CITY OF LAKELAND NEWS & EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2015

NEW CHIEF OF POLICELARRY GIDDENS TAKES HELM

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTPAM SPROW IT SUPPORT ANALYST III

RETURN OF THE TIGERSSPRING TRAINING BEGINS

LAKELAND ELECTRIC$200 REBATEFOR ATTIC INSULATION

30290-I-0153 Lakeland Fire Department Station 7

$3.6MILLIONTO COMPLETIONCost less per sq ft than Station 6, built in 2004

15,900SQ FTUNDER ROOF6,300 Sq Ft of Living Space

1,000CALLSEACH YEARExpected to increase with Heavy Rescue 14now servicing Lakeland from Station 7

50+YEARSOF EXPECTED SERVICEThe design and construction anticipates future needs

2NDLARGESTFIRE STATION In Lakeland

COMMUNITY Fire Engine 71 (55ft Skyboom Apparatus)Heavy Rescue Truck 14

AIRPORTAircraft Rescue

and Firefighting ARFF 1 & 2

7 1

A R F F 1

A R F F 2

1 4

Station 7 will serve both the community and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport at a cost savings because of shared living space compared to the construction of two separate, purpose built stations.

DUAL FIRE STATION

9Certified Firefighters14

WILL OPEN WITH

WITH A MAX CAPACITY OFPER SHIFT

EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLEStation 7 is a Green Globes Initiative Building. Boasting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, it meets Federal Guiding Principles for Sustainable Buildings as required by Executive Order 13514, signed in 2009.

ON-SITETRAININGStations 7 features a state-of-the-art classroom facility which will allow firefighters to train on-site. This feature will allow them to serve the area with no interruptions in service. With growing demands due to fire service mandates, this classroom will allow for more efficient training of firefighters. Additionally, the classroom is specially reinforced to serve as a potential emergency command post if needed.

On Friday, January 16, the hose was uncoupled and the first emergency alarms were sounded to mark the grand opening of Lakeland Fire Department’s Station 7. After several years of planning and preparation, Station 7 is complete and now serving the citizens of Lakeland and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Here are the stats:

www.lakelandgov.net/lfd

2015 SPRING OBSESSIONIF YOUR YARD IS BROWN, GET DOWNTOWN!

CAMPspringbreak

www.lakelandelectric.com

@mylakelandelectric

LAKELAND ELECTRIC OFFERS $200 REBATEFOR ATTIC INSULATION

Did you know that Lakeland Electric offers a $200 rebate to residential customers that upgrade attic insulation? The first step is to have an inspection done by Lakeland Electric before installing additional insulation.

A Lakeland Electric Energy Analyst will inspect your current attic insulation and issue a rebate certificate after going over the program requirements. The amount of insulation (R value) to be added will be stated on the certificate. Customers can use any of the insulation contractors in our area or self install. The rebate is available for customers that have an R-19 or less and the total R-value achieved must be R-30 or greater to qualify.

Process: Once you contact Lakeland Electric, an Energy Analysts will issue

a rebate certificate along with a list of insulation contractors. If you decide to use a contractor to install, they will accept the certificate as $200 payment and the contractor will process the certificate with Lakeland Electric. It’s that easy!

If you decide to install your own attic insulation, an Energy Analyst will inspect the finished work and get a copy of the receipt so that you can receive your rebate.

Eligibility: • Must be a Lakeland Electric customer • Valid for existing single family homes (not new construction) with

whole house air-conditioning and/or electric heat. • Rebate is for attic insulation only • Rebates are subject to approval and contingent upon fund

availability • Rebates are subject to change without notice • Limit one (1) insulation rebate per location

Call 863.834.9535 and speak to a Lakeland Electric customer service representative for more information.

Did you know that if you replace five incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star Compact Fluorescent light bulbs you will save 62 kWh in a month? This is a savings of about $8 on your monthly utility bill and if you replace them with LED lights the savings is even greater. Here are a few additional money saving tips:

• Washing your clothes in cold water and not using hot water also saves you $9 per month on your electric bill.

• Turn off lights, ceiling fans, appliances, television sets, stereos and computers when not in use and save about 58 kWh or $7 per month.

• Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher during the summer months when you are at home and 85 degrees when you are away from home. In Florida, the cost to cool a home is about 50% of a typical energy bill.

A typical home uses 250-1000 kilowatt-hours for air conditioning. To be more energy efficient with air conditioning throughout your home follow these tips:

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or as high as comfort permits.

• Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.

• Check and clean or replace air filters every month.

• Clean the outside condenser coil once per year.

Lakeland Electric offers free energy inspections conducted at your home by our very own Energy Analysts. A Lakeland Electric Energy Analyst will survey your home's insulation, duct work, water heating, cooling & heating systems to measure the overall efficiency. You'll then be provided with energy-saving recommendations and other cost-effective energy-saving measures. Call 863.834.6789 to schedule an appointment or you can take an online energy audit by going to Lakelandelectric.com and click on the “Customer” tab.

