July 2013 - Access lakeland

30290-I-0133

City of Lakeland’s Monthly Newsletter

July 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

CITY OF LAKELAND PARKS & RECREATION:

WE PROVIDE EXPERIENCES.

July is the official recognition month for Parks & Recreation programs around the country. The City of Lakeland’s Park and Recreation

Storm Season is Here Are You Prepared?

Department strives to engage citizen interaction in attractive public spaces to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in our community. Great public spaces are created to provide infrastructure venues where people gather for entertainment, sports, and culture.

Public spaces are also created to preserve natural resources that provide exploratory opportunities for residents in native habitats. A connection between public spaces and native habitats encourage socialization and provides wellness opportunities for the enjoyment of participants and proactively encourages a healthy livable community.

The City of Lakeland Department of Parks and Recreation is comprised of five divisions; parks, recreation, libraries,

Water Restrictions In Place For Polk County

cemeteries and Cleveland Heights Golf Club. The Department manages over 1,450 acres of open space in the City. Currently, we maintain 730 acres of land to accommodate sporting activities such as tennis, golf, football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, skating and playgrounds. The Parks Department also oversees land that provides access to natural resources in scenic, commemorative, or urban parks distributed widely throughout our community including the botanical Hollis Garden. The City has scenic parks that are situated on 11 different lakes including Lake Parker and Lake Hollingsworth.

The recreation division manages three separate community centers; Kelly Recreation Complex, Simpson Park Recreation Center and the Lake Mirror Complex. The division is also responsible for three aquatic areas Gandy Pool, Simpson Pool and the Barnett Family Park Play

Meet Julie Adams: Assistant Recreation Supervisor

Fountain. Programming at these centers caters to all ages by offering tennis, pickle-ball, swimming, dancing, ballet, after school tutoring, basketball, piano, bridge, martial arts, quilting, arts & crafts and exercise classes. The Parks Department also oversees Cleveland Heights Golf Club, a 27-hole public golf course with full dining (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and lounge service. The course is open seven days a week with a full pro shop.

THE MISSION OF THE LAKELAND Neighborhood Spotlight: Swannanoa/Glen Echo

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Miriam Plaza. The three public libraries circulate over one million books, e-books, videos, and

IS TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE

city from the main office which is located at the Oak Hill Cemetery, the largest perpetual care

THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITIZENS OF LAKELAND

BY PROVIDING SUPERIOR SERVICE 228 S. Massachusetts Ave Lakeland, FL 33801 863.834.6000 www.lakelandgov.net

The library division has three facilities; the Main Library, located on Lake Morton; The Larry Jackson Branch, on Modest & North Florida Avenue; and the E-Library, located in the Lake

AND OPPORTUNITIES IN RECREATION, LIBRARY, CEMETERY AND PARK EXPERIENCES.

periodicals annually to youth and adults. The Cemetery division manages six cemeteries in the facility in Polk County.

All park and recreation facilities and venues are available for event rentals as well as public use.

Please call 863.834.6035 for additional information about your parks and recreational activities and be sure to check out the Park & Recreation website www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec. So, go out and explore your park facilities as this great nation recognizes all Parks and Recreation facilities during the month of July.

www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec

Monthly Comparison of Residential Electric Rates

Source: Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Monthly Utility Bill Comparison • April 2013

www.lakelandelectric.com

*per 1,200 kWh usage

Getting Ready for Storm Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted an active hurricane season this year. Lakeland Electric wants our customers to be prepared and most importantly safe during storm season so we have prepared a “Dozen Hurricane Season Tips,” outlining important yet often overlooked safety tips that customers can follow before, during and after a hurricane hits. “While we hope for a mild hurricane season, we need to be prepared for the possibility of storms,” said Joel Ivy, General Manager of Lakeland Electric.

One Dozen Storm Season Tips 1.

Following a power outage, unplug all of your large appliances and electronics to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.

2.

Remember the “three don’ts” when using generators: DON’T run a generator in the house; DON’T run a generator in the garage; and, DON’T plug the generator directly into your home’s main electrical system.

3.

If your home is flooded, turn off your electrical power until a professional inspects it thoroughly.

4.

If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and contact your gas company’s emergency number.

5.

Make sure that you have current identification.

6.

Utilities often cannot respond to individual customers with special needs during or immediately after a storm. When warned of an incoming storm, make an early decision to evacuate people with special needs. Know the location of special needs shelters in case you are unable to evacuate. If you or someone in your family has special electrical medical equipment needs, notify Lakeland Electric prior to a storm’s arrival.

7.

Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to determine your hurricane evacuation route.

8.

Capture water in your water heater by turning off power to the unit and closing the water valves. If you lose water pressure, you will have about 40 gallons of fresh water stored in the tank. Store additional water in your bathtub and fill the washing machine with water. This water supply can be used for cleaning or to operate your toilets.

