Lakeland Local

Cabbage Palms and Date Palms hit by Disease New to Area

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:45:48 -0500

I found an article that might be of interest to local home owners. It seems Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPPD) has been confirmed in Lakeland:

The first clue is an excessive amount of dead lower leaves; more than what is normally seen with aging (senescence) or nutrient deficiencies. The second clue is death of the spear leaf, prior to death of all other leaves in the canopy. Eventually, the palm canopy will collapse around the trunk as the bud decays. -- Naples Daily News

Officials believe the phytoplasma pathogen that caused problems with the Texas Phoenix palm may be affecting cabbage palms. They feel it will be easier to detect the problem in natural areas, or palms with "relatively large canopy." For an extensive account of the disease's process and how you can check your palms see the article at naplesnews.com

Remember that cabbage palms die or appear unhealthy from a variety of problems: lightning, nutrient deficiencies, over-trimming, deep planting, insects, other diseases such as ganoderma butt rot, herbicides (roadside vegetation management) and fires (natural or prescribed burns). Only palms with the symptoms described above should be sampled for lab analysis of this new pathogen.

Blogging, Business, and Such

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:52:08 -0500

A reminder: The Polk County Bloggers, a not-for-profit, bylaws free, organization sans leadership, is happy to announce a meeting today for area bloggers, citizen journalists, paid journalists privileged to write blogs, business bloggers, and anyone with an hour to spare. July 21, 2008 Noon to 1 pm at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce (Yes, you read that correctly.) 35 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL This meeting is focused on the business that blogs, hopes to blog, or wonders why customers always ask for the company "blog." It doesn't matter if your company is for profit, not for profit, or wondering what this "profit" thing is that everyone talks about. We'll mainly discuss some of the problems and opportunities blogging brings to your business, but the floor is open to any of your questions. See you there!

Wxw! xnxqqxr sxqz means you've angered someone

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:11:57 -0500

Reading the comments on Billy Townsend's last article you might have stumbled on this:

Wxw! xnxqqxr sxqz, x mxxn sxaxqzxr sxxux. uxn'q bxaxxvx x qxvx qqx xnau uxmmxnq...gxxss uxx qxvx xbxxq qqx sxmx xmxxnq xf rxxdxrs xs xawxus Dxaa.

I obscured and published a comment that was sent with a fake name and email address. I figure if you can't stand behind your comment, then why should I publish it? Billy called and asked that I let the comment through. He wanted to make sure people didn't think we were blocking or removing comments because they were negative. I've had negative comments. I don't mind them as long as they're from someone willing to sign their name. I've had that policy as long as I've had a web site...long before Lakeland Local. This time I agreed to publish the comment with a caveat: this is the only time. After today I will again follow my policy to refuse to publish any comments you're not prepared to back up. Does that mean you have to use your full name? No. I will accept an email address that I, and only I, will see. If it is your address and I can confirm it...you can use what name you like. So, what was the comment? Actually the person posted twice within four minutes. Here they both are:

12:17 Wow! Another Putz I mean Pulitzer piece! Can't believe i'm the only response....Guess you have about the same amount of readers Dill. 12:21 Wow! Another Putz, I mean Pulitzer piece. Can't believe I have the only comment...guess you have about the same amount of readers as always Dill.

As you can see, it really wasn't worth the time to publish it.

Why Does U.S. Sugar Want Bartow Residents To Thank JD Alexander For Something To Do With Stinky Stuff?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:37:10 -0500

