Hey Lakelanders, Connor + Amelia here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with 39,000+ readers in Lakeland daily — here, and on our socials.
After nearly six years of bringing you LALtoday, we wanted to formally reintroduce ourselves for those who are newly subscribed or want to get to know us more. Consider this us going in for a fist bump, then switching to a handshake, then settling on a hug.
Meet Amelia
Q: How did you end up in Lakeland? A: I’m originally from New Hampshire and fell in love with Lakeland as a student at SEU. Three years after graduating, I had the chance to move back and it was easily the best decision I’ve made.
Q: What’s your go-to order from a Lakeland coffee shop? A: Lately, I’ve been loving the 8AM Kick Latte from Andrew’s Coffee. I get it without whipped cream and it is *chef’s kiss*.
Q: What’s something every new Lakelander oughta know about? A: LALtoday — duh. In all seriousness though, knowing the downtown parking situation is incredibly helpful + will save you a ton of time.
Meet Connor
Q: If you could only write about one Lakeland topic for the rest of your life, what would it be? A: I’m so interested in the history behind Lakeland’s swans, including their arrival in 1957 + how the City cares for them today.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Lakeland? A: I love how Lakeland supports small businesses. From pizza parlors to tech startups, everyone roots for entrepreneurs and loves to shop small here.
Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia. A: Bonnet Springs Park covers 168 acres of land — that’s 61 more acres than Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
First Friday: Dog Days Downtown | Fri., Sept. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Bring your leashed dogs for a night on the town featuring obedience + agility demonstrations — let your pup try it for $3. 🐕
Sixx L Sixx w/ One Stop Food Truck | Fri., Sept. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Enjoy live music from Sixx L Sixx and grub from the One Stop Food Truck available at 3 p.m.
Saturday
Labor Day Weekend Fun at Family Fun Center | Sat., Sept. 3 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Family Fun Center | Prices vary | Get a free round of mini golf with the purchase of one regular priced round this weekend. ⛳️
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Sat., Sept. 3 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stop by for the farmers market’s opening day of the fall season to shop food, handmade goods, and more from local vendors.
Sunday
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Clearwater Threshers | Sun., Sept. 4 | 1 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $9+ | Chow down on an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet while cheering on the Flying Tigers.
Labor Day SQUAD Brunch with DJ Trinidad | Sun., Sept. 4 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Federal Bar, 124 S. Tennessee Ave. | Free | Sip mimosas + bloody marys while you enjoy a new brunch menu and groove to live music from DJ Trinidad. 🍾
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
92º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain
Number
110,000. That’s how many Polk County Public School studentswill receive a free internet-accessible device this year. Through the One-to-One Digital Learning Initiative, elementary students will receive iPads and middle + high school students will receive laptops. The tech will be used for instruction both inside and outside the classroom. (Fox 13)
Seasonal
Start the fiesta. Polk State College is inviting the community to its Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, starting with a kick-off on Thurs., Sept. 15 at 12 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building (3425 Winter Lake Rd.). Join for freefood + performances, and see the full list of celebrationshere. 🎉
Sports
Let’s play some basketball. The Lakeland Magichave announced their 2022-2023 schedule, with their home opener happening on Fri., Nov. 11 at the RP Funding Center. Get your season tickets now so you don’t miss a minute of the action.
After growing up watching his father play minor league baseball, Lakelander Donald Zanders was inspired to start a baseball program for inner city youth. He’s seekingsponsors + citysupport to bring the program to northwest Lakeland so that kids can play on fields closer to home. ⚾️ (The Ledger)
Biz
Calling all local vendors.Visit Central Florida’s Welcome Center(101 Adventure Ct., Davenport) is looking forvendors of all types to join its seasonal weekly market from November-April. Whether you sell produce, crafts, or other wares, contact Dennis Budde for more information on getting involved.
Due to citrus greening, a disease affecting orange trees across Florida, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting just 41 million boxes produced this year — the lowest amount since 1945. Scientists are working on solutions to protect groves from citrus greening, including genetic modification + planting more resistant trees. 🍊 (The Ledger)
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Culture
One last summer road trip
Hit the Road: LALtoday’s summer road trip series
It’s time to pack your bags + explore, Lakelanders. | Photo by Avinash Patel via Pexels
Labor Day typically marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. While you can stay in town for a local staycation, many Lakelanders may choose to take a long weekend road trip.
If you’ve got the travel bug this weekend, check out our Hit the Road series. We’ve shared three destinations perfect for a day trip to send off summer right.
Start with our local recommendations for places to stock up on road trip essentials + the perfect playlist for the open road. Then, try out one of these destinations:
Editor’s pick: I’ll be enjoying this long weekend with a road trip of my own to St. George Island in North Florida. My one beach trip must-have is sunscreen — of course — but a beach read by a Lakeland author doesn’t hurt either.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Plan the perfect Labor Day weekend, here.
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