9.

If a storm is approaching, clear your patio and yard of lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, and other debris that could blow around in high winds and cause damage or injury.

10. Prior to the storm, identify the places around your home where you can shut off your gas, water and electricity. In an emergency, you’ll want to be able to turn them off quickly.

11. After the storm, check to see if your home’s weatherhead is damaged – it is located above the electric meter. Utility workers cannot reconnect service if this piece of equipment – which is the homeowner’s responsibility – is damaged. If your weatherhead needs repair, please contact a licensed electrician.

12. Create a storm survival kit that includes: first aid supplies; water; batteries; flashlights; battery powered radio; manual can opener; prescriptions; baby food and diapers; pet food; canned foods; cash; tarps; rope; bleach; trash bags; charcoal or gas grill with plenty of fuel; wooden kitchen matches; and, a portable cooler. Don’t forget a hardwire phone. If a storm hits, cordless phones and even mobile phones may not work because of outages and cell tower damage.

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LIKE US ON

Water Restrictions In Effect for Polk County

Did you know that all of Polk County, including the City of Lakeland, is on permanent water restrictions? These restrictions apply to the use of water from public and private water utilities as well as the use of all wells and surface water sources (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc). Here are some of the most important highlights of the restrictions: Existing Lawn (Turf, Sod or Grass) & Landscape (Garden Plants) Watering: • The two day a week schedule below must be followed. Watering is allowed before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (But not both).

• These restrictions apply to private residences and to commercial landscape.

• Addresses Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 may only irrigate on Thursday and/or Sunday • Addresses Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 may only irrigate on Wednesday and/or Saturday • All locations without a discernible address (such as common areas and subdivision entry ways) may only irrigate on Tuesday and/or Friday New Plants and Turf: New plant material may be watered out of cycle for up to 60 days for establishment (Keep a receipt for proof of new material, before and after pictures are also helpful). Here are the guidelines: • Days 1 through 30: Watering is allowed on any day | Days 31 through 60: Watering is only allowed on the following days: • Addresses Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 are allowed to water Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sunday • Addresses Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 are allowed to water Monday, Wednesday and/or Saturday • A minimum of 50% of the area being watered must contain new plants or sod • New plant material may be watered in any time on the day of planting Other Water Uses: Automobile washing, fountains and falls, and pressure washing are not currently restricted. However, the District asks that residents be as efficient as possible, so water isn’t wasted. Using an automatic shut-off nozzle on a hose is required for automobile washing.

G OV E R N M E N T E M P L OY E E S AT WO R K

Meet Julie Adams Meet Julie Adams, Assistant Recreation Supervisor for the City of Lakeland who has been working with the City for nine years. She currently oversees Summer Camps, the Lake Mirror Complex and Special Events Permitting. Adams said, “We have a number of events that take place in the downtown area and one of my jobs is to assist in streamlining the permitting process to help make it easier for citizens who are planning an event.”

Adams enjoys working with school age children and she says summer camps are her passion. “I really love working with youth and serving as a mentor to those that work as camp supervisors.

It’s very exciting when these kids go through camp and then they serve as supervisors when they get older,” she said. “I experienced a learning curve when I first got promoted to my current position, especially with the Lake Mirror Complex. I received a crash course in the rental business.”

The Lake Mirror Complex consists of the Auditorium, Theater, Peggy Brown Building, Magnolia Building, the Lake Mirror Promenade and Hollis Garden. Adams said, “Hollis Garden is a very popular venue for weddings and most of our other facilities are booked every weekend.”

Adams graduated from the University of Central Florida with a major in marketing and the aspirations of working for a professional sports team. It was during her first year after graduating from college that she realized that she did not want to be in an office all day. “I decided that I should pursue a career in recreation so I went back to school for my masters degree at Georgia Southern University,”

she said. “It was there that I worked with campus recreation and I fell in love with it.”

Adams says that her job is exciting because she never knows what will happen the very next day, it is always changing. She said, “One day I get to facilitate team building exercises with adults from the Lakeland Economic Development Council and the very next day I get to work with the summer camp program.” When asked about the highlight of her career so far with the City of Lakeland, she quickly smiles and says TASC. When asked to explain, she said “After the 2009 teen camp we regrouped and reevaluated that program because we didn’t feel that we were getting kids engaged in the process.” She added, “We explored ways to improve the program and make it more effective by focusing around community service, incorporating leadership building and educating teens about our great City.”

This is how TASC, the Teen Adventure Summer Camp was born. Adams said, “Today teens need opportunities to get service hours that are now required at most schools. Our goal is to show them the importance of volunteering and helping others.” She added, “We want to help kids see how important community service is and how they can contribute to make Lakeland a better place.”

TASC does fill up quickly and it is limited to the first 25 participants.

