When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Lakes? Swans? Publix?
What about sinkholes?
DYK: Florida is one of the top seven states that is the most at risk for sinkhole activity? If you’re new here, a sinkhole can be defined as “a hole formed in soluble rock by the action of water, serving to conduct surface water to an underground passage.”
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A map of Polk County’s sinkholes | Screenshot via Maps ETC
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And, because of the nature of Florida’s terrain and its susceptibility to sinkholes, many of the ponds, lakes, and depressions were caused by this phenomenon.
Even some of the larger lakes and ponds were formed by a cluster of sinkholes that eventually opened up into one large, lake-like hole.
In fact, the most common origin of a lake formation is by a process called karst erosion, which takes place in order for sinkholes to occur. |
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Polk secures a yellow marker meaning that the county falls into the category of 100-999 sinkholes. | Screenshot from sinkholemaps.com
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All this talk of the earth opening up led us to a couple of questions: Were any of Lakeland’s lakes formed by sinkholes? Or, are all of Lakeland’s lakes purely man-made?
Here’s what we know:
• 38. That’s the number of lakes within Lakeland’s city limits.7. Where Polk County ranked on RiskMeter’s Top 10 Sinkhole-Prone Counties in Florida list.
• 567. The number of reported sinkholes in Polk County.
• 94%. The percentage of lakes or “water-features” in Polk that are located within either the Alafia, Kissimmee, or Peace River Basin(s) – “Lakes located on the ridge areas are thought to occupy depressions formed by sinkholes.”
• 900. That’s how many lakes or “water-features” sit in Polk with a surface area of 10 acres or more as of 2006.
• 2006. That’s the year that Lake Scott began to drain due to two large sinkholes that opened up at around 200 ft. wide + 15 ft. deep.
• 5,200. That’s the estimated coverage of Winter Haven’s 50 lakes – most of which are “solution lakes,” meaning they were formed similarly to sinkholes.
• 7,800. That’s the number of “naturally-made” lakes in the Sunshine State as of 2016.
• 4. What Polk County ranked in the State of Florida for counties with the most lakes. |
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| The final verdict remains unclear whether or not Lakeland’s lakes were a product of sinkhole activity. However, if you happen to know the answer to our question, be sure to drop us a line. |
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| If you had to choose, which of these lakes gives off a sinkhole vibe? |
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Do you have one friend that's really into lakes? Like, really into lakes? You know the one. Sink this info into the shores of their inbox this morning. ⬇️ |
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Weather
○ 82º | Partly Cloudy | 15% chance of rain
Number
○ The Department of Housing and Urban Development granted $2.3 million to four homeless assistance organizations in Polk County. Talbot House Ministries + the Homeless Coalition of Polk County, both based in Lakeland, each received increased funding. Two other Florida homeless assistance organizations that partially operate in Polk County, the Agency for Community Treatment Service + the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, also received funds. (The Ledger)
○ Several colleges + universities in Polk County will receive federal funding totaling $32 million. The largest of these grants, $13.2 million, will go to Polk State College. 20-30% of the funds at each school will be reserved for student financial aid as a part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund created through the CARES Act. (The Ledger)
Lakelander
○ Lawyer Jim Headley received the Florida Bar Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award for his long hours of hard pro bono work on veterans’ legal issues. Jim, a veteran of the U.S. Army, runs a law office with his brother Scott in Lakeland. For 16 years, he has helped fellow veterans with disabilities clear any hurdles they faced. 👏 (The Ledger)
○ Congratulations are in order for Lakeland’s newest Motor Officer, De’Angelo Anthony. De’Angelo is now the proud rider of a Harley on behalf of the Lakeland Police Department after intense training and testing and giving up his squad car. Officer Anthony has been with the Lakeland Police Department since 2013 after six years working for the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.
