jellybean JUBILEE APRIL 12 • 10 -1 AM PM
SIMPSON PARK COMMUNITY CENTER Eggstra Special Egg Hunt • Story Time Cookie Decorating • Arts & Crafts Jellybean Guessing Children 10 & Younger Welcome!
Improved Public Protection Classification Score City of Lakeland residents and businesses may soon notice improved insurance rates thanks to the Lakeland Fire Department (LFD). The department was recently audited by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) for the reissuance of the City of Lakeland’s Public Protection Classification Score. The protection score rates the level of fire suppression in a community and thanks to LFD’s hard work, increased access to its community, equipment, personnel, and other rated services, Lakeland now has an ISO protection score of 2. The score was only a couple of percentage points below a score of 1, which is the highest score achievable on the 1-10 scale. This accomplishment indicates that Lakeland residents are safer and have better access to emergency services than most other communities on both the state and national level. The score is also used by insurers, including the largest in the nation, to figure insurance rates and decisions in regards to underwriting. The score is effective March 1, 2014.
2013 Distribution of Public Protection Classification Codes Provided by ISO Properties
NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT LAKE BONNY 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 have registered neighborhood associations that make up the Neighborhood Association Coalition (NAC), which works closely with City staff. This month, we spotlight the Lake Bonny Neighborhood. This neighborhood association formed in 2002 after years as a crime watch group. It began to blossom in the 1940’s and 1950’s after World War II. After inheriting the role of neighborhood president nine years ago, Sandy Toledo set out to create a welcoming environment for everybody to share ideas and express concerns. “I think that it is important to neighborhoods because we are in this together,” said Toledo. Toledo attributes the crime watch strategy “See Something, Say Something” to halting breaking and entering incidents in Lake Bonny. “We are what some may call nosey neighbors who get out and do what we can to look out for each other,” said Toledo. Lake Bonny residents pride themselves on being very giving and welcoming. This spirit has helped to attract younger families to the quiet neighborhood. Residents are very active with events like National Night Out, walking groups, beautification projects, and more. The neighborhood park is called Interlachen Park. It encompasses a playground and the historical Elk’s Club monument. Like many of Lakeland’s neighborhoods, Lake Bonny has become very walkable. Speed bumps, repaved roads, sidewalks, trees and plants are enhancements that make Lake Bonny a great community to live in. The Lake Bonny Neighborhood Association meets at 6:30pm on the first Monday of each month at All Faith Baptist Church, located at 302 Longfellow Blvd. 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.
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 Meetings First and Third Monday 9:00 a.m. Utility Committee Meetings First Monday 1:00 p.m. Watch the live broadcast on:
Channel 615 (Brighthouse) or Channel 43 (Verizon FiOS) IMPORTANT NUMBERS City Hall 863.834.6000 Lakeland Electric Customer Service 863.834.9535 Power or Water Outages 863.834.4248
1ST TUESDAY
OF EACH MONTH
WALK
LAKELAND WITH COMMISSIONER KEITH MERRITT
Pollution Hotline 863.834.3300 PAYING YOUR UTILITY BILL ONLINE www.lakelandelectric.com BY PHONE 863.834.9535
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
IN PERSON Lakeland Electric has partnered with over 50 local businesses including area AMSCOT offices to accept your utility payment.