LAKELAND City officials gave a thumbs up to Lakeland Electric s plan to begin shutting down its aging coal plant this March, after the utility calculated the early shutdown could save $13.1 million over the next three years.
Lakeland s utility committee unanimously approved a recommendation by Lakeland Electric to begin decommissioning its coal-burning C.D. McIntosh Unit on March 31. The plans will go before the City Commission for final approval on Jan. 19. It makes no sense to continue spending money on coal-based operation past March, he said.
On March 31, Lakeland Electric aims to kick off a five-month transition and shutdown process to gradually end power generation. Ivy said that date could be pushed back a few weeks if needed to burn through the city s coal reserves.
LAKELAND A cool breeze blew across Lake Mirror on Monday evening as about 100 people gathered to mourn David Henderson and Edie Yates Henderson, writing messages of love to the couple and to their children on lighted balls, then placing the balls along the lake’s steps to the shoreline.
“We wanted to give the broader community a COVID-safe way to honor and remember Edie and David,” said Todd Baylis, Yates Henderson’s son from her first marriage to the late Steve Baylis. “Our sincerest wish is that we all continue to remember them both for their accomplishments and contributions to all of us individually and to the community.”