What's Happening in Lakeland, FL…

Lakeland’s public works have benefited from several recent donations.

An 18-acre plot of land has been donated to the city through the estate of Douglas M. Cook. The land was part of acquiring the property on the other side of the street – the Carpenter's Home. That site was rebuilt as the senior living facility in Lake Gibson Village with the help of business partner George Anderson.

The land near Interstate 4, worth $2.25 million, has been named Douglas M. Cook Park. According to Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bob Donahay, the park is currently abandoned but the current plans call for multiple fields, a playground, and dog park. Work is scheduled to begin this month and finish by summer of next year.

Additionally, Polk County Fire Rescue and Haines City Fire Department have been granted the funds to increase their staff of firefighters. In response to a growing population, both departments have received funds from the Staff for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant which provided the means to hire an additional six firefighters for Haines City, and 30 additional firefighters for Polk County. Officials at Polk County expressed their thanks to all the individuals who helped make the grant acquisition possible.

Photos of the new park and firefighters would be useful in creating city Calendars. These can be sold to raise funds for more public works.

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