Note: Former Ledger and Tribune reporter Billy Townsend has joined the ranks of citizen journalist. I came across an odd campaign mailer today. It's a glossy, professionally-produced piece. On the front it reads, "JD ALEXANDER STEPPED UP AND JOINED THE FIGHT." Flip it over, and it continues: "When Bartow residents needed help in their fight to keep "stinky garbage" out of their neighborhoods..." There's a Ledger pullout quote from June 10 quoting JD as saying "...we don't need stinky stuff a mile and a half a from the downtown of our county seat." Imagine that, the champion of turning 60 into the mother of all truck stops is a NIMBY. I assumed at first that it was a JD campaign mailer. He's advertising more than Barack Obama on local television these days. (Every time I procrastinate at the gym, I look up, and there he is on the wall of televisions, saying something in closed captioning about "helping." Nothing about all his work for Atlantic Blue or Highlands Cassidy or Phoenix or the Heartland distribution node on 60, but whatever, it's a campaign, and I digress.) But the mailer's not from his campaign, as a quick second look can tell. The man in the family picture on the front isn't JD at all. He looks a lot more like Anderson Cooper actually. No, this mailer is, in fact, an "electioneering communication" paid for by "Floridians for Conservative Values," one of those shadowy third-party shell groups designed to funnel money to campaigns without funneling money to campaigns. This one should really be called "Floridians for Sugary Values." U.S. Sugar has contributed $135,000 of the shell's $271,000 raised since 2006. Florida Crystals Corporation kicked in $80,000. All of this leaves me with a thought: It's awfully decent of U.S. Sugar to have such regard for Bartow, particularly at a time when the company has been negotiating its own billion dollar demise. Now, the cynics among you might question the company's sincerity. What's that you say, maybe Big Sugar just likes having a big corporate ally working in Tally? Maybe all JD's TV advertising and Tallahassee fundraising and third-party mailers (four months before election day) show a case of the nerves brought on by the late-breaking candidacy of Scott Thompson of Winter Haven. Maybe they've heard the same rumors I've heard of bad polling. It would be a shame to think Floridians for Ulterior Motives, errr Conservative Values, isn't altruistic. So say it ain't so those of you in JD's orbit. Come on Jack, Sam, Seth, Twyla, or anybody else, drop me an email at bi_town1@hotmail.com, and tell me JD ain't scared.

Get 2 Free Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:06:34 -0500

The Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market is a joy unto itself, but this weekend there will be a bonus. Lakeland Electric customers who visit he market this Saturday (July 19th) between 8 am and Noon can get two free compact fluorescent bulbs. Of course, Lakeland Electric will have staff on hand to give customers energy savings tips and other helpful information. However, I doubt they will have anyone there to discuss closing the company's payment center. To get your two free bulbs you'll have to show a valid driver's license with a Lakeland address. I'm pretty sure the license has to be your own. The market is at 200 North Kentucky Avenue in the Peterson Building Plaza.

Florida Outpouring

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:17:38 -0500

I haven't read anything in Cary McMullen's Scriptorium: A Religion Panorama about this, but ABC News Nightline reported that Todd Bentley is taking a break, but the Florida Outpouring has not ground to a halt.

UPDATE: After this story aired on "Nightline," Fresh Fire Ministries released a statement announcing that preacher Todd Bentley would be taking time off "to refresh and to rest" after having spent four months in Lakeland, Fla., leading revival meetings. In the meantime their Lakeland broadcasts on GOD TV are put on hold.

It's not much of a break. GOD.TV announced Bentley will return Friday night and the live broadcasts will resume. The break did give Bentley the opportunity to travel to Louisville Kentucky for "Healing Revival with Todd Bentley - LIVE from Louisville, Kentucky." I wonder if the Outpouring would move from Lakeland to Louisville? That city does have more flights, temperate climate, and a few huge auditoriums.

Lake Hollingsworth Drive Resurfacing Rain Delay

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:23:21 -0500

From Kevin Cook, Director of Communications for the City of Lakeland:

Due to weather delays, paving will continue along Lake Hollingsworth Drive from Hollingsworth Road to East Belmar Street through Friday afternoon. During the scheduled work, traffic will be limited to local traffic only. Detour signs are in place. There are several manholes that are exposed due to the operation which extend above the milled surface. Drivers will need to be aware of these after the road is open. Barricades and cones will be placed on any obstacles that may affect drivers. Road closures will begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. The road closures are lifted nightly at approximately 5:00 p.m. Speed limit signs are posted for 15 MPH.

(Bold added by Lakeland Local.)

Lake Hollingsworth Drive Resurfacing

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:21:19 -0500

Update: Sorry, mixed up LH Drive and LH Road. They're starting with Lake Hollingsworth Drive, the one around the lake. The Lake Hollingsworth area is getting road resurfacing this week. Lake Hollingsworth ~~Road~~ Drive is up first and then a couple of side roads after. You might want to stay out of the area for the next few days. The seven-year old report of the milling machine? "Cool!!"

Online Trader Opens Brick & Mortar Office

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:12:43 -0500

In a report published at CentreDaily.com, Scottrade announced the opening of a Lakeland branch office. An online investment firm, Scottrade opens locations to help customers learn the software and answer account questions and concerns.