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saveENERGTHE POWER to

One of the friendly voices that City employees hear when they need computer help belongs to Pam Sprow. Sprow, a nine year City of Lakeland employee, is an Information Technology (IT) Support Analyst III. As a Support Analyst, Sprow orders and manages City inventory of computers, laptops, bizhubs, monitors and various IT related items. Her other responsibilities include supporting all City applications and being in a leadership role among her co-workers. Sprow thoroughly enjoys her job as it is never boring and loves that each day brings new challenges. The best part is the close knit family atmosphere that she has found in this Department.

Sprow was born in Lakeland. When she was three years old, Publix opened a warehouse in Miami, so the family moved there for her father’s job. In her early 20’s she returned to Lakeland and has been here ever since. Sprow has been happily married for 38 years. Her husband, Stan, is a route salesperson for Southern Wine and Spirits. They have one son and one granddaughter. Sprow recently gave her 15 year old granddaughter her very first driving lesson. Sprow obtained her AA in Liberal Arts from Polk State College. Her associate’s degree in Computer Information Sciences was awarded by FMU. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Information Science.

“I work to bowl” is quite the understatement from Sprow. She began bowling with her Dad when she was 12 years old and has never stopped. She even met her husband at the bowling alley! Her love of bowling has

inspired her to coach other bowlers. Sprow holds more than a few records including the Women’s Florida high average of 224 points and the Women’s 1999 National Tournament high game with a 297 point game. She was part of the Women’s 1990 National Team Champions with four other Lakeland residents. It was very exciting for Sprow having five small town girls beating all the other big bowling towns at Nationals that year. Sprow represented the United States in the Tournament of

America as a senior player and her mixed doubles team with her husband beat Venezuela by one point. She has bowled eight 300 point games and is also in the Halls of Fame in Lakeland, Tampa and Florida!

After bowling, Sprow’s other favorite activities are travel and gambling. She is so excited about her cruise this summer

to Hawaii with her husband, son and daughter-in-law. She did enjoy a trip last year to San Francisco where she relished the weather, culture, food and wine country. Her favorite foods are fried chicken and steak. Her favorite movie is The Mummy and she is currently reading The Inner Game of Tennis to help her mental game in bowling, of course. She loves some good ol’ rock n roll with a little country music thrown in. When not working or bowling, Sprow loves to eat at Bonefish where she savors the food and atmosphere. Christmas is her most loved holiday since she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Thank you Pam Sprow for your dedication to the City of Lakeland and its employees!

@mylakelandelectric

CITY OF LAKELAND EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

PAM SPROW

Chief Larry Giddens Takes the Helm at LPD

IT SUPPORT ANALYST III

Chief Giddens, who has continually served this community unselfishly for over 30 years, was recently selected to become Lakeland Police Department’s new Chief. He started his career with the Lakeland Police Department as an auxiliary officer in 1984. He was hired full-time in 1985 as a patrol officer in the Uniform Patrol Division. He successfully excelled through the ranks serving on Special Weapons & Tactics, Street Crimes Unit, Hostage Negotiations, Special Investigations and Community Services. As Captain, Giddens was the Commanding Officer of the Uniform Patrol Division and he was named Assistant Chief of Police in 2011, overseeing the Neighborhood Services Bureau. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University and is a Certified Public Manager. He attended the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) and he is a graduate of the 223rd Session

of the FBI National Academy. Giddens has served as the Interim Chief of Police since February 2014.

Giddens said, “I am honored and humbled to serve my hometown community as the Chief of Police. I have worked very hard to get to this stage and want to thank those that served on the Advisory Selection Committee and City Manager Doug Thomas for their hard work in this process. I also want to thank my family for their support, as well as the members of the Police Department, associates from the City of Lakeland, our community leaders and the overwhelming number of citizens who have supported this agency throughout the process.” He added, “I moved into the Interim Chief of Police position with the intentions of improving relations with the media and the State Attorney’s office as well as solidifying strong partnerships with local, regional, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and I will continue those initiative as Lakeland Chief of Police.”

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Online | www.lakelandgov.net In Person | City Hall • 8AM – 5PM • Monday-Fridayfacebook.com/cityoflakelandfl | twitter.com/lakelandgov | youtube.com/cityoflakelandfl | instagram: cityoflakelandflListen Lakeland • First Sunday • FM 97.5 WPCV @ 8:30AM | FM 98.3 WWRZ @ 8AM | AM 1430 WLKF @ 8AM | AM 1230 WONN @ 9AM

Public Meetings | City Commission Meetings • First and Third Monday • 9AM | Utility Committee Meetings • First Monday • 1PMLive Broadcast on LGN | Channel 643 (Brighthouse) | Channel 43 (Verizon FiOS)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:City Hall • 863.834.6000 Lakeland Electric Customer Service • 863.834.9535 Power or Water Outages • 863.834.4248Pollution Hotline • 863.834.3300 LPD Crime Tips Hotline • 863.834.2549 LPD (Non-Emergency) • 863.834.6900

PAYING YOUR UTILITY BILL:ONLINE | www.lakelandelectric.com BY PHONE | 863.834.9535IN PERSON | Lakeland Electric has partnered with over 50 local businesses including area AMSCOT offices to accept your utility payment.ST

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Let’s Play Ball - The Tigers Return This year marks the Tigers 79th season in Lakeland, extending

the longest-lasting relationship between a major league baseball team and a current Spring Training host city. The Detroit Tigers began coming to Lakeland for Spring Training in 1934 and have been coming back ever since.

