It also should be no shock that St. Nick has outsourced the calls to a cadre of specially trained long distance operators. (Who, since the advent of international direct dialing, are greatly underutilized. Most would be out-of-work save for the very strong LDO union. Very strong. Hoffa crossed them. Once.)

Economic and sociological changes aside, a memo from the City of Lakeland has announced that our little Lakeland elementary school tykes should expect their calls Tuesday, December 8th from 5:30pm to 8pm.

However, Santa has been hit from the recent economic woes, and not every child can get a call. The jolly fat man has limited the “ho-ho-hellos” to those special few who have parents caring enough to fill out a form.

The “Santa’s Calling” form can be found at LakelandGov.Net or picked up at:

• Kelly Recreation Complex – 404 Imperial Boulevard
• Simpson Park Community Center – 1725 MLK Jr. Boulevard
• City Hall – 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue

If you want Santa, or one of his ernestines to give your kiddo a call, make sure you have the form submitted by Monday, December 7th. You can fax your form to 863-648-3173 or return it to one of the above locations. Just get it in by Monday, December 7th. If you’re late, Santa will mark you “naughty” and junior won’t get his call.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

From 6pm to 7pm, as Christmas music fills the air, six teams of local leaders will encourage shoppers to drop spare change, and the occasional helpful bills, to benefit Salvation Army programs.

The event will open with Santa arriving riding the “World’s Largest Kettle” to help light the Lakeside Christmas tree. After the kick-off, the Salvation Army will set up the red kettles at area businesses.

The Salvation Army reports that a portion of the funds collected will “provide gifts and food boxes for thousands children in local families.”

“All of these services are made possible through the generosity of this wonderful community,” says Captain Stan Colbert, Corps Officer. “With the help of our community, we are confident we will reach our 2009 goal of $150,000.00 and be able to reach out in a meaningful way to the less fortunate again this year.”

Those interested in volunteering to help the kettle campaign can call Major Jim Robbins at 863-899-5456.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

I had big plans of bringing my camera and getting some crowd shots. I forgot the camera. I missed some great photo opps, though. Like the vehicle that had “Mrs. Cullen” on the windshield. And the thousands of T-shirts proclaiming “Team Edward” and other Twilight-themed phrases.

It’s not often that I go to a movie where the entire theatre is full and people clap when the movie begins, sigh collectively when lovers share a kiss, and groan in aggravation over the cliffhanger at the end. So it’s a lot of fun when that happens.

Although the crowd was largely dominated by kids, including the Blake Academy seventh grader who sat beside me and voiced her opinion that she should have been allowed to take Friday off from school for this momentous occasion, there truly were people of all ages there.

And contrary to one friend’s belief, not all the guys in attendance were gay. At least half of them clearly had been dragged there by their girlfriends.

This movie definitely is one to see whether or not you’ve read the books. Word of advice, though: rent Twilight first, if you haven’t seen it already. There’s a lot of information to be gathered from the first one that will make New Moon make more sense.

Happy watching!

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Eagle-eyed readers will notice the ballot contains a race for SE District D. Since Patrick Shawn Jones dropped out of the race, Edie Yates must wait until January 26th for that election. They say the third time is the charm.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Over the past two months we’ve discussed how we could increase coverage of our neighborhoods, while not completely lose touch with our families.

We’ll borrow freely from each other’s expertise. Chuck is a sitesmith. He’s been known to force a Wordpress theme or two into submission. Tommy is a passionate observer of society, who is excited about the possibilities of several folks working together.

However, we are both are first, and foremost, writers. We will continue to cover our home areas of Tampa, St. Pete, Lakeland, and Polk County. In the coming weeks we’ll expand from primarily geographical coverage to add a topic site on the nuts and bolts of hyperlocal publishing. We also hope to work with other Central Florida sites to expand news coverage, ideas, and expertise.

For now though, we’re starting slow. We’ve started with a new design for all three sites. Inside you’ll still find the same strong reporting and photography you’ve enjoyed. We’re hoping it’ll be easier to navigate and find some articles you might have missed.

We’ll make tweaks over the next few days as we get reader feedback. So don’t be shy. You can contact Tommy or Chuck or just leave a comment here.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Tomorrow night, November 17, Polk Theatre will host the next installment of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. This week, Producer/Director Katrina Brown will be in town for the screening and talk-back of her film Traces of the Trade. The film tells the story of Brown’s ancestors, the largest slave-trading family in New England, and how her family is now struggling with taking public action given what they now know. The film starts at 7:30, and regular film admission prices apply.

