Ever wonder why there is no sign for "Lakeland" at exit 18, in spite of the excellent Lakeland Kroger, Zaxby's , Backyard Burger, Lenny's and other Lakeland shopping, not to mention Stonebridge and other nice residential areas?
There is also a Hertz rental car office in the Kroger shopping center and marking this exit will help Hertz customers find the office. I recently rented a vehicle there and I was impressed by the excellent service of the local representatives, not to mention the convenience.
Why does exit 18 emphasize two far-off cities and not even mention Lakeland? I wondered also. When I first came to Lakeland I corresponded with Tennessee Department of Transportation officials and received a variety of answers, including "only two cities can be mentioned on a sign" etc.
At one time I was promised a small "Lakeland" sign right at the exit ramp, but it never appeared.
I'm BACK! I think it is time that exit 18 was recognized as a "Lakeland exit". I'm writing Senator Mark Norris and Representative Bubba Pleasant to ask "Why no Lakeland sign at Exit 18?" I hope, if you feel Lakeland needs a "Lakeland exit" at exit 18, you will also write them.
Both Senator Norris and Representative Pleasant have been very responsive to Lakeland needs and we appreciate their assistance and caring. I urge you to write them to support a "Lakeland exit" at exit 18.
I think this will be especially important when work starts on the exit 20 (Canada Road) interchange since it will provides the only alternative exit off of I-40 to Lakeland.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Air Quality (or unquality!)
The “smog” the last few days has been the worst I can remember since I came to Lakeland. The Board of Commissioners have strongly supported air quality programs (primarily administered by the county or state). Lakeland has made local progress with the Tree Ordinance and related tree preservation efforts which can can have a substantial positive impact on air quality.
The air the last few days remind me of “Soylent Green”, which I saw (probably) in the Spring of 1974 over 30 years ago. Obviously it had a strong impact on me for me to remember a movie that long. I especially remember the ending where, if I remember correctly, a person finally got to view a green meadow right before death. (But don't ask what they had been eating all their life!)
Burn permits are issued by the Shelby County Fire Department under County regulations. Regulations that are suitable for the County areas may not be suitable for some areas of Lakeland.
The staff is reviewing possible methods of improving air quality, including reviewing alternatives for Ordinances regulating the burning of debris, especially tree debris. I had an E-mail from a resident who is active in the community and he asked, specifically, “why is someone allowed to burn debris on a “code orange” day? Good question.
The air the last few days remind me of “Soylent Green”, which I saw (probably) in the Spring of 1974 over 30 years ago. Obviously it had a strong impact on me for me to remember a movie that long. I especially remember the ending where, if I remember correctly, a person finally got to view a green meadow right before death. (But don't ask what they had been eating all their life!)
Burn permits are issued by the Shelby County Fire Department under County regulations. Regulations that are suitable for the County areas may not be suitable for some areas of Lakeland.
The staff is reviewing possible methods of improving air quality, including reviewing alternatives for Ordinances regulating the burning of debris, especially tree debris. I had an E-mail from a resident who is active in the community and he asked, specifically, “why is someone allowed to burn debris on a “code orange” day? Good question.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
We're LAKELAND, part II
We’re LAKELAND! (Part II)
I picked up the Sunday Commercial Appeal (I always walk for the newspaper. I love reading the morning newspaper and this is a way I make myself make time for exercise!) and found there was an advertising insert with BARTLETT (and, oh yes, Lakeland, Arlington etc.)
I don’t understand why the Commercial Appeal thinks we are part of Bartlett! Nothing against Bartlett-it’s a great City-but we are LAKELAND, not Bartlett! Why not “East Shelby County Edition” or whatever!
When I see the Commercial Appeal causally lumping everything into a section called “Bartlett”, it is just one more insult, like the phone company representative saying “you can send all the letters you want about BellSouth not mentioning Lakeland in the phone book” to the U.S. Postal Service calling Lakeland residents “Arlington”. (I asked the U.S. Postal Service if I could get a P.O. Box at the 38002 ZIP Code Post Office and address it to “Lakeland” rather than “Arlington”. I asked then, why they encourage people to put “Arlington” on Lakeland mail! Of course, I didn’t get a response.
