A blog? at Lakeland Local

This is a companion site to the news and features site at LakelandLocal.com. Here you'll find quick news items, event notices and miscellany. If you have a Lakeland tip or a question for the Lakeland Local staff, just ask.

[lakelandlocal]

Last Chance To Go to Natalie's Sports Bar & Grill

From the Official Facebook Page: "It is with a heavy heart that I tell all of you that this Sunday [8/5/12] is the last day for our dream, Natalie's Sports Bar & Grill. As a Mom-n-Pop, it's just too hard to ride out the economy with no buying power. Food keeps going up and up, and wings will have doubled in price in a year, come football season. We can't double our menu prices, so we keep eating it and eating it. If I won Lotto, I would keep Lakeland's own "Cheers" open forever, as I do love our employees and customers like family. I am so grateful for all of the support you have given us in the last 3 1/2 (almost) years. I have loved reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and having a smile on my face and a song in my heart every day. Now I have to go put my PHD in "Schmoozing and Customer Service" into another endeavor.Dan SignorProject is here tomorrow night, then Saturday and Sunday will continue the party, "Last Call at Nat's"...let's go out with a BANG. xoxoxo"

Natalie's is located at 3120 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland.

[lakelandlocal]

Listen to the first meeting of Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees

Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees is holding a meeting right now.—For conference call participation, the dial-in number is 888-670-3525, and the conference code is 412 215 035 3, then #. Be sure to mute your telephone.

[lakelandlocal]

Mulch Fire By Polk Parkway Could Lasts Days

Press Release: Bartow, Fla. (July 31, 2012) Five fire engines plus two aerial units are at the scene of a mulch pile fire that could burn for another two to three days, according to Polk County Fire Rescue.

The fire, at 2425 Lasso Lane in Lakeland, began yesterday when a 30-foot high, 200 foot-wide mulch pile was struck by lightning. There are no structures in the vicinity of the fire, and there are no injuries. However, wind is causing smoke from the fire to drift across the Polk Parkway.

Polk County Fire Rescue is being assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which has closed Lasso Road and is directing traffic. The Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been contacted to assist with signage to alert motorists on the Polk Parkway, and the Dept. of Forestry to model the smoke plume.

According to Fire Rescue Chief David Cash, at this time there is little that can be done with this fire other than try to keep water on it to knock down the smoke. 

[lakelandlocal]

Casablanca to Be Shown Tonight, Not Darling Companion

The Polk Theatre will play "Casablanca" tonight at 7:30 p.m., with FREE popcorn. "Darling Companion" was scheduled to be shown, however the film projector is broken. The Polk Theatre is located at 121 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Note: the website is not updated with this information, but for furture events check them out at http://polktheatre.org or call (863)-682-7553.

[lakelandlocal]

Reporting from #BL14 Miami - Line is about 200 people long. It has started to sprinkle. Most of us are covered by the shopping center overhang. Miami-Dade PD has just pulled up. More later! -Darby (BL = Biggest Looser Casting Tryouts)

[lakelandlocal]

Biggest Looser tryouts are Saturday in Miami and Atlanta. Anyone in #lkld going?

[lakelandlocal]

Free Ride. These signs have been appearing all over #lkld stores.

[lakelandlocal]

You could be first if you RT "I want to see MIB3 first from @DDTampaBay and @lakelandlocal #DDMIB3Tampa" RT the phrase for a chance to win. 4 people chosen at random will be given a pair of tickets for tonight's MIB3 premier at Regal Citrus Park, Tampa. Winners announced by 4pm, must reply back by 4:10pm EST with both names. Must show ID at Theatre to receive free MIB3 movie passes. New winners may be selected if there is not a reply back by deadline.

[lakelandlocal]

Lakeland Electric power outage tracker. From http://www.lakelandelectric.com/Residential/CustomerService/PowerOutageTracker/tabid/484/Default.aspx #lkld

[lakelandlocal]

Try to avoid the blocks before and after S Fla by Wal-Mart/Chipotle. Traffic is moving slow #lkld

[lakelandlocal]

Party til the cows come home tonight at the Platform Art Party #19

Photo by Tom Hagerty for Lakeland CRA 

[lakelandlocal]

The Lakeland Derby will begin shortly at Lake Mirror. Free event w music! Bring $ for food. #lkld

[lakelandlocal]

The oldest historic neighborhood in the City of Lakeland is having their very first spring art fest with over 20 artists in the Polk County area. Find it today in the large parking lot behind the Dixieland Mall located at 1035 S. Florida.

[lakelandlocal]

Congrats to the @LakelandRaiders on another win! 75 to 26

[lakelandlocal]

Home town #lkld Raiders are still leading. 48 to 13. 4:50 left in 3rd.

[lakelandlocal]

Raiders #32 intercepts and returns w a touch down on next play. #lkld 27 to 7

[lakelandlocal]

Raiders score first! 6 points thanks to player #4. Field goal makes it 7 to 0. 11mins to go in first q. #lkld