At the same time, for you classical music lovers, Imperial Symphony Orchestra will present its Symphonic Reflections Masterworks concert at the Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theater. The concert will feature the I Vespri Siciliani Overture by Giuseppi Verdi, Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra by Claude Debussy featuring the ISO’s own Ann Satterfield on clarinet, and Rustic Wedding Symphony by Karl Goldmark. Contact the ISO for ticket information: 834-8111.

Thursday, the 19th, is a crazy arts day.

The first event is Polk Museum of Art’s Gems & Jewels Artist Market. This event runs 10am – 4pm in the Museum’s lobby and student gallery, and will feature seven local and regional jewelry and wearables artists. Stop by on your lunch break to shop for gifts for the jewelry lovers in your life. Admission is free.

That evening, you music lovers have two choices. The Bacon Brothers Band will be performing at Polk Theatre, and local band Juniper RED will be the opening act. In case you haven’t heard yet, the Bacon Brothers are actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael Bacon. This is your chance to discover your own Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, so take advantage of it! Tickets start at $25, and the performance starts at 7:30.

At the same time, the Harrison School for the Arts will present its Fall Symphony Orchestra Concert. Contact the school’s box office for tickets: 499-2939 or visit their website.

On Friday, Polk Museum of Art will have a Curator Tour of the exhibition The Surreal Photography of Jerry Uelsmann, 12:15 – 1:00pm. Daniel E. Stetson, the Museum’s Executive Director, will lead the tour, which is included with Museum admission. Later that evening, the Museum will host its quarterly View & Review. This time, the event is geared toward middle and high school students who are preparing their portfolios for art school admission. Artist Rick Olivo will be the guest critic. Young artists should pre-register by calling the Museum’s Education Department at 863-688-5423. The cost is $15 for the artist, and $5 for audience members.

Saturday will be hopping as well. Polk Museum of Art will be hosting two children’s events: Breakfast with Santa, and the Elves Shelves Gift Shoppe. Breakfast with Santa is an opportunity for the kids to literally have breakfast with Santa, and then enjoy a fun art workshop afterward. It starts at 9:00am and costs $15 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration is required. The Elves Shelves Gift Shoppe will be open throughout the day. This special secret shop is just for kids and will feature low-cost gifts that they can pick out for family and friends. They’ll also have the opportunity to make their own wrapping paper to wrap their selections. The Shop will be open 9:00am 3:00pm and admission is free.

Explorations V will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday with their Pilgrim Day. Bring the kids for early American activities like rope making, candle dipping, butter churning, quill writing, and building tin can lanterns. Pilgrim Day is included with regular admission.

Whew!! What an art-filled week! It’s going to be fun.

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There was a bit of misinformation shared at the event that since has been cleared up and confirmed by the Division of Elections. I thought I would share this information, not as an official spokesperson of Paula’s campaign, but as an average citizen who supports Paula’s campaign and wants to see her on that ballot in 2010.

Any registered voter can complete a candidate petition for Paula Dockery. You do not have to be a registered Republican.

Paula Dockery needs signed petitions from 1 percent of the registered voters in Florida to get on the ballot. There are 11,247,634 registered voters, meaning she needs 112,476 voters to sign the petition, according to information posted on the Division of Elections Web site.

There is no requirement for certain percentages of registered voters who sign petitions to come from each county in the state, said Jennifer Krell Davis, communications director for the Department of State. Candidates must obtain signatures of at least 1 percent of the voters from the geographical of their candidacy.

I’m off to get some more petitions signed!

Update (11/16/09) After Aaron left his comment, I received an e-mail from a Dockery representative that answers his question. Candidate petitions can be downloaded, completed and mailed to:

Paula Dockery for Governor
P.O. Box 1527
Lakeland, FL 33802-1527

To download a petition, visit the Florida Division of Elections Web site. Be sure to write in Paula Dockery’s name, check the “party” box and write in “Republican,” and under “Candidate for the office of:” write in “Governor, State of Florida.”

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Inside the new Verizon store location –

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

If I missed something, which I’m sure I have, then add in a comment!

Friday, November 13

Pics on the Promenade
Time: Starts Around 6:30 p.m. (or dusk)
What: A movie shown on a large screen.  Usually concessions are for sale cheap or you can bring your own coolers and chairs.  Definitely bring a blanket!!
Movie: Miracle on 34th Street
Cost: !!!FREE!!!
Where: Lake Mirror Promenade

Jane Eyre the Musical
Time: Friday/Saturday @ 7:30 pm and Sunday @ 2:30pm
What: Southeastern University Drama Department presents, “Jane Eyre the Musical.” Sure to be a performance you do NOT want to miss!
Cost: $12 general admission; $7 student/senior admission
Where: The Polk Theatre, 139 S. Florida Ave.