I threw the advertising brochure away, sorry advertisers. I hope all Lakeland residents who are tired of this ignorance on part of the Commercial Appeal, BellSouth and U.S. Postal Service will continue to fight for our own identification.
On the other hand-maybe it really doesn’t matter! I think the phone book is especially bad since I have had people try to contact me to be advised there is "no Lakeland". No one would even know there is a Bartlett, Tennessee (or Cordova-which actually ISN'T a City, but a part of Memphis) to ask for that city, so they can't get a Lakeland residents's number! The U.S. Postal Service continued ignorance is galling. Probably the Commercial Appeal matter is the least of the problem areas, but it creates a lot of problems for the City of Lakeland when businesses are identified as being in Bartlett or Cordova etc. instead of Lakeland!
What really worries me is when an ambulance, fire engine or Police Officer responds to an emergency in Lakeland and assumes the caller lives in Arlington, Bartlett or Lakeland due to the phone number or the caller doesn't even know they live in Lakeland! (I have had residents just insist they live in Arlington!)
With all the technology today, I think this continual problem-especially by BellSouth and the U.S. Postal Service-is simply appalling.
Let me know your thoughts.
I picked up the Sunday Commercial Appeal (I always walk for the newspaper. I love reading the morning newspaper and this is a way I make myself make time for exercise!) and found there was an advertising insert with BARTLETT (and, oh yes, Lakeland, Arlington etc.)
I don’t understand why the Commercial Appeal thinks we are part of Bartlett! Nothing against Bartlett-it’s a great City-but we are LAKELAND, not Bartlett! Why not “East Shelby County Edition” or whatever!
When I see the Commercial Appeal causally lumping everything into a section called “Bartlett”, it is just one more insult, like the phone company representative saying “you can send all the letters you want about BellSouth not mentioning Lakeland in the phone book” to the U.S. Postal Service calling Lakeland residents “Arlington”. (I asked the U.S. Postal Service if I could get a P.O. Box at the 38002 ZIP Code Post Office and address it to “Lakeland” rather than “Arlington”. I asked then, why they encourage people to put “Arlington” on Lakeland mail! Of course, I didn’t get a response.
I threw the advertising brochure away, sorry advertisers. I hope all Lakeland residents who are tired of this ignorance on part of the Commercial Appeal, BellSouth and U.S. Postal Service will continue to fight for our own identification.
On the other hand-maybe it really doesn’t matter! I think the phone book is especially bad since I have had people try to contact me to be advised there is "no Lakeland". No one would even know there is a Bartlett, Tennessee (or Cordova-which actually ISN'T a City, but a part of Memphis) to ask for that city, so they can't get a Lakeland residents's number! The U.S. Postal Service continued ignorance is galling. Probably the Commercial Appeal matter is the least of the problem areas, but it creates a lot of problems for the City of Lakeland when businesses are identified as being in Bartlett or Cordova etc. instead of Lakeland!
What really worries me is when an ambulance, fire engine or Police Officer responds to an emergency in Lakeland and assumes the caller lives in Arlington, Bartlett or Lakeland due to the phone number or the caller doesn't even know they live in Lakeland! (I have had residents just insist they live in Arlington!)
With all the technology today, I think this continual problem-especially by BellSouth and the U.S. Postal Service-is simply appalling.
Let me know your thoughts.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Don and Judy Bennett
The day I thought I never would REALLY see is coming. Don and Judy Bennett are leaving Lakeland.
Both Don and Judy have played such a role in my life in Lakeland that I can't imagine what it will be like without them. Not near as interesting or informational, I can tell you that!
My first contact was when my resume was released to the public. I quickly heard from Don about Lakeland and he added me to the QNet list and kept me advised with personal E-mails on various events in Lakeland.
One of my first memories of Lakeland is Don bringing me a "welcome plant". He did it while riding a bicycle and I never have figured out how he did it! (The plant is still alive and well, and will remind me of Don and Judy for the years ahead!)
Don and Judy were always active in my life in Lakeland and I learned to respect their opinions and beliefs, sometimes I agreed, sometimes not, but I always invited and welcomed their input.
Of her many contributions, perhaps Judy's most important contribution was her continuing sponsorship of "Leadership Lakeland". While going through the files, I found a memo from Judy several years before she became a Commissioner recommending a "Leadership Lakeland" program.