The 2014 spring season will be the clubs’s 50th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium in Tigertown. Tigertown is the Spring Training headquarters for the Detroit Tigers and the regular season home of its minor league team in the Class A Florida State League, the Lakeland Flying Tigers. David Dombrowski, Tigers President, CEO and General Manager said, “We are thankful and appreciative of the long-standing relationship with the City of Lakeland, Polk County and the State of Florida that in terms of years is second to none in all of Major League Baseball.”

Tigertown is owned and operated by the City of Lakeland and the City of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining the facilities. Named in honor of the late Joker Marchant, Lakeland’s former Parks and Recreation Director, Joker Marchant Stadium was used by the Detroit Tigers for Spring Training for the first time in 1966. With 8,000 stadium seats and an outdoor berm that seats 1,000 guests, there is not better place to enjoy a baseball game and the fan experience is going to get better! Starting immediately after this year’s Spring Training, construction will start with stadium renovations that are slated to be complete for the 2016 Spring Training season.

The proposed design of the complex calls for separate Major and Minor League clubhouses that will be constructed; improved and realigned seating areas including additional shading; a 360 degree walk around layout to allow fans to be in constant view of the game; upgraded concession and new vending areas; expanded press box facilities in response to growing media interest with international players; a new artificial field

surface in the minor league complex; new team cafeteria equipment; various improvements throughout the complex to assist in player development and rehabilitation; and overall improved layout and security features consistent with MLB security measures.

Dombrowski said, “We believe the extensive enhancements to Tigertown will offer the loyal and passionate fans in Lakeland and the legions of Tigers fans that travel to Florida with a one-of-a-kind Spring Training experience. Lakeland plays a significant role year-round in the Tigers baseball operations and the planned renovations will provide the players with a state-of-the-art development and rehabilitation facility, certain to be amongst the best in all of baseball.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Tigers website at:

detroit.tigers.mlb.com

Come to Munn Park on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for the 13th Annual Spring Obsession, Garden and Art Festival. Enjoy a free family day of activities while exploring the many flowers and plants for sale. Attend garden presentations. Purchase art for the patio and listen to live music from the jazz band Free Time.

It is time to stock up on all your spring plant needs including: flowering plants for house and garden, outdoor plants for your landscaping, garden art and accessories to spice up your lawn or patio. Learn about jazzing up your yard from landscaping professionals as part of the garden presentations. There will also be a presentation on rain barrels and water conservation with decorative rain barrels available for purchase.

Delight in hard to find exotics, orchids, Florida native plants, roses, herbs, gingers and more as you stroll through Munn Park to the sounds of FreeTime. FreeTime will play an eclectic and entertaining blend of musical styles ranging from Al Jarreau and Stevie Wonder to Bob Marley, Miles Davis, Grover Washington, Duke Ellington and BB King. Spring Obsession is a non-profit event with this year’s proceeds contributing to the funding of bicycle racks for Downtown Lakeland.

2015 DETROIT TIGERS SPRING TRAINING HOME SCHEDULE:Mar 2 Mon Florida Southern at TigersMar 3 Tues Orioles at Tigers Mar 5 Thurs Braves at Tigers Mar 8 Sun Astros at Tigers Mar 9 Mon Blue Jays at Tigers Mar 12 Thurs Phillies at Tigers Mar 14 Sat Phillies at Tigers Mar 17 Tues Nationals at Tigers Mar 20 Fri Yankees at Tigers Mar 21 Sat Mets at Tigers Mar 22 Sun Nationals at Tigers Mar 25 Wed Marlins at Tigers Mar 26 Thurs Orioles at Tigers Mar 28 Sat Cardinals at Tigers Mar 30 Mon Braves at Tigers Mar 31 Tues Pirates at Tigers Apr 2 Thurs Yankees at Tigers Apr 3 Fri Rays at Tigers

2015 SPRING OBSESSIONIF YOUR YARD IS BROWN, GET DOWNTOWN!

CAMPMARCH 30 - APRIL 3 • 7:30AM-5:30PM

KELLY RECREATION COMPLEX$50 per child • K-5

LUNCH NOT PROVIDEDSwimming • Movies • Parks & More

REGISTER @ KELLY RECREATION COMPLEX

springbreak