Saturday, November 14

Downtown Farmer’s Market
Time: 8am – 2pm
What: The Downtown Farmer’s Market is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers.
Cost: !!!FREE!!!
Where: 200 N. Kentucky Avenue

Downtown Art Festival
Time: Saturday & Sunday from 10am – 5pm
What: The Downtown Art Festival, sponsored every November by J. Rowan Galleries features the best of local and regional artists. At this juried show you will find original art in a wide variety of media – from oils and acrylics, watercolors, photography, mixed media, sculpture to textiles and jewelry.
Cost: !!!FREE!!!
Where: 123 S. Kentucky Avenue

The Fancy Flea Vintage Home & Garden Market
Time: 10am – 5pm
What: This market will offer antiques, shabby chic furniture, beautiful handmade jewelry, whimsical home accessories, linens, glassware, vintage jewelry, outdoor furniture, holiday decor and more…all in time for your holiday shopping. Stroll thru the market and find that special piece of furniture you’ve been looking for or purchase a unique set of earrings for that someone special.
Cost: !!!FREE!!!
Where: Lemon Street between Kentucky and Massachusetts

IGNITE Arts & Music Fest
Time: 11am – 5pm
What: Art, Music, Dance and More
Cost: !!!FREE!!!
Where: Lake Mirror Amphitheater

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City officials have proposed ending the new qualifying period on November 20, 2009 at Noon. If anyone qualifies to run, they propose a special election to be held on January 5th.

The Lakeland City Commissioners have set a special meeting for Friday, November 13th at 8am to vote and officially set the dates.

Update: According to a city official, the special meeting was moved to Monday when it was found the Polk Election Board could not have the election on January 5th. The Monday special meeting will decide a new date.

Update: On Friday, Lakeland City Clerk Kelly Koos spoke to Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Koos said Edwards explained that the holidays would force another special election to be held no earlier than January 26th. Edwards said the time is needed to find and train poll workers who can work the special election.

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This past weekend, a couple of people said they were coming, yet didn’t show. It prompted me to say to my husband that night, “You know what I hate? I hate when people say they’re going to come over and then they don’t show up and they don’t call.”

A couple of days later, Ginger, one of the no-shows (a very good friend with whom I can have an honest conversation) called to apologize for being a no-call, no-show. I told her that since she brought it up… and I shared what I had said to my husband.

She laughed and said, “Wait a minute, I said I’d probably show up. I didn’t say it was a definite.”

Which resulted in a several-minutes-long conversation on the definition of yes, no, and all those muddy words in between.

Here’s my philosophy on those words: yes means yes. No means no. Maybe means no. “I’ll try” means no. Probably means no. In my mind, anything other than “yes” means no.

Let’s use the Facebook event feature as an example. How many times have you marked the “maybe” box and actually shown up at the event? I bet the answer for many of you is “never.”

Here’s what “maybe” means to me: I don’t want to go to your event, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings and tell you no. Therefore, I’ll sit on the fence rather than commit to one side or the other. Oh, and I won’t show. But you can’t be upset because I didn’t say “yes,” I said “maybe.”

I understand I’m a relatively black-and-white kind of girl, so I wasn’t surprised when Ginger further muddied my waters. It’s not that simple, she said.

Maybe actually means that there’s an 80 percent chance that the answer is no.

Probably actually means that there’s an 80 percent chance that the answer is yes.

So not only is this not black-and-white, percentages are involved?! Good grief. This is why I’m a writer, not an accountant.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

From Cnn.com – Frustration looms as H1N1 vaccines run out – By Elizabeth Landau, CNN
October 26, 2009 11:19 a.m. EDT

(CNN) — Yessica Maher of Los Angeles, California, feels let down. She had wanted to get the H1N1 vaccine for herself and her children, but that’s proving to be difficult.

Her doctor is out of the vaccine, and so is the pediatrician. Her two older sons were not eligible for the nasal spray version because of asthma, and she was told the shot would not become available until perhaps November. Her youngest son, 2, goes to a preschool where there was recently a diagnosis of H1N1.

“I feel that the government and health officials, they knew this was big when it first started, they know the size of our population before it started, and they didn’t make leaps and bounds to make sure it was available to everyone when they would need it,” she said. “It shouldn’t be a supply-and-demand thing.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that production of the vaccine is slower than expected. While the CDC had hoped for 40 million doses by the end of October, the real numbers will be about 30 million doses because of manufacturing delays, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC’s director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Public health departments across the country are quickly running out of H1N1 vaccine and don’t know when the next batches will arrive.

