Lakeland's mayor has chosen to honor the founders of "Lakeland Rocks" with the city's first "CityMaker Award," rewarding the couple for their ingenuity in helping to make the city a better place.

  • Award part of #LoveLakeland campaign
  • "Lakeland Rocks" Facebook group has more than 30,000 members in 6 months
  • Mayor hopes to give out CityMaker awards every month

The award is part of the overall #LoveLakeland campaign Mayor Howard Wiggs started four years ago. He’s partnered with Chrissanne Long, CEO of Maximize Digital Media to create a website and hashtag for it.

“I want Lakeland to be the most livable city in the state of Florida,” said Mayor Wiggs. “Not the fastest growing, maybe not the biggest, but a city where people want to come and be a part of it because it’s enjoyable to be here to be, that they can feel connected to it. That’s what city makers do. They contribute to that livability."  

Scott Urquhart and his wife Kristy are the first to receive the CityMaker award.

“I’m shocked and amazed. It’s an honor,” said Kristy Urquhart.

The couple's Facebook group, “Lakeland Rocks,” has garnered more than 30,000 members in just six months.

“The community is what has actually brought the notoriety to the page,” Scott Urquhart explained. “It’s nothing that me or my family did other than bring it to the community. We’re just completely humbled.”

Lakeland Rocks has now become a favorite pastime for many area families. Thousands spend their time either painting, hiding or finding rocks, and sharing their stories with the group.

“I’m pretty amazed. We had no idea it was going to take off,” said Kristy.

Wiggs said the group has taken off so much that it has added to the well-being of the city, and that’s what he looks for when recognizing a "city maker."

“That’s what this is about," said Wiggs. "Recognizing unsung heroes who are making our city great."

Wiggs hopes the award and #LoveLakeland movement lasts well after his term ends at the end of 2017. In the meantime, he is looking for people to nominate others. The goal is to award a CityMaker every month.

Here’s a link to where to send your nomination: lovelakeland.com/what-is-a-citymaker/nominate/.

The Urquhart family will receive its plaque during the city commission meeting on April 17.