WaterCooler
○ Florida Southern College is offering fans the chance to show their support with a cardboard cutout of themselves (or a pet) in the stands of basketball games. The first round of orders will close Thurs., Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. for guaranteed placement at the season opener on Mon., Feb. 15 versus Barry University. All proceeds will go to the FSC Athletics Excellence Fund for student-athlete assistance. Say cheese. 📸
Legacy
○ Glenn Higgins, a former Lakeland City Commissioner, passed away last week at the age of 85. Glenn served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army + coached the Lake Gibson High School girls’ basketball team from 1979-1997. His time in local government started in 1998 with the Planning & Zoning Board before his eight years on the city commission. (LkldNow)
Dish
○ You can find just about everything at the Winter Haven Farmers Market. Open Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1.p.m., treat yourself to a specialty crepe from The Crepe Company. Go for a classic combination like hazelnut spread + banana or something savory like a Monte Cristo (turkey, ham, + cheddar with raspberry preserves). Whichever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be a crepe start to your day.
TodayIs
○ National Pizza Day. Here are some easy recipes you can whip up at home. Cheese, please. 🍕 Ⓟ
Civic
○ Plans are being made to create the Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee. A resolution is expected to be presented at the Winter Haven City Commission meeting on Mon., Feb. 22. The committee will consist of nine members with the goal to improve relations between the city’s residents and its police + fire department. If the resolution is passed, applications will be open to the public. (Winter Haven Sun)
TryThis
○ The Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department is calling for residents to sign-up for American Red Cross lifeguard classes. The next round of classes begins Feb. 18-21 + participants 15 and older are encouraged to attend for a price point of $200. To take the class, participants must complete a swim test which includes: a 300-yd swim, a 2-minute tread using only their legs, and a timed brick retrieval. To sign up, click here. 🥽
DYK
○ 27,000 trees are cut down each day to meet toilet paper demand. To Honeycomb, that felt like too many – so they created toilet tissue from 100% sustainable bamboo. Its luxurious 3-ply texture strikes the perfect balance between soft + strong, all without harming a single tree. Use code 6AM for 10% off your first shipment. Ⓟ
Coronavirus
○ On Monday, the Florida Department of Health announced 5,737 new cases of COVID-19 and 127 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 5,737 + the total deaths to 28,288. You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines. Seniors can register for the vaccination here.
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If you tuned in for the big game Sunday night, you might’ve recognized a familiar face – Amaya Brannon.
The 10-year-old Auburndale resident + student at Lakeland’s Combee Academy was selected by Good Morning America as the NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid + “Kid Correspondent.”
During a commercial break, Amaya was spotted tossing the pigskin with two commentators followed by a shoutout. We are so proud of you, Amaya. ❤️ |
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#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media.
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Dish
○ Spirit Night | Tues., Feb. 9 | 4-7 p.m. | Gator’s Dockside, 5147 US Hwy 98 S. | Free | A portion of the sales will go to Floral Avenue Elementary. 🍽️
TryThis
○ Ribbon cutting for The Black Nine | Tues., Feb. 9 | 4-4:30 p.m. | The Black Nine Lakeland, 7331 US Hwy 98 N. | Free, RSVP | Enjoy the unveiling of The Back Nine Experience. ✂️
Cause
○ Mobile Food Pantry | Tues., Feb. 9 | 12-1:30 p.m.| Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, 600 W. Peachtree St. | Free | If you’re in need, pick up a box or bag of prepackaged food. Arrive early for registration, spaces are limited.
FeaturedEvent
○ Grab a lunch on us at Trinity Medical Group | Tuesdays, Feb. 9- Mar. 30 | 12-2 p.m. | 550 Pope Ave. NW, Winter Haven | Free | Trinity Medical Group is offering free, pre-packaged meals prepared according to COVID-19 safety measures to seniors 65+ at their Winter Haven location every Tuesday through Mar. 30. RSVP at 863-949-8080. Limit one meal per person. Ⓟ
PlanAhead
○ LKLD Indie Fest | Sun., Feb. 28 | 1-7 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. | $5 | A full day of original music from local artists, drinks + food trucks. 🎸 |
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Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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Greenville, SC 29602
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