"The Lakeland office is located just east of the downtown area and will be a nice addition to the community," Boyd said. "Lakeland has experienced a tremendous amount of residential and commercial growth over the years and this branch office will be convenient location for the community to come learn about online investing." -- Lydia Boyd

The office is located at 5712 S. Florida Ave. in the Centerpoint Plaza and is scheduled to open to customers July 21. Business hours are set for 8am to 5pm and the office phone is (863) 647-3515 Note: Phone number updated due to incorrect information originally listed at CentreDaily

The County Government Reporter You've Got

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:45:59 -0500

Chuck's note: This post is Billy Townsend's first post after leaving the Tribune. If you read this site through a feed, you may not see the bylines. I'm sure you'll quickly learn to tell us apart. The style, commentary, and concerns are Billy's very own. See A New Author at Lakeland Local for my thoughts on opening this site to an additional voice. • So I was noodling around TheLedger.com a few days ago and ran across a Tom Palmer blog post dismissively dubbing as "predictable" my intrepid former colleague Lindsay Peterson's recent story about Amtrak. Not sure how many straightforward news features are ever surprising, but no matter… I can rest easier in my post-journalism grave knowing that Tom is still willing to act as The Tribune's exclamation point on its CSX rail deal-related coverage. As Lindsay and I worked through this stuff over the last year, a pattern emerged: We would post or report something original on the blog or the A-front, and Tom would quickly hock a digital loogie on it from his blog. This happened over and over again, with Tom making varying arguments at varying times. They seemed to break down into three rough categories of objection. 1) This is totally unimportant, and the people who care about it are unimportant and unhinged. And it’s bizarre to spend this much time and effort on it when it's a done deal. And they should really stop their whining. 2) This is very important, and Lindsay and Billy are hopeless shills for the sinister Dockery/"downtown merchant" axis. 3) Lindsay and Billy are breathing air I might be breathing. But my favorite Tomism came back on Halloween of last year, in response to something no one had ever written. Here's the link. http://county.theledger.com/default.asp?item=694786&mode=blog It makes me smile. Short version: Tom opens his post with this line: "Several months ago we read horror stories about how trucks from the CSX terminal might overwhelm downtown Lakeland, but the reality so far is turning out to be different." Ouch. Gotcha. Except, to my knowledge, truck impact on downtown Lakeland has never been a concern. There was some concern about 98 and the Polk Parkway, but that's about 7 miles from downtown as Tom would surely know. Anyway, a commenter called Tom on this, asking him to cite where he had heard or read such horror stories. He couldn't do it. But, indefatigable as always, Tom not only didn't correct his error, he went on to tell his commenter that his "larger point" was that everyone should "let the debate be judged by verified impacts, not imagined impacts." It's a small thing, of course. But it gives you a glimpse into the mind and ego of the man charged with separating the verified from the imagined in Polk county government. Lying in print, getting caught, and then playing it off as not germane to "the larger point" seems like bad form, even in this new media landscape. On the other hand, it's hard to work up too much righteous dudgeon over a guy with such detailed knowledge of exotic birds. Though maybe we should question some of those warbler sightings he's reported over the years. Anyway, you can't really hold this against Tom. We all have our intractable pathologies to bear. His are intellectual vanity and misanthropy. It's like telling a giraffe not to have a long neck. And it worked to The Tribune's advantage. Lindsay and I came to rely on Tom's curmudgeonliness as a barometer of how well we were doing our jobs. The quicker and the nastier Tom's comment, the better the story. It was like a Nielson rating. While this was good for us, it wasn't so good for The Ledger. There's no reason Polk County's paper of record should have had its butt kicked on the biggest local growth/development/regional politics story in a generation. If Tom had spent a little more time reporting and asking critical questions about the issue and a little less time acting like a James Brown call-back chorus, The Ledger might not have needed to pay Dave Schultz to come out of retirement this spring to write the same story Lindsay and I wrote six months before. (He did a good job, by the way. It was a smart investment.) But there's no point in what-ifs, I guess. After all, to paraphrase that great American Donald Rumsfeld, you go to press with the county government reporter you've got, not the one you wish you had.

A New Author at Lakeland Local

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:30:31 -0500

When I started this site I wrote a personal statement. With today's big change I want to revisit that statement. What big change? Billy Townsend accepted my offer to publish his new work. At some point, he'll set up a site of his own. Until then he's got full run of the place. You'll get Townsend unexpurgated. His ideas. His words. I'm not going to filter anything. The statement? I'm getting to it now. I wrote:

If you get to know me, you'll find I sometimes have opinions and beliefs that are not shared by my family, friends or employers. While they may not agree with what I may publish, they agree that public discourse is important. Every opinion on Lakeland Local is mine alone. Every story I decide to cover is my choice alone. I ask no friend, family member, or employer for information or opinions on what I choose to feature here.