This year, Judy and Commissioner Stephanie Anderson made the dream become alive, and the first class of Leadership Lakeland graduated! This is a program which will have lasting impact on the future of Lakeland. The development of effective leaders is of overwhelming importance and this will have a lasting impact on Lakeland.
Late July, Don and Judy will say goodby to Lakeland. Mayor Carmichael has set 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2005 as a time to say goodby and goodluck to Don and Judy. There will be a short reception in their honor at 6:00 p.m., just before the Board of Commissioners meeting.
In true Don and Judy fashion, both Don and Judy have remained active until they load the truck to move to New Mexico. Both Don, as Chair of the MPC, and Judy, as a City Commissioner, have remained, and I am sure will remain, active until they get into their car and wave goodby to Lakeland.
Lakeland is losing some valuable resources, as well as residents and friends. If you get a chance over the next month, tell Don and Judy how you feel about their contributions to Lakeland.
Both Don and Judy have played such a role in my life in Lakeland that I can't imagine what it will be like without them. Not near as interesting or informational, I can tell you that!
My first contact was when my resume was released to the public. I quickly heard from Don about Lakeland and he added me to the QNet list and kept me advised with personal E-mails on various events in Lakeland.
One of my first memories of Lakeland is Don bringing me a "welcome plant". He did it while riding a bicycle and I never have figured out how he did it! (The plant is still alive and well, and will remind me of Don and Judy for the years ahead!)
Don and Judy were always active in my life in Lakeland and I learned to respect their opinions and beliefs, sometimes I agreed, sometimes not, but I always invited and welcomed their input.
Of her many contributions, perhaps Judy's most important contribution was her continuing sponsorship of "Leadership Lakeland". While going through the files, I found a memo from Judy several years before she became a Commissioner recommending a "Leadership Lakeland" program.
This year, Judy and Commissioner Stephanie Anderson made the dream become alive, and the first class of Leadership Lakeland graduated! This is a program which will have lasting impact on the future of Lakeland. The development of effective leaders is of overwhelming importance and this will have a lasting impact on Lakeland.
Late July, Don and Judy will say goodby to Lakeland. Mayor Carmichael has set 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2005 as a time to say goodby and goodluck to Don and Judy. There will be a short reception in their honor at 6:00 p.m., just before the Board of Commissioners meeting.
In true Don and Judy fashion, both Don and Judy have remained active until they load the truck to move to New Mexico. Both Don, as Chair of the MPC, and Judy, as a City Commissioner, have remained, and I am sure will remain, active until they get into their car and wave goodby to Lakeland.
Lakeland is losing some valuable resources, as well as residents and friends. If you get a chance over the next month, tell Don and Judy how you feel about their contributions to Lakeland.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Comprehensive Plan Updates
The Lakeland Comprehensive Plan update is progressing and your input if important! Watch Citywatch and the City web page (www.CityofLakeland.com.) for updates by Growth Management Director J Higbee.
The Comprehensive Plan is what Lakeland is planning to be in the future, so input is important!
Currently the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for final adoption in September 2005. The Municipal Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners both will review and approve the Comprehensive Plan.
J Higbee and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee have been putting in a lot of time on development the Comprehensive Plan and they want your input!
The Comprehensive Plan is what Lakeland is planning to be in the future, so input is important!
Currently the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for final adoption in September 2005. The Municipal Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners both will review and approve the Comprehensive Plan.
J Higbee and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee have been putting in a lot of time on development the Comprehensive Plan and they want your input!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
We're LAKELAND, not Arlington!
Lakeland is LAKELAND, not Arlington! In spite of our shared ZIP code of 38002, Lakeland residents should use LAKELAND, not Arlington in their return address.
I always notify all magazines, credit card companies, friends and businesses etc. to use the “Lakeland” address, not the Arlington address. I have refused to renew magazines because they did not use the correct address of “Lakeland”.
The only way Lakeland is going to attain its own identity if all residents make a fuss when someone mindlessly sends mail to Lakeland residents addressed to “Arlington”. If we seem to accept such treatment, the U.S. Postal Service, BellSouth etc. will continue to treat us as if we are part of Arlington, Memphis, Bartlett or Cordova etc. and not LAKELAND residents.
I was surprised to find the largest apartment complex in Lakeland advises its residents they live in Arlington!
