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.

Some worried the Memphis Safe Task Force’s launch would drive crime up in the suburbs.

Emily Harrell replaces former City Manager Michael Walker who was terminated by the board on Nov. 3 for “erosion of trust” involving several personnel decisions.

Lakeland broke ground on its new YMCA, a desire for the community for almost 10 years. The location improves the look of the entry into the suburb since it replaces the Econo Lodge eyesore.

The Lakeland School System resurrected an old name for its new middle school.

Bartlett Alderman David Reaves wants the suburb to look into eliminating property taxes, but others wonder how the suburb would make up the lost revenue.

Several suburban officials noted they pretreated major roads with a salt and sand mixture. While they continue to treat them, that mixture only works when temperatures are approximately 20 degrees.

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners terminated the contract of former City Manager Michael Walker on Nov. 3, citing an “erosion of trust” involving several personnel decisions.

The middle and high schools are splitting at Lakeland Preparatory next year.

Lakeland commissioners have approved the city negotiating with a veterans group to locate a new center south of the Interstate 40 and Canada Road interchange.

Students at Lakeland Prep are preparing for a weekend robotics competition where an outstanding performance could earn them a spot in the state championship next month.

Lakeland sees evidence that new home developments could increase in the suburb during 2026.

Officials in Bartlett and Lakeland have plans for the coming year, some that include the directions for their suburbs, but also whether they intend to seek new terms.

Even though we haven’t quite reached 2026 yet, candidates for elections in the Northeast Shelby County suburbs already are making their intentions known with many of the incumbents running again.

Officials in Bartlett and Arlington are hoping to entice developers to breathe life into vacant land and fund critical infrastructure needs.

The Grant family name has become synonymous with homebuilding and development with a number of relatives involved for generations.

“I’ve been involved with The Lake District since 2012 and shepherded a lot of things through this,” a representative for the developer said, adding he could “see this development in my sleep or my nightmares.”

Lakeland leaders say the plan will allow the property to become the urban village that was originally envisioned. 

Lakeland Board of Commissioners look at controlling commercial and industrial development along the U.S 70 corridor, with an eye toward preserving the character of the area.