Lakeland recipients

• $950,000 — Lakeland Se7en Wetlands’ new water education center will be a space for outreach programs, professional trainings, and citizen engagement.
• $866,651 — Peace River Center will get new IT infrastructure and increased cyber security.
• $808,600 — New Beginnings High School will further its academic offerings with new innovation labs.
• $457,500 — Pathways School of Excellence at Southeastern University will purchase a residential property where students can hone practical skills, known as the LifeSkills House.

Image via @seuniversity, Graphic by 6AM City

• $450,000 — Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo will use funds for a resiliency plan designed to plan for the program’s future success.
• $300,000 — One More Child will provide mentoring, activities, prevention programs, and life skills in its new health education program.
• $247,500 — Lakeland will get an upgraded SewerCAD model.
• $100,000 — Lakeland’s police and youth mentoring program will build relationships between local youth + police officers.
• $5 million — In addition to its Lakeland impact, One More Child received funds for a Sarasota campus.

Polk County recipients

• $700,000 — Fort Meade will get a new fire engine to replace an existing 1986 engine.
• $500,000 — Heartland for Children, Inc. will use funds to support respite care and placement for Polk County children.
• $500,000 — Lake Clinch in Frostproof will get necessary upgrades to outdated stormwater drainage systems as well as shoreline stabilization support.
• $250,000 — The Fort Meade area will get a multi-use emergency shelter, also functioning as a non-emergency equestrian center.
• $103,380 — Fort Meade will get refurbished tennis + pickleball courts.

• Ciro’s Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour | Thurs., Sept. 15 | 10:30 a.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45+ | Explore the sweeter side of Winter Haven + try muffins, cupcakes, pies, and more from local establishments. 🧁
• Jim Thomas w/ Cuban B’s Burgers & Bakes | Thurs., Sept. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Enjoy the musical talents of Jim Thomas while snacking on your favorite menu items from Cuban B’s.

• Ruthless! The Musical | Fri., Sept. 16 | 8 p.m. | Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. | $16+ | Watch the story of a charming and diabolical child who will do anything to play the lead in her school play unfold live on stage. 🎭

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Sat., Sept. 17 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stop by the farmers market to shop food, plants, handmade goods, and more from local vendors. 🧺
• 5th Annual Teal Gone Mad Tea Party | Sat., Sept. 17 | 12-3 p.m. | Lakeland Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | $38+ | Support the Ovarian Cancer Support Group of Polk, FL. Inc. at this event featuring tea, lunch, a silent auction + fashion show — seating is limited.
• Hollis Garden Community Plant Swap 2022 | Sat., Sept. 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Hollis Garden | Free | Bring your plants, seeds, and gardening tools to swap with other gardeners. 🌱

• Shoreline Sundays with John Frinzi w/ Big Baby Bitez | Sun., Sept. 18 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Listen to singer-songwriter John Frinzi bring the tunes while enjoying your favorite menu items from Big Baby Bitez. 🍔

• Hispanic Heritage Celebration Concert | Mon., Sept. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | Free | Kick off Florida Southern College’s Festival of Fine Arts with music from different countries and periods performed by the Florida Hispanic String Quartet.

• Sushi 101 | Tues., Sept. 20 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School | $60 | Learn the basics of making some of your favorite sushi dishes. 🍚 *

• 84º | Scattered thunderstorms | 68% chance of rain

• $13.4 million. That’s what St. Luke’s Life Center Apartments (915 W. Quincy St.) sold for to an unnamed buyer in a $91.75 million, 669-unit portfolio of four Florida properties. According to Marcus & Millichap, the complex will still operate as affordable housing. (Business Observer FL)

• Phillip Walker’s last day in office with the City Commission will be Sun., Nov. 6. Previously, Phillip had submitted himself as a potential candidate to fill his vacated seat on the commission as an interim commissioner, but has since withdrawn himself from consideration. (The Ledger + LkldNow)
• Polk County Fire Rescue officials are offering bonuses for new hires to fill urgent vacancies throughout Polk. Paramedics and firefighters are understaffed, requiring those already employed to work extensive overtime hours. Those interested in becoming a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic can learn more here. 🚒 (Bay News 9)