Adams grew up in Winter Haven where she graduated from Lake Region High School. She played volleyball in high school and she has continued her passion in the sport. She coaches

a club level team with Southern Select out of Florida Southern College. Adams is often wearing blue and that is no coincidence because Caribbean blue is her favorite color. Her favorite food is anything Mexican.

She said, “I love nachos.” Adams enjoys reading murder mysteries and her two favorite authors are Steig Larson and Jodi Piccoult. When not working, Adams loves being outside. She said, “I am a new fisherperson. I recently starting saltwater kayak fishing and now I’m hooked.” When asked about her best catch, she quickly says the day I caught two elusive red fish. “On that day, I knew I had arrived,” she said.

Adams always flashes a smile that will brighten a room and she is known for her matching shoes and shirt combinations. She said that started in college and now her shoes have to match her outfit. She said she probably has 60 pairs of athletic shoes and they are coordinated with descriptions on each box.

Adams said, “I really feel like I am blessed because I love my job and I feel that I’m making a difference every single day.”

Economic OUTLOOK|MATHESON TRI-GAS

Matheson Tri-Gas recently opened their new $40 million air separation plant within the Lakeland City limits. This new facility will become Lakeland Electric’s second biggest power user once the operation is running at full capacity.

Built on a 15 acre site that was purchased from the City in 2011 for $750,000, the plant will filter, compress and freeze atmospheric air to cryogenically create liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon. These products manufactured in Lakeland by Matheson will be distributed to hospitals, health care facilities, food and chemical companies in central Florida. Once production begins, Matheson will purchase 65 million Kilowatt hours of electricity per year from Lakeland Electric and use 100,000 gallons of reused water per day from Lakeland Water Utilities. Matheson choose Lakeland for its central location, pro-business outlook and its long standing reputation for providing cost effective and reliable energy.

Register Your Neighborhood FOR

national night out 2013 NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT:

Swannanoa/GLEN ECHO

Neighborhoods are an integral part of the City.

Maintaining and enhancing these neighborhoods are critical to the long-term vitality and success of Lakeland and the quality of life of our residents.The City of Lakeland has identified approximately 100 neighborhoods. Of those, 15 are registered neighborhood associations that make up the Neighborhood Association Coalition (NAC), which works closely with City staff.

This month, we spotlight the Swannanoa/Glen Echo Neighborhood. This neighborhood is located west of Joker Merchant Stadium and north of Watson Clinic, off North Florida Avenue. It was organized 18 years ago from a simple vision of some of its residents that started with a bar-be-que. They’ve now been registered with the City of Lakeland for seven years. Its leaders cherish the support and partnership Swannanoa has built with the Community Development Department.

A prized possession in the neighborhood is the new and improved Miami Park. It sits between Miami and Oconee Streets, an area that once was a water treatment station. Miami Park has become the gathering place for neighborhood events like the annual Extravaganza and National Night Out. In 2012, the park received new equipment along with a matching grant to do more community improvements and events.

The City of Lakeland appreciates the involvement of the residents and we will continue to support their improvement efforts.

Organizing a neighborhood association can be very rewarding. If you are interested in becoming a registered neighborhood association, please contact the neighborhood outreach office at 863.834.6011.

The Lakeland Police Department would like to invite you to participate in the 30th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. National Night Out is an annual eventwhere neighborhoods, businesses, churches and law enforcement come together to show solidarity in the ongoing fight against crime and drugs.

This event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anticrime programs as well as strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. This is a great opportunity to send a message to criminals letting them know that local neighborhoods are organized and fighting back!

Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, your neighborhood can celebrate National Night Out with a variety of activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals and visits from local officials and police officers. To ensure that members from the Lakeland Police Department stop by and celebrate with you, register your neighborhood or community group today! It’s free to participate and the benefits your community will derive from participating in this event could extend well beyond this one night.

Applications are available online at www. lakelandgov. net/lpd. For full details, contact Cindy Sharp at 863.834.2973 | cynthia.sharp@lakelandgov.net.

L O G O N. T U N E I N. G E T C O N N E C T E D.

www.lakelandgov.net

STAY CONNECTED ONLINE www.lakelandgov.net

IN PERSON City Hall is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday PUBLIC MEETINGS City Commission and Utility Committee meetings occur the first and third Monday of every month. The public is invited to attend or watch live on

Channel 615 (Brighthouse) or Channel 43 (Verizon FiOS) CITY COMMISSION 9:00 a.m.

UTILITY COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS City Hall 863.834.6000 Lakeland Electric Customer Service 863.834.9535 Power or Water Outages 863.834.4248 Stormwater Hotline 863.834.3300 PAYING YOUR UTILITY BILL ONLINE www.lakelandelectric.com

BY PHONE 863.834.9535 IN PERSON Lakeland Electric has partnered with over 50 local businesses including area AMSCOT offices to accept your utility payment.