Lakeland
First-ever public fireworks show to light up Lakeland’s sky
Plus a list of fireworks shows coming to Memphis’ suburbs to celebrate Fourth of July.
Michael Waddell
Freelance Reporter
Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.
There are 1235 articles by Michael Waddell :
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June 2025
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Arlington Arlington veterans’ home waitlist open
Construction on the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Arlington has been underway for more than two years.
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LakelandA long and winding road: Lakeland’s New Canada Road finally nears construction
After years of waiting, construction could begin later this year on New Canada Road, providing more traffic lanes and a straighter alignment from Interstate 40 to U.S. 70.
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BartlettSubstantial industrial tracts available in Bartlett
“You can have the best community in America … . But if you don’t have available buildings or land, then a community cannot grow its economy,” the president of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce said.
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BartlettBartlett chamber under fire from city’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen
Alderman David Reaves, a Bartlett business owner, wants some assurances from the suburban Chamber of Commerce before steering the city’s annual donation to the group.
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BartlettFinding the magic in gathering to trade cards
The popularity of trading card gaming has exploded in the past year, with Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Disney’s Lorcana and others luring in new players and collectors.
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BartlettBartlett’s new tax rate is less but it’s still more
“We’ve made some hard choices,” Alderman David Reaves said about establishing a tax rate that is well over the certified rate approved by the State of Tennessee.
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BusinessMoribund Lake District project gets jump start
Lakeland officials have approved a new development contract for The Lake District, breathing new life into the troubled mixed-use project after the original owner filed bankruptcy.
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BartlettBartlett family opens cut-your-own bouquet field
The Old Brownsville Farm will open this weekend, allowing visitors to stroll the grounds and pick their own flowers.
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Lakeland Lakeland doesn’t raise property tax rate
Lakeland has passed the final reading on its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining the certified property tax rate set after reappraisal, unlike other local suburbs.
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BartlettPlans for apartments near Bartlett day care get thumbs down
At a Planning Commission meeting, some officials and residents spoke against a project feet away from a preschool. “If I were to tell a pedophile that his balcony could look over into a playground where little children are playing 10 feet away, I would see his eyes light up.”
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Bartlett‘Kids over profit': Angry Bartlett residents don’t want apartments near day care
Keith Grant’s addition to his Union Depot project on the south side of U.S. 70 in Bartlett met with some resistance during a public meeting.
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ArlingtonArlington lowers property tax rate, may consider further drop
After a few meetings and some recalculating, Arlington has lowered its proposed property tax rate. But some aldermen want the number decreased some more.
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BartlettSide Porch owners open Bartlett’s Pharmacy Coffeehouse
The owners of the Side Porch Steakhouse are adding a coffeehouse in the former pharmacy building next door to their restaurant.
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May 2025
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Real EstateWith Lakeland Town Square in final stages, developer changes focus
Vince Smith is turning his focus to Ashmont, a 100-acre mixed-use project just north of the Interstate 40 and Canada Road interchange.
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BartlettBartlett gets closer to property tax increase
With a new fiscal year approaching, Bartlett officials are reviewing their budget and how much in increased property taxes are needed to cover operations.
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City of Memphis Memphis in May’s Great American River Run goes virtual
Medals will be sent out for the top times, but the cash prizes will not be given.
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Bartlett TBI identifies man killed in Bartlett police shooting
TBI’s investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, at the request of Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy.
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LakelandLakeland couple is breathing new life into cigar lounge
Hoping to capitalize on the growing cigar-smoking trend, a pair of entrepreneurs is retooling a smoking emporium concept in Lakeland after the troubles with The Lake District.
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BartlettBartlett opens new $12M emergency dispatch center
The new center should serve the community for at least the next decade, while replacing a facility the Bartlett Police Department had outgrown.
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Arlington Arlington ponders property tax rate at work session
After a bit of figuring, Arlington is getting closer to setting its property tax rate. Now officials must decide whether ambulance service is covered by a fee or property taxes.
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BartlettUnion Depot developer eyes vacant U.S. 70 tract
The potential success of the mixed-use Union Depot project in Bartlett has the developer considering similar work across U.S. 70 near Stage Road.
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LakelandDeveloper downsizes Lakeland project to improve safety
Developer Louis Ricci is seeking an amendment to his Lakeland Meadows subdivision, lowering the number of lots in the project north of U.S. 70.
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BartlettBartlett officials grapple with tax rate after property values rise
Kristi Francavilla, the city’s assistant director of finance, says in calculating the budget the city is “trying to address our rising costs” in areas such as public safety, employee benefits and infrastructure.
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EducationLakeland School System finally adds 12th grade
As the Lakeland School System adds a senior class, the district’s budget reflects the increase for the coming fiscal year.
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