With the completion of all levels of school campuses, Lakeland School System’s board concentrates growth in its $37.8 million budget on benefits for teachers and students.

A Lakeland commission has embraced a corridor study for U.S. 70 through the suburb, complete with a quartet of roundabouts.

As the suburbs of Shelby County dissect their annual budgets for the coming fiscal years, there are many factors to consider, including schools and their financial plans.

A significant increase in sewer fees is on the horizon for Lakeland residents as the suburb continues to keep pace with providing the service.

Enrollment is trending downward across Shelby County’s suburban schools, and that impacts funding as the municipal districts are finalizing their budgets.

Lakeland commissioners failed to approve a salary increase for elected officials, leaving the compensation the same as its been for 23 years.

A consultant is recommending a series of roundabouts on U.S. 70 through the heart of Lakeland, saying that approach is safer than traffic signals at intersections.

Lakeland officials are studying the question of changing the city’s form of government, but some officials are balking at one theory of the expert they brought to the table to outline what a change would mean.

With a petition underway to change Lakeland’s form of government, a commissioner and the former mayor are warning of a scenario where the city loses its charter, causing problems for the school system. 

Lakeland officials continue to study a possible change in the suburb’s government format with former Collierville Town Administrator James Lewellen explaining the process.

A Lakeland citizens advisory group thinks the suburbs’ elected officials deserve a bump in salary and have recommended raises for them — a decision that still have several steps to clear before enacted.

One Shelby County suburb is putting restrictions on vaping at 21-and-up venues. How are other suburbs handling vaping and smoke shops?

Dutch Bros Coffee is joining several other coffee outlets along U.S. 64 in Lakeland, while the business is also spreading into Bartlett. 

Lakeland officials also discussed a way to keep wine sales out of future convenience stores.

Finishing the project is still years away, but progress gives hope the promised Lake District may materialize one day. Just with others delivering on the promise.

Lakeland’s new ordinance, which would directly place a restriction on smoking and vaping in venues for customers older than 21, passed unanimously on first reading.

A new developer plans to deliver on more than 100 townhouses for The Lake District, bringing progress to Lakeland’s mixed-use development after bankruptcy and foreclosure.

As Lakeland grows, Commissioner Connie McCarter is suggesting that a change in government with district representation might better serve citizens.

Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter suggested a veiled idea of changing the suburb’s form of government before eventually floating her full idea.

Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter wants to discuss a change to the city’s form of government, but as of Wednesday afternoon, she was not discussing any specifics.

Three years after bankruptcy, “we’re starting to see movement in that development again,” Lakeland Planning Director Paul Luker said.

For some of those seeking a spot on a local school board, the only thing that stands in the way of the November general election is an August ballot. 

Take a wild ride down memory lane with former Lakeland Mayor Mike Cunningham and his brother, Bill, and who share a fondness for old times at the fairgrounds and Libertyland.

The City of Lakeland and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have an agreement about deputies occupying a space at The Lake District, but there seems to be some disagreement about the level of law enforcement presence.

The Lake District may be on the verge of getting new life with townhomes and a potential hotel emerging in the near future.