Lakeland officials are studying the question of changing the city’s form of government, but some officials are balking at one theory of the expert they brought to the table to outline what a change would mean.

With a petition underway to change Lakeland’s form of government, a commissioner and the former mayor are warning of a scenario where the city loses its charter, causing problems for the school system. 

Lakeland officials continue to study a possible change in the suburb’s government format with former Collierville Town Administrator James Lewellen explaining the process.

A Lakeland citizens advisory group thinks the suburbs’ elected officials deserve a bump in salary and have recommended raises for them — a decision that still have several steps to clear before enacted.

One Shelby County suburb is putting restrictions on vaping at 21-and-up venues. How are other suburbs handling vaping and smoke shops?

Dutch Bros Coffee is joining several other coffee outlets along U.S. 64 in Lakeland, while the business is also spreading into Bartlett. 

Lakeland officials also discussed a way to keep wine sales out of future convenience stores.

Finishing the project is still years away, but progress gives hope the promised Lake District may materialize one day. Just with others delivering on the promise.

Lakeland’s new ordinance, which would directly place a restriction on smoking and vaping in venues for customers older than 21, passed unanimously on first reading.

A new developer plans to deliver on more than 100 townhouses for The Lake District, bringing progress to Lakeland’s mixed-use development after bankruptcy and foreclosure.

As Lakeland grows, Commissioner Connie McCarter is suggesting that a change in government with district representation might better serve citizens.

Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter suggested a veiled idea of changing the suburb’s form of government before eventually floating her full idea.

Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter wants to discuss a change to the city’s form of government, but as of Wednesday afternoon, she was not discussing any specifics.

Three years after bankruptcy, “we’re starting to see movement in that development again,” Lakeland Planning Director Paul Luker said.

For some of those seeking a spot on a local school board, the only thing that stands in the way of the November general election is an August ballot. 

Take a wild ride down memory lane with former Lakeland Mayor Mike Cunningham and his brother, Bill, and who share a fondness for old times at the fairgrounds and Libertyland.

The City of Lakeland and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have an agreement about deputies occupying a space at The Lake District, but there seems to be some disagreement about the level of law enforcement presence.

The Lake District may be on the verge of getting new life with townhomes and a potential hotel emerging in the near future.

Some worried the Memphis Safe Task Force’s launch would drive crime up in the suburbs.

Emily Harrell replaces former City Manager Michael Walker who was terminated by the board on Nov. 3 for “erosion of trust” involving several personnel decisions.

Lakeland broke ground on its new YMCA, a desire for the community for almost 10 years. The location improves the look of the entry into the suburb since it replaces the Econo Lodge eyesore.

The Lakeland School System resurrected an old name for its new middle school.

Bartlett Alderman David Reaves wants the suburb to look into eliminating property taxes, but others wonder how the suburb would make up the lost revenue.

Several suburban officials noted they pretreated major roads with a salt and sand mixture. While they continue to treat them, that mixture only works when temperatures are approximately 20 degrees.

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners terminated the contract of former City Manager Michael Walker on Nov. 3, citing an “erosion of trust” involving several personnel decisions.