Lakeland's Board of Commissioners Thursday night took the first step toward lowering the city’s property tax rate as a Department of Agriculture loan to fund a new high school  nearing the final stages of processing.

Lakeland officials are hoping to have a commitment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by early August on a development loan to fund construction of a proposed high school.

The Collection at Lakeland, a mixed-use development that will include an Aldi grocery store and 15 single-family homes among other features, is coming to a 17-acre tract at Canada Road and U.S. 64 in Lakeland.

A possible 64-cent property tax increase remains in play for Lakeland homeowners after commissioners Wednesday night voted to keep that option available if needed to fund construction of a new high school.

After more than 12 years at its former location in Eads, Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates has made the move to The Corner Shops in Lakeland at U.S. 64 and Canada Road.

After many years of debate over how to get a high school built in Lakeland, the path towards final approval on funding is now clear.

The owner and clinic director of New Life Medical Center in Lakeland has moved the clinic to a larger location just down the road, remaining in the city to continue growing the practice. 

Developer Yehuda Netanel gave Lakeland officials and the media an update on the 165-acre, $400 million mixed-use Lake District project that officially began Phase 1 grading work Tuesday.

With two funding options for a new Lakeland high school approved earlier this week, city officials are now waiting to see if a petition will be pulled against the 40-year USDA loan option proposed by Mayor Mike Cunningham.

After more than a decade stuck in the development pipeline,  Lakeland Commons is ready to move forward.

Lakeland inched a step closer to funding a new $35 million high school Thursday night as commissioner's approved 3-2 a resolution to move ahead with a capital outlay note that could result in a 64-cent property tax increase.

Limited financial flexibility and concern over unforeseen future expenses have Lakeland residents and elected leaders divided over whether to move forward with construction of the city’s first high school.

With work progressing on grading and clearing for the 160-acre mixed-use Lake District in Lakeland, as many as 15 new tenants have signed on since the first of the year for openings in Phase 1.

Arlington and Lakeland are expanding their park systems with projects that are ramping up with the coming of spring.

Lakeland leaders responded Friday to Mayor Mike Cunningham's announcement that he is seeking an investigation into the city's finances because of "financial anomalies" he has uncovered since taking office.

Lakeland Mayor Mike Cunningham announced Thursday evening he has asked the state to investigate what he termed "numerous questionable financial anomalies" in the city's records.

With an especially strong housing market over the past two years, Lakeland is enjoying continued residential development activity.

For the price of a $100 ticket, someone will win a house valued at $475,000 in the 20th-annual St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, 

Lakeland would lower the loan amount for construction of a new high school by $3 million but also divert funds from a major road project under amendments to a previously approved due diligence resolution.

Lakeland commissioners will wait until next month to make a decision regarding funding for a new high school, but they're definitely scrapping plans for now to create a fire department.

Lakeland resident Savannah Brister will compete on "The Voice" this season. The 17-year-old earned a spot on John Legend's team.

Businessman Mark Lovell was the highest bidder Thursday in the foreclosure sale of Stonebridge Golf Course, and says he plans to keep operating the 177 acres for golfers.

Lakeland commissioners Tuesday night took a cautious step toward construction of a controversial new high school by voting narrowly in favor of proceeding with due diligence on a $38 million capital outlay note.

Stonebridge Golf Course will be sold in foreclosure, but a current owner expects to make the high bid, retain ownership and keep the facility open without skipping a beat.   

Feelings are divided as Lakeland residents debate the cost of a new high school in the growing suburb.