“We wait by the door every day to see if vaccine is going to come,” said Erin Sutton, spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Health Department in Virginia. “With the overall delay from the manufacturing company, [it] has caused a great deal of frustration and problems.”

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll based on interviews with 1,038 adult Americans found that 49 percent of people said the swine flu vaccine is safe, while 43 percent said no. The poll of 1,038 adults was conducted by telephone October 16-18 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

But not everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccine can get one.
The East Metro Health Department near Atlanta, Georgia, gave out all of its approximately 6,000 doses of the FluMist version between Saturday and Tuesday, and has “no idea” when more will arrive, said Suleima Salgado, public information officer for the district.

People generally aren’t complaining about the lack of vaccine, however, she said.

“We were pretty proactive about educating them and letting them know that it was slowly coming in bits and pieces,” she said. “We just encouraged them to be patient, and as it continues to come, we’ll continue to distribute it.”

Public health departments have been flooded with calls from people wanting to know where they can get the vaccine. Michelle Peregoy, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health, said the department gets about 700 calls a day.

In Ventura County, California, the H1N1 hotline was ringing every 2 minutes Wednesday, said Mary Leu Pappas, who teaches nursing and volunteers with the hotline.

She typically gets asked where the vaccine is available and why certain people can’t get it. Some older people want to know why they are not in the priority group, and Pappas explains that this age group may be less likely to become critically ill because of prior exposure to influenza outbreaks of decades past.

In some cases demand has outstripped supply, although more vaccine is on the way, Peregoy said.

“We’re definitely seeing a lot of the school clinics that have been scheduled postponed until the local health departments get additional shipments,” Peregoy said.

In Virginia Beach, there isn’t enough staff to administer vaccines in all schools, so only public schools are getting them, Sutton said. However, the public health department is making separate opportunities for children in private schools and day care centers to get vaccinated. But at the moment, there is no vaccine available in the community.

Polk County, Iowa, ran out of the vaccine last week, but is holding another vaccination clinic on Sunday.

“Until the size of our shipments increase we need to focus on the people who are at the greatest risk of becoming hospitalized [if infected],” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director, in a statement.

Priority groups for the vaccine include pregnant women, caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and anyone ages 25 to 64 with existing health problems. Health care and emergency medical services personnel in contact with high-risk patients, or patients with flu-like illness, are also on the list.

“We know there will not be enough of the H1N1 shots for everyone who wants one,” she said.Montgomery County, Maryland, is also focusing on the priority groups, although no one can actually be turned away for not being in those groups, said Mary Anderson, public information officer for the health department. iReport: People wait in line for vaccine in Silver Spring, Maryland

The people who did walk away from clinics Wednesday without a vaccine were those looking for an injectable version, of which only 249 had been available. They showed “a mixture of resignation, sprinkled with frustration — concern just wondering when we’d be getting more injectable. And we don’t know,” she said.

The county has a little more than 3,000 doses of the nasal spray vaccine left, and no injectable vaccines.
For those who have gotten the vaccine, it’s a relief.

“I feel much better, safer, glad I took another step,” said Cameron Harrelson, 16, of Baxley, Georgia, who contributed a video about his experience to iReport.com.

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With that said, there are some upcoming theatre productions you might want to check out. This weekend Southeastern University presents “Jane Eyre the Musical” at the Polk Theatre.

This production is based on the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre is a young orphan girl who overcomes an abusive and neglected childhood to become the governess of Thornfield Hall. She falls in love with the master of the estate and discovers he harbors a dark secret. The passionate and perseverant Jane’s journey of faith, forgiveness and love is amplified through a rich and beautiful music score.

The musical runs Nov. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students, seniors or groups of 10 or more. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Southeastern Box Office: (863) 669-4010.

Over at Florida Southern College, they will present “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” in the Loca Lee Buckner Theatre on the FSC campus Nov. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

The play takes place on Sept. 30, 1975, at the Five and Dime near the small Texas town where Dean filmed “Giant.” Members of the “Disciples of James Dean” gather to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the night Dean died in an auto accident. Through flashback scenes, the characters relive the events of that fateful night in 1955 when the idol of their youth crashed his Porsche on a California highway. They each experience painful memories of their past and present, revealing to themselves and the group a secret pain and a secret strength hidden deep inside.