No wonder, the Commercial Appeal lumps us into the “Bartlett” Appeal, and BellSouth continues to refuse to recognize Lakeland!
I urge all Lakeland residents to REFUSE TO ACCEPT the postal address of “Arlington”. We live in LAKELAND and the U.S. Postal Service and all Lakeland residents should emphasize their mailing address as Lakeland!
I always notify all magazines, credit card companies, friends and businesses etc. to use the “Lakeland” address, not the Arlington address. I have refused to renew magazines because they did not use the correct address of “Lakeland”.
The only way Lakeland is going to attain its own identity if all residents make a fuss when someone mindlessly sends mail to Lakeland residents addressed to “Arlington”. If we seem to accept such treatment, the U.S. Postal Service, BellSouth etc. will continue to treat us as if we are part of Arlington, Memphis, Bartlett or Cordova etc. and not LAKELAND residents.
I was surprised to find the largest apartment complex in Lakeland advises its residents they live in Arlington!
No wonder, the Commercial Appeal lumps us into the “Bartlett” Appeal, and BellSouth continues to refuse to recognize Lakeland!
I urge all Lakeland residents to REFUSE TO ACCEPT the postal address of “Arlington”. We live in LAKELAND and the U.S. Postal Service and all Lakeland residents should emphasize their mailing address as Lakeland!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting
I was very pleased to see the turnout at the June 9 Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting. A variety of subjects was discussed and it was announced that Officers will be elected at the July meeting.
The date is expected to be mid to late July, and it is expected to be a noon meeting. Plan to attend if you are a business owner, or work or live in Lakeland. You can make a difference by participating in the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce!
While it is different organizationally, the Lakeland Economic Development Commission also is active in Lakeland community. The Lakeland Economic Development Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, except that the meetings in November and December of each year are normally canceled. Call City Hall (867-2717) or check the web page (cityoflakeland.com) for the latest EDC Agenda.
The date is expected to be mid to late July, and it is expected to be a noon meeting. Plan to attend if you are a business owner, or work or live in Lakeland. You can make a difference by participating in the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce!
While it is different organizationally, the Lakeland Economic Development Commission also is active in Lakeland community. The Lakeland Economic Development Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, except that the meetings in November and December of each year are normally canceled. Call City Hall (867-2717) or check the web page (cityoflakeland.com) for the latest EDC Agenda.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Parking/trash etc. on City sidewalks and streets
During my early morning walks and bicycle rides, I really appreciate Lakeland residents who follow the Ordinances and don’t park on the sidewalk or throw trash/limbs etc. on the street and sidewalks.
I am surprised at the number of Lakeland residents who continue to unthinkingly park on the city sidewalks and especially at the number who put tree limbs and trash on the sidewalks or streets! This is dangerous to walkers and bicyclists, and limbs etc. on City streets pollute our streams, lakes and rivers.
I personally know some of our residents who park on sidewalks etc, and I know they get in a hurry and just don’t think of the possible consequences. However, the vast majority of Lakeland residents are courteous and thoughtful of their neighbors and I appreciate this.
It is a much bigger problem in many other communities, so I guess I should count my blessings that so many Lakeland residents are so thoughtful!
I am surprised at the number of Lakeland residents who continue to unthinkingly park on the city sidewalks and especially at the number who put tree limbs and trash on the sidewalks or streets! This is dangerous to walkers and bicyclists, and limbs etc. on City streets pollute our streams, lakes and rivers.
I personally know some of our residents who park on sidewalks etc, and I know they get in a hurry and just don’t think of the possible consequences. However, the vast majority of Lakeland residents are courteous and thoughtful of their neighbors and I appreciate this.
It is a much bigger problem in many other communities, so I guess I should count my blessings that so many Lakeland residents are so thoughtful!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Comprehensive Plan Public Hearings
Some notable upcoming events:
-Tuesday, June 14, 2005: 6:30 p.m. at Lakeland City Hall, Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
-Thursday, June 16, 2005: 6:30 p.m. at IH Park Club Building, Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
See CityofLakeland.com for Calendar.
-Tuesday, June 14, 2005: 6:30 p.m. at Lakeland City Hall, Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
-Thursday, June 16, 2005: 6:30 p.m. at IH Park Club Building, Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
See CityofLakeland.com for Calendar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)