask distribution that will take place Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and residents can receive up to three masks per person.

  • Simpson Park Community Center – 1725 Martin L King Jr Avenue
  • Lakeland Main Library – 100 Lake Morton Drive
  • Lakeland Larry Jackson Branch Library – 1700 North Florida Avenue
  • eLibrary South Lakeland - 4740 S Florida Avenue
  • Lakeland Police Department Lobby – 219 North Massachusetts Avenue
  • Kelly Recreation Complex/Gandy Pool – 404 Imperial Boulevard
  • Coleman-Bush Building – 1104 Martin L King Jr Avenue 
  • Lakeland Chamber of Commerce - 35 Lake Morton Drive
Florida Dept. of Health Dashboard
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. As of Tuesday, August 11th, there are 542,792 total Florida COVID-19 cases with 14,645 in Polk County and 4,539 in Lakeland. These daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information.
Shape Your Future. Start here.

2020 Census numbers affect all aspects of our community, from school lunch programs to plans for roads and highway to support for firefighters and families in need. 2020 Census results will affect our community every day for the next ten years. The last day to take the 2020 Census is September 30th.

Eligible voters may vote in advance of the August 18th Primary Election at nine convenient locations around Polk County. Early Voting began August 3rd and continues through August 15th, and will be open from 10 AM until 6 PM daily. For more information, visit PolkElections.com or call 863.534.5888.
STAY CONNECTED
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
Commission Meetings • First & Third Monday • 3PM
Utility Committee Meeting • First Monday • 1PM
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