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

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.

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.

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

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. 

Stonebridge Golf Course is to be sold on the courthouse steps after owners defaulted on their loan. 

Lakeland leaders and residents debated the cost and merits of building Lakeland Prep High School during a Thursday evening meeting.

Lakeland City Attorney Chris Patterson has resigned, citing a need for new Mayor Mike Cunningham to choose his own legal representative for the city.

Germantown Alderman Forrest Owens was named Lakeland's new planning director Friday. The appointed position in another suburb does not require him to resign from his election post in Germantown

After losing 25 pounds in two months going to Nutrition Bar in East Memphis, Chuck Laminack decided the concept was successful enough to open his own rendition of the shop on Canada Road.

The election of Mike Cunningham as the new Lakeland mayor and questions about the future of a fire department have led Dennis Wolf to step aside as the suburb’s first fire chief before he actually took on the duties.

Lakeland Mayor-elect Mike Cunningham wants to find ways for the northeast suburb to heal after a contentious campaign that led to his victory Tuesday over incumbent Wyatt Bunker.

Challenger Mike Cunningham unseated incumbent Lakeland Mayor Wyatt Bunker on Tuesday in a victory that further strengthened an opposition group against the current administration. 

The Lake District has secured six more tenants, effectively boosting its committed retail presence to more than 100,000 square feet.