At the first Regular Commission Meeting for the City of Lakeland on January 5, 2026, Ridge League of Cities President Sara Roberts McCarley was sworn in as Mayor.  McCarley follows Bill Mutz at the helm of the largest city within Polk County and the Ridge League.   Congratulations Madam Mayor! Lakeland City Clerk Kelly Koos administers…

The Ridge League of Cities December Membership Dinner Meeting was hosted by the City of Auburndale at the new Civic Center at Lake Ariana Park.  The RLC dinner meeting was the first event to be held at the beautiful new facility overlooking Lake Ariana.  A total of 280 attendees attended the dinner and  “City Marketplace”…

The City of Auburndale is very excited to host the Ridge League in December at the city’s new Civic Center at Lake Ariana Park.  The new facility will also allow the RLC to hold our annual “City Marketplace” event for the 2025-2026 year.  During the social hour, our Associate Members are invited to set up…

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recently held their 2025 Annual Conference in Tampa.  Over 5300 local government leaders from around the globe attended this exceptional event including keynote addresses, educational sessions, workshops, and field demonstrations.  Numerous officials from the Ridge League attended some, or all five transformative days at the Tampa Convention Center.  Prior…

For the third year, the Ridge League of Cities partnered with Toys for Tots in their annual toy campaign.  Guests at the October Membership Dinner in Winter Haven were asked to bring an unwrapped toy for distribution during the Christmas holidays.  Our Municipal and Associate Members brought a record number of toys.  Angela Davis, Local…

Winter Haven Membership Dinner The City of Winter Haven played host to the October 2025 Ridge League of Cities Membership Dinner.  Mayor Nathanel Birdsong, the Winter Haven Commission and City Staff planned for an excellent evening with Nora Mayo Hall decorated in a beautiful Starlight Soiree theme.  The Catering Company of Winter Haven prepared a…