Horticulturist Stacy Smith said a small ribbon of grass winds through islands of plants, including crotons, copper plants, bromeliads and other tropical species.
“Most of the things you planted, I can’t even pronounce,” Mayor Bill Mutz quipped.
Tankson, a Vietnam veteran, was overcome with emotion while accepting the award.
“I always try to do for Lakeland, because Lakeland is a beautiful place. It’s been good to me,” he said. “I raised my family here for 50 years, and I may have tears in my eyes, but I can’t help it sometimes … I’ve been through so much, but I appreciate Lakeland, Florida. God knows, I do.”
Commercial award
The commercial beautification award for October went to The Ruthvens (JPRI Holdings LLC) for its simple, but well-maintained warehouse at 3950 Anchuca Drive, near the city’s southwest limit…