I still find I have opinions not shared by friends, family, and employers. I definitely still believe public discourse is important. But starting today, I can no longer say every opinion, or coverage choice is mine alone. Still, whether I agree or disagree with something Billy writes, it will appear. I told him that I may write comments or articles in response to something he writes. That's the nature of this new medium. It's about the give-and-take. Even between two writers on the same site. I summed up that 2006 statement with "In other words, if there is something here you dislike or like, you can blame me alone." That's no longer true. Now, when you find something you like, check the byline. It's probably Billy's name you'll see. On the other hand, if you have a complaint --- the name is Welch. You can reach me at lakelandlocal {at} gmail {dot} com • If you're reading this at Lakeland Local...instead of somewhere else...I'll give you a bonus tease...this change isn't the biggest you're going to find here this month.

Still in Town

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:40:29 -0500

It was just a little over a month ago that Billy Townsend announced he was leaving the Tampa Tribune. I was happy to note a paragraph from his announcement:

I am also planning to remain in reporting and commentary as an amateur, taking advantage of the some of the excellent online media infrastructure that has been built here over the past two years. I hope that will allow me to maintain a voice in Polk politics and media.

I'm more happy to note that tomorrow we'll have Townsend's "amateur" debut.

Get Out. Go to the Park

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:14:27 -0500

Don't stay home today and decry the crippling of the American newspaper. Or nap, or wonder why the Rays are sliding back, whatever else you have planned. Get out and enjoy a Florida state park. There are 25 of them within 100 miles of Lakeland. Check for the list of "One Tank Adventures" at the Florida Online Park Guide. The reason to go now is all Florida state parks are open for free on Sunday July 13. That's today, if you slept through Saturday.

Lakeland In-town Bypass: Phase Two (SR 548)

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:55:42 -0500

A little press release news for you: Lakeland, FL. (July 9, 2008) - Starting Sunday, July 13, 2008 traffic will be reduced to one-lane in each direction on Martin L King Jr. Boulevard from Lake Wire Drive to Pear Street. Traffic will also be reduced to one lane in each direction on Kathleen Road just north of Pear Street and continuing through the intersection at Lake Wire Drive. These traffic switches will continue through September. Motorists can expect delays. Construction of the second phase of the Lakeland In-town Bypass (SR 548) from North Florida Avenue to George Jenkins Boulevard began January 28, 2008. The contractor will construct approximately one mile of a four-lane divided highway in this areas including sidewalks, lighting, drainage and landscaping. The project also includes realignment of Kathleen Road and construction of a concrete bridge over CSX Railroad on the west side of Kathleen Road. The anticipated completion date is October 2009. • A pair of questions: Will the "concrete bridge over CSX Railroad" be wide enough if CSX wants to double track? Will it be tall enough if CSX wants double-height cars?
View Larger Map

A Pair of Ledger Articles Not to Miss

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:06:16 -0500

Not that many people ever really wanted this, but it is good to hear there is little chance: Trails May Not Get Rails Polk Community College has joined the ranks of the 4-year universities. They're looking for your help. Read the Ledger's article PCC Seeks Comments On 4-Year Degree Plan and give the college some help. Businesses are asked to take the survey here, while other community members should follow this link. Please note the business survey is not anonymous.

Lakeland Crime Week of June 30 to July 6, 2008

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:37:29 -0500

Each crime icon clues you into the type of crime committed. Cars for the stolen and recovered vehicles, a business building for a business burglary, a house for a residential burglary, a shopping bag for a business robbery. You get the picture. These icons are part of the site I use to make the maps. I'm working on a set specifically for Lakeland Crime. Here's this week's map: Full Size LakelandLocal.com Crime Map 06/30 to 07/06 2008 49 This week's stats: 08 Business Burglary 01 Business Robbery 00 Gang Grafitti 01 Personal Robbery 25 Residential Burglary 00 Residential Robbery 01 Attempted Stolen Vehicle 02 Recovered Stolen Vehicle 05 Stolen Vehicle 06 Vehicle Burglary Cross-posted at Lakeland Crime

