RED, WHITE & KABOOM CANCELLED DUE TO CONCERNS OVER COVID-19
After much deliberation, it has been decided that the July 3rd event Red, White & Kaboom is cancelled due to the unknowns associated with COVID-19. City staff met in late January to discuss a smaller footprint for the event because of construction taking place in downtown Lakeland. Since that time, the world has been hit with the impacts of COVID-19. The reduced footprint for the event has now been compounded by the unknown of the coronavirus. After lengthy discussions with staff and the event sponsors it has been decided that the event will be cancelled for 2020.


PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL WILSON
WANT TO KNOW IF YOUR FAVORITE PARK IS OPEN? FIND OUT BY USING THE PARKS FINDER MAP!

The Lakeland City Commission voted 7-0 in a specially called City Commission meeting, on April 27, to open passive recreation facilities including parks, dog parks, trails and boat ramps starting May 1st. Tennis courts and Cleveland Heights Golf Course will also open, following safety protocols.
For an up-to-date listing of Parks and Recreation information, CLICK HERE.

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 . On Monday, May 4, there are 36,897 total Florida COVID-19 cases with 536 in Polk County. These twice-daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information.
ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION NAMES LAKELAND TREE CITY USA
Lakeland was recently named a 2019 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Lakeland achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

CITY SNAPS!
MEET VANESSA TRIGLIA
Vanessa has worked for the City of Lakeland for 19 years. She is a Recreation Supervisor, overseeing the Kelly Recreation Complex and the Summer Camp programs. She admits she may be a little biased, but thinks Lakeland has some of the prettiest park spaces and the best recreational opportunities around.

A couple fun things about Vanessa is one day she hopes to travel to Italy and ride a Vespa through the streets of Rome. Her two favorite ice cream flavors are Coconut and Peppermint.

Thank you Vanessa for your hard work and dedication to the City of Lakeland.
South Florida Road Diet
Construction Begins

On Monday, April 27, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) began construction for the Road Diet Test and Traffic Study through the Dixieland area on South Florida Avenue. The $950,000 project will construct a new traffic pattern on South Florida Avenue from Ariana Street to Lime Street in downtown Lakeland. The new traffic pattern includes reducing South Florida Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. Once in place, the new traffic pattern will be studied for effectiveness over the next year. For more information on this FDOT project, please visit  www.swflroads.com/sr37/arianatolime .