The early years

Photo via Florida Memory

A growing city

Photo by LALtoday

The department today

• Trivia Night | Mon., Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free | Bring your friends to trivia night + take advantage of happy hour prices all day — including $5 well drinks. 🥃
• Winter Haven Beer Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour | Mon., Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45+ | Enjoy beer, spirits + spooky stories on this haunted ghost walking tour through downtown Winter Haven. 👻

• Fun Run, Music Bingo, and Big Baby Bitez Food Truck | Tues., Sept. 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Head to Swan Brewing for a fun run followed by music bingo + food from Big Baby Bitez.
• Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tues., Sept. 27 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free | Come check out this musical showcase or take the stage yourself — open to all musicians.

• “The Office” Trivia Night w/ Quit Smackin’ Food Truck | Wed., Sept. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St. | Free entry | Bring your red stapler for luck and play for free to see who knows the most about “The Office.”

• Guided Kayak Eco Tour | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr. | $20+ | Register for a guided eco-kayaking adventure and enjoy a scenic journey across Lake Crago. 🛶
• Just Between Friends Sale | Thurs., Sept. 29 - Fri., Sep. 30 | 12 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $2 admission | Save on children’s clothes, shoes, books, toys, and baby gear at this resale consignment event.

• Hamlet | Fri., Sep. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | $20 | There’s no question if you’re “to be or not to be” there — don’t miss this classic play, performed by Florida Southern College students. 🎭

• Reykjavik, Iceland (available now)
• Amsterdam, Netherlands resumes Sat., Oct. 29
• Lexington, KY and Newport News, VA starting Wed., Oct 19
• Kalamazoo, WI and Lansing, MI starting Wed., Oct 26
• Knoxville, TN resumes Sun., Nov 6.
• Binghamton, NY starting Wed., Nov 16.
• Freeport resumes Thurs., Nov. 17.
• Quebec City, Quebec resumes Sun., Oct. 30.*

• 91º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain

• A hurricane may be heading for Polk County. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a statewide state of emergency on Sat., Sept. 24 as Tropical Storm Ian gained strength in the Caribbean throughout the weekend. Now is a good time to check out our guide to preparing for a hurricane. ⛈️ (The Ledger)

• $730 million. That’s the budget the Lakeland City Commission approved for 2022-2023, which will fund public safety services and increases for city employees. Despite these benefits, the millage rate for property owners remains at 5.4323. 💰 (LkldNow)

• Kick the Monday blues with reggae rock. Head to Union Hall (1023 Florida S. Ave.) today at 6:30 p.m. for tacos and live music from Fayuca, 48 States Away, and Light Fire Reggae. Tickets are $10 at the door. 🎶

• Police Chief Ruben Garcia will retire after four years of leadership and 35 years of service. To find his replacement, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse has assembled an interview panel consisting of ten members, which had its first meeting last Fri., Sept. 23. (The Ledger)
• Adam Lunn was named the next Assistant Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport by the City of Lakeland. Lunn has served as the interim director since March 2022 and holds degrees from Florida Southern College + University of South Florida. ✈️

• Pressed will host book clubs on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., starting on Oct. 6. Register for clubs online and buy your books from Pressed (213 E. Bay St.) by Sat., Oct. 1 to reserve your spot. Plus, enjoy a 20% discount on your purchase. 📚

• Do you know how to safely dispose of your medication? This video from the City of Lakeland shows you how to toss your expired or unwanted medications at the Lakeland Police Department’s drop-box at 219 N. Massachusetts Ave. Medications must be in pill form and in a sealed container — no loose pills, liquids, or syringes. 💊
• Did you know? Our allergy triggers change and evolve over time as we age. Read: You might have new allergies you don’t even know about — to find out your most updated allergy triggers, take Picnic’s easy, at-home allergy quiz. Pro tip: Picnic can prescribe customized allergy medicine for relief, too.*

• In case you missed it, Madden Branded Goods — a promotional products supplier in Lakeland — is opening its headquarters at 238 Massachusetts Ave. this October. Check out a sneak peek of its new digs, including a neon sign, chandeliers, and a wood-paneled ceiling.

• ICYMI, Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C opened last week. From new gates to expanded food + bev options, take a look at what the exciting new expansion means for Floridians. ✈️ *

• The Terrace Grille has added new seasonal items to its menus, just in time for fall. Stop by for grilled swordfish and finish off your dinner with a slice of pumpkin swirl gingersnap cheesecake.
• Expecting a busy week? This Easy Taco Chili recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep + makes great leftovers (that don’t feel like leftovers). 🥘 *

• Planning on parking your car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for your next trip? MCO recently announced increased rates for its parking facilities that will start on Sat., Oct. 1. Check out new daily pricing here. 🚘 *

• 35. The number of new positions Polk County will add. Public safety + health roles (like fire rescue and utilities) will make up 17 of these positions. Plus, a 5% phased-in pay raise for current employees.
• $94 million. That’s how much the county will set aside in one-time capital investments. (Think: Long term projects like infrastructure and construction.)
• $26 million. That amount designated for phases two and three of fire station development.
• $26.7 million. The funds being dedicated to reducing traffic on US 27 via an extension of Thompson Nursery Road to connect with US 17.