USF Polytechnic Debuts Logo for Lakeland Campus

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:59:13 -0500

Today USF Polytechnic debuted their new logo in all its green, white and gold glory. That's the vertical version. The horizontal version is just as pretty: Readers of the Tampa Tribune may be surprised at the prominent placement of USF in the logo. For those unaware of the current address of the campus it is: University of South Florida Polytechnic 3433 Winter Lake Road Lakeland, FL 33803 (Astute map readers will note that the university is far off Winter Lake Road and probably closer to Bartow Rd. Any long-time residents know why it has a Winter Lake address?) If you're wondering where in Lakeland the new campus is being constructed. I have that for you also. It's at the "corner" of I-4 and the East End of Polk Parkway. That's about a 17-mile drive from the old campus...assuming there was an exit there for the campus. I can't tell you what that address will be. Based on the poll, I'm guessing One J.D. Alexander Parkway, Lakeland, FL 33805 Both addresses in Lakeland? Hmm, shouldn't be too difficult to rename the campus Lakeland Polytechnic if USF decides to divest itself of regional campuses. • PS: Dear USF web techs. Please fix the forward for www.lklnd.usf.edu. I know it should be http://www.lakeland.usf.edu/, but the old version is still the second hit on a search for "USF Polytechnic".

Two Opportunities for Bloggers to Meet

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:15:02 -0500

The Polk County Bloggers, a not-for-profit, bylaws free, organization sans leadership, is happy to announce two meetings in July for area bloggers, citizen journalists, paid journalists privileged to write blogs, business bloggers, and anyone with an hour to spare. July 21, 2008 Noon to 1 pm at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce (Yes, you read that correctly.) 35 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL This meeting is focused on the business that blogs, hopes to blog, or wonders why customers always ask for the company "blog." It doesn't matter if your company is for profit, not for profit, or wondering what this "profit" thing is that everyone talks about. We'll mainly discuss some of the problems and opportunities blogging brings to your business, but the floor is open to any of your questions. By July 17, please email me at meeting [at] lakelandlocal.com if you plan to attend the Noon meeting. I'd like to give the Chamber a head count. • July 28, 2008 6:30 to 8:30 at Mimi's Cafe 3770 Lakeside Village Court Lakeland FL This is a casual meeting of a very informal network of Polk County bloggers. You're invited even if you have never written a single blog post. We spend the time talking about blogging -- how, why, and where. Members are known to take the conversations far afield. Yes, "conversations". This isn't the traditional one member speaks at a time kind of meeting. We split up into small groups to chat. It's a restaurant and you can eat, drink, and be merry if you wish. If you plan to come please do me a favor and email me so I can call the restaurant with an idea oh how many will attend. So, by July 21, please email me at meeting [at] lakelandlocal.com if you plan to attend the dinner meeting. Thanks.

And in local media news...

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:44:28 -0500

It looks like the Tampa Tribune has finally started posting again to the Polk County News Blog. When it was helmed by Billy Townsend, the blog was an important part of the local news community. Whoever takes it over has big shoes to fill. (Just ask Joe Girardi what it has been like to take over for Joe Torre.) So who's the new reporter? Jennifer Leigh. Not the poker player, that's Jennifer "Jennicide" Leigh. Not the actress, that's Jennifer Jason Leigh. It's actually Lakeland resident and WFLA Polk County reporter and weekend anchor Jennifer Leigh. There's no indication on the site that Leigh is getting a job with the Tribune. So, I'd hazard a guess that the newspaper is getting her services as part of the WFLA and Trib "converged multimedia news organizations." You'll find Leigh's entry here: Polk Schools Dealing With High Diesel Costs

FDOT Rail Traffic Evaluation Workshop

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:25:50 -0500

Public Service Announcement The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites the public to participate in an open Stakeholder Workshop to discuss the Rail Traffic Evaluation being prepared by FDOT. This Workshop is to explain the scope of work and receive comments form the public as the evaluation is being initiated. The purpose of the FDOT Rail Traffic Evaluation is to identify potential projects, improvements or strategies to address community concerns related to rail services in Polk County . The study focuses on identification of opportunities in three key areas: 1) traffic and grade crossing impact and potential mitigation strategies, 2) options for relocation and/or reconfiguration of freight services, and 3) passenger rail and bus solutions. The Workshop will also be used to explain the planned stakeholder public outreach effort and engage the public early in the study process. This will be an on-going exchange of information between the project team and the public. The Public Workshop for the FDOT Rail Traffic Evaluation will be held: Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Bartow Civic Center 2250 South Floral Avenue Bartow , Florida 33830-7104 Phone: (863) 537-0120 Attend anytime during the hours specified to view study materials and to speak to the study team. To send comments or for additional information, please contact: Arlene Barnes FDOT District 1 810 N. Broadway PO Box 1249 Bartow, FL 33831 Phone: (863) 519-2349 Email: Arlene.Barnes@dot.state.fl.us This workshop is being held in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Ms. Arlene Barnes at (863) 519-2349 or Arlene.Barnes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the public workshop. Your attendance at this public information workshop is encouraged and any comments made will be appreciated.