Love supporting local? Here’s how you can support LALtoday
If you love this newsletter and supporting local, LALtoday’s membership program is just the thing for you. | Photo by LALtoday
We see you reading LALtoday daily, sharing our posts, andsupporting all things local. Since you love this newsletter and supporting our city as much as we do, we’d like to extend an invitation to take the local love to a new level by becoming an LALtoday member.
We’re committed to our mission of offering positive community news and information to all Lakelanders and when you become a member, youhelp keep this product free. We know you hate paywalls as much as we do. By becoming a member, you help keep this product free for everyone. Because access to important local information should be free for all.
As a member, you’ll get exclusive birthday deals, shout-outs in the newsletter, and discounts on local products in our Six & Mainstore, just to name a few.
When you support us, you’re also supporting Lakeland. We’re donating 10% of members’ contributions annually to a local philanthropic cause.
Thank you for being a reader and supporting our mission.
Munch & Learn: What’s Bugging Your Garden? | Wed., Sept. 7 | 12 p.m. | Lakeland Electric, 501 E. Lemon St. | Free | Learn to correctly identify common garden pests and keep your landscape healthy — virtual options are available.
National Beer Lover’s Day | Wed., Sept. 7 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse, 4960 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Celebrate National Beer Lover’s Day with $1 off beers all day long. 🍻
Thursday
Pregnancy & Childbirth Education Classes | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | $50 | Learn more about labor + delivery with a registered nurse.
14th Annual Honoring Heroes Dinner and Silent Auction | Fri., Sept. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | $20 | Attend this silent auction to help raise funds to support the LakelandPD K9 unit and LCPAAA Scholarship fund.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” | Fri., Sept. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $20+ | This witty musical revue tackles modern love in all its forms. 🎭
Micah Madore & Kat Agner w/ One Stop Food Shop | Sun., Sept. 11 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Stop by for live music by Micah Madore & Kat Agner and try bites from One Stop Food Shop on its first visit to Swan Brewing.
Public Skate at LIA | Sun., Sept. 11 | 2:30-4 p.m. | Lakeland Ice Arena, 3395 W. Memorial Blvd. | $12+ | Bundle up and step out on the ice at Lakeland’s only ice skating facility. ⛸️
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.*
Need help getting a COVID-19 vaccine? We’ve got a solution.
Presented by a LALtoday Partner
The COVID-19 vaccination assistance program provides an important service to individuals with disabilities. | Photo provided by Center for Independent Living in Central Florida
Are you an individual with a disability who needs help getting to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic? Enter: Center for Independent Living in Central Florida. They assist people with disabilities in Polk County (and beyond) who may need assistance during the vaccination process.
Here are three ways to contact CIL to see if you or a family member qualifies:
93º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain
History
Yesterday marked 92 years of Publix Super Markets. George Jenkins opened the first of 1,100 locations on Sept. 6, 1930 in Winter Haven. Since then, the supermarket chain has contributed to uniquely Floridian experiences — from Pub Subs to lollipop scales. Happy birthday, Publix. (Fox 13 News)
Number
$6 billion. That’s how much Polk County is hoping to obtainvia a federal grant to improve roadway safety for pedestrians. If granted, Polk County could receive between $5-6 billion to implement the proposed Vision Zero Plan, which aims to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero. 🚶 (LkldNow)
113,188. That’s how many students enrolled in Polk County schools for the 2022-2023 school year. A final student population count will take place this October to inform per-student funding across the district. (The Ledger)
23.That’s how many food + bev options are in Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) new Terminal C. Travelers will see some Central Florida brands among the options, including Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., Wine Bar George, Orlando Brewing Bar & Bites + more. ☕ *
Development
The City of Lakeland accepted $200,000 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection during yesterday’s city commission meeting. The city will match the contribution using the Public Improvement Fund and addthree lit multipurpose fields, restrooms, and a parking area to Lake Crago Park. 🌳 (The Ledger)
Cause
Talbot House Ministriesis hosting its annual fundraising banquet on Thurs., Oct. 13. The free event will feature a complimentary dinner, keynote speaker, actor + comedian Tyler Merritt, and a silent auction with proceeds going towards meals, healthcare, employment support, and other resources for local individuals experiencing homelessness.
Edu
Florida Polytechnic Universityhas expanded its global collaborations with Fulbright partners in a recent agreement with the US-Italy Fulbright Commission. Under the new agreement, Italian scholars can work alongside Florida Poly’s students + staff on academic endeavors and research projects.
Between new hires and changes in positions or schools, Polk County Public Schools welcomed 23 new administrators this school year. Learn more about each administrator’s background and qualifications. 🍎 (The Ledger)
Try This
Yeehaw. Head to the RP Funding Center on Fri., Sept. 23-Sat., Sept. 24 for Ultimate Team Challenge Bull Riding, where 90 bull riders will ride to win $100,000. Pro tip: Meet the bull riders at The Joinery from 3-5 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Stop by Pressed Books & Coffee this Sat., Sept. 10 from 10a.m.-1 p.m. for Orange Blossom Poems’ pop-up event during the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. We recommend ordering a refreshing iced latte to enjoy while you continue on through the market after your stop at Pressed. 🥤
Arts
Calling all graphic designers. Six & Main, LALtoday’s online shop, is looking for freelancers to create local-inspired designs to showcase on exclusive products (think: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags + more). Plus, you’ll get paid. Interested?Send us a message.
Coming Soon
Excited about Bonnet Springs Park opening? So are we. The park is set to celebrate its opening weekend on Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23 — in the meantime, get all your questions answered with their Grand Opening Weekend FAQ.*
Featured Home
Looking for a home with a pool? Check out this 4 BD, 3 BA craftsman-style home from award-winning builder Hulbert Homes — nestled among trees in the gated Abbey Oaks community — featuring an outdoor living area, and, yes, a pool. *
Eat
There’s nothing fishy about this deal. Pick up select sushi for $5 today (and every Wednesday) at Publix GreenWise Market. 🍱 *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Culture
Things you can’t live without 👀
10 things we can’t live without
City Editor Rilee can’t live without Color Theory Tea. | Photo via Color Theory Tea
In case you missed it, we recently shared 10 things that City Editors Rilee + Connor can’t live without. After sharing our recommendations, we asked you what Lakeland-specific items and experiences you can’t go without. Here’s what a couple of you said:
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli, Bagels and Catering
Reader Tiffany K., a New York native, can’t live without Uncle Nick’s bacon, egg + cheese sandwiches, Manhattan specials, and cheesecake.
Do you have a local menu item, household staple, or Swan City experience that you can’t live without? Tell us about it.
Editor’s pick: If you read our list of 10 things we can’t live without, you know one of mine is a Balance Culture Membership. If you’re looking for a women’s fitness center on the south side of town, check out Burn BootCamp for another option that offers strength training + conditioning days. Pro tip: Try their 1-day free trial to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We outlined fall events we’re looking forward to, here.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