• The 2022 ATHENA Award winners have been announced. In the categories of Organizational Award, Young Professional Award, and Leadership Award, the winners were Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, Ashley B. Barnett (AgAmerica Giving Foundation Director), and Martha Santiago (Polk County Board of County Commissioners Chair), respectively. 🏆

• Kelly Recreation Center is converting three of its eight tennis courts into pickleball courts. The budget and timeline for the project — which could also include bathrooms, vending machines, lights, and parking — are set to be established in October. In the meantime, find where you can play pickleball using this guide. 🏓 (The Ledger)

• Principals from seven Polk County schools were honored for their efforts in raising school grades from a D to a C last school year. Among the awardees were principals from three Lakeland schools: Griffin Elementary, Oscar J. Pope Elementary, and Tenoroc High.

• Union Taproom is celebrating three years in business on Sat., Sept. 24 from 12-11 p.m. Come by the Winter Haven establishment (245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102) for deals on beer and pizza, sweet treats, and live music by Ashton Rey. 🍻
• Get to know one of the people behind one of Lakeland’s most successful startups. Catapult’s president offers advice for small business owners, explains how she got her start at Catapult, and more in our Q + A with Christin Strawbridge.*

• Purrology Cat Cafe (5343 S. Florida Ave.) opened its doors on Tues., Sept. 13. Book your own appointment to meet adoptable felines — all of which are fixed, up-to-date on shots, and microchipped — here. 🐱 (WFTS)

• Playing dress-up doesn’t have to stop after Halloween. Lakeland SantaCon has announced its 2022 date: Sat., Dec. 10. Don your most festive red jumpsuit and channel your inner jolly St. Nick before heading out with Lakeland’s other Santas for a pub crawl starting at 6 p.m. 🎅

• There’s a 97% chance someone you know will need a blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross. Make sure the person you love has blood when they need it by donating blood at Lakeland Regional Health’s Oneblood Drive on Tues., Sept. 27. Schedule your donation.*

Quick Tips

• The free event takes place on Sat., Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
• Parking is all off-site for the grand opening. View locations and shuttle information here.
• This is an outdoor event, but guests are asked to leave their pets at home.
• Guests are permitted to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, umbrellas + coolers (no alcoholic beverages, please).

Food

• Over 15 food trucks including Acai Bulk Bowls, Crab Daddy’s Surf & Turf, MK Boba + many more
• Stop by The Depot for hamburgers, chicken tenders, french fries, and more.
• Find Starbucks Coffee at the Hollis Family Welcome Center.
• Find non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks on the Lakeland Regional Health Circulator and near the Allen & Company Family Lawn.

Activities

• The Opening Ceremony will take place at the Plaza at the Depot on Sat., Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.
• Animal lovers — check out the Encounters with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay + Gatorland at the Animal Stage, Bird Watching at the Boathouse, and the Garden Show at the Greenhouse.
• Meet local celebrities like Lakeland Magic’s Swish, Tampa Bay Lightning’s ThunderBug, Tampa Bay Rays’ DJ Kitty, and other lovable mascots.
• Wave hello to strolling performers, stilt walkers, and the Swan City Roller Derby as they strut and zoom through the park.
• Take a ride on one of Bike Zoo’s rideable creatures (we heard there might be an owl, but hoo knows?).
• Shop from local vendors at Buena Market on Sun., Oct. 23 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
• View the fireworks after Hunter Hayes’ performance on Sat., Oct. 21 from 8:15-8:45 p.m.

Music

• The Band Perry | Sat., Oct. 22 | 5-6:15 p.m. | Main Stage
• Hunter Hayes | Sat., Oct. 22 | 6:45-8:15 p.m. | Main Stage
• Local artists like Van Plating, Kimmy Gabriela, and more | Sat., Oct. 22 | 11 a.m.- 5 p.m | The Lounge
• Sister Hazel | Sun., Oct. 23 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Main Stage
• Spin Doctors | Sun., Oct. 23 | 5:45-7 p.m. | Main Stage
• Local artists like Micah Madore, Kaleigh Baker, and more | Sun., Oct. 23 | 11:30 a.m.- 4:15 p.m | The Lounge