General admission is $15. FSC students get free admission and other students pay half price. Call the Buckner Theatre Box Office for tickets: (863) 680-3089. The Box Office is open weekdays, 2-6 p.m.

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

It’s the third year for Roar N Soar, Fantasy of Flight’s air, water, and land show. If it is fast, you’ll probably find it in Polk City today from 10 am to 5pm. Photographer Tom Hagerty and I toured the grounds Saturday morning to take in the events. As we found last year, the events are spread through the grounds and no one will feel crowded.

Biplanes rides, hang gliders, remote control planes, and a classic air show highlight the events in the air, a huge number of British cars compete in slalom races while a bevy of classic cars sit nearby to offer opportunities to reminisce. Not to be outdone, the Classic Race Boat Association are hosting an exhibition on the grounds at on Lake Agnes.

If the real things are enough to keep your interest, radio controlled cars and boats are a big part of the fun this weekend. A short-track dirt course for the RC hobby cars was a popular draw Saturday morning, especially for the teen crowd. Their parents and grandparents were more focused on the older cars and airplanes.

Unless you own a classic car or RC vehicle this event is for your viewing pleasure. However, if you want to get a little closer to the action there is the opportunity to purchase a ride in a Biplane or pay a little extra to get intom the cockpits of three classic planes. No, you can’t take them for a spin.

The event hours for Sunday are 10am to 5 pm, with gates opening at 9am.

Parking is $5, Adults $23 and include a free admission for a child 6-15. Additional children 6-15 are $12. 5 and under are always free.

Find additional information at Fantasy of Flight Roar n Soar.

See the rest of Tom Hagarty’s photos from Roar N Soar 2009

photos credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

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photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

When: Sunday, November 8 @ 1:00pm
Where: The Polk Theatre
Address: 139 South Florida Avenue, 33801
Cost: Adults: $12, Children (11 and younger) $10 (Buy Tickets On-Line or at the Door)
Additional Information: Official Flyer

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?

Given Alexander’s obvious deep feeling for the common good of our state and soldiers and his solemn belief that the CSX/SunRail deal is so vital to both, I expect an announcement any day that he’s divesting his vast personal business interests in this deal. See them detailed here. Of course, it’s just a coincidence that the Winter Haven rail hub CSX will build as part of this deal with $23 million or so of your money will serve JD’s personal business interests and those of his partners. With a deal this important to our future, this important to our troops, I’m sure that JD will want to remove any taint that might surround it. That’s what a patriot does.

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• Polk County Election officials reported 10,729 total votes out of 54961 registered Lakeland voters. That’s 19.52% turnout.

• Mayor race: Gow Fields carried 14 precincts, Jim Verplanck 10 (& absentee voters), & Elliott Dorsch carried his home precinct 201

• In District C: Michael Dunn carried 10 precincts. Don Selvage (15 & absentee voters). Selvage might want to reach out to voters in precincts 204 (20.4% of vote) & 205 (26% of vote). Both districts were overwhelmingly for his opponent. Dunn also captured over 60% of the vote in precincts 119 and 210.

• In District A: Phillip Walker carried 21 precincts, Clarence Grier 2 precincts, and Rusty Shirah also carried 2. However, Shirah finished second in 11 precincts Walker carried.

• In the At-Large #1 race Wiggs won all 25 precincts and the absentee votes. The best Boedicker precinct by percentage was the 201st where he captured 41% of the vote.

• Verplanck received 1598 absentee votes for about 36% of his total vote | Fields had 1174 absentee votes for 28% of his total

• Absentee voters most “helped” Verplanck (36% of total votes) & Grier (33.5%). Selvage & Dunn each had about 31%

• If one believes absentee voters are “most committed” to candidates that bodes well for Verplanck (1598) & Walker (1327) in run-off elections.

• The run off election for Mayor and District A is December 8th. Joining them is the election for District D with Edie Yates defending her seat against Patrick Shawn Jones and Preston Studstill.

• Though I’m not a campaign manager, and never played one on TV, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn, I’ll throw out some precincts where Gow Fields and Jim Verplanck might want to do a little extra campaigning before December 8th: 117, 120, 224.

Note: Those following Lakeland Local on Twitter received election results last night as they were posted…along with some of the facts and speculations reported in this article. You can get Lakeland news and information @lakelandlocal.

Key: Grey cells are precincts the candidate carried. The pale yellow cells are those where Ricky Shirah finished second to Phillip Walker.

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photo credit: Tom Hagerty for USF Polytechnic

Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News have a new design. When was the last time you visited?