Places to donate blood around Lakeland

• American Red Cross, 147 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | You can complete day-of paperwork online via RapidPass to save time.
• BPL Plasma, 5252 E. Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace | Check out the new donors page for more information about getting started + what to expect.
• CSL Plasma, 2041 George Jenkins Blvd. | Donors may be eligible for rewards.
• OneBlood, Multiple Locations | Visit one of the designated donor centers or check out the list of traveling blood drives to donate.

Here’s what you need to do

• Read up on the requirements for donating blood to see if you are eligible to give blood.
• If you’re ready, book a visit online (walk-ins are also accepted).
• You’ll be asked to complete a Blood Donor History Questionnaire to fasttrack your appointment. No worries if you can’t get to it ahead of time, you can always complete it on site if that works better for you.
• When you arrive to donate blood, expect a short physical (temperature, pulse + blood pressure check, and a small finger prick to check your hemoglobin levels).
• If you’re cleared to donate, sit back and relax — it’ll be over before you know it.

• 17th Aching Quad Challenge | Fri., Oct. 7 - Sat., Oct. 8 | Times vary | Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Morton, and Lake Hunter | $55 | Run four races around three lakes and enjoy a group meal + awards ceremony.
• First Friday: Cookie Carnival | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Sample cookies from Lakeland bakers, view classic cars, and shop from local vendors in the Makers Market at this month’s First Friday. 🍪
• Hamlet | Fri., Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College | $20 | Don’t question to be or not to be in the audience as this classic play is performed by Florida Southern College’s students.
• 2022 Project Hoco Shopping Days | Sat., Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Students can sign a pledge to make safe choices and receive free homecoming formal wear — bring a school ID to shop. 👗
• Antique Fair Along Main Street | Sat., Oct. 8 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | Search for a treasure among antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
• The Chonky Alphabet: Victoria Saunders, Local Author Visit | Tues., Oct. 11 | 10:30-11 a.m. | Bruton Memorial Library, Plant City | Free | Join local author Victoria Saunders as she reads her cat-themed children’s book, “The Chonky Alphabet.” 🐱
• Art Connects ALZ | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 2-3 p.m. | Polk Museum Of Art | Free | Individuals in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers can create and appreciate art and its various forms.
• Just Between Friends Sale | Fri., Oct. 14 |10 a.m.-6 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $2 | Shop this community-wide consignment sale for children’s clothing + gear — register online for free admission. 🍼
• Swantoberfest 2022! | Fri., Oct. 14 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 12-7 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Celebrate Oktoberfest season with Swan Brewing’s gold medal-winning beers, live music and food trucks.

• 85º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

• If Hurricane Ian damaged your home, business, or vehicle, you may be able to apply for FEMA financial aid. You will need to have some information on hand, like your insurance, a description of the damage, your total household income, and Social Security number. (The Ledger)

• 500. That’s how many wires Hurricane Ian took down throughout Lakeland Electric’s service area, give or take a few. The area also reported 80 damaged poles, 276 damaged transformers, and 349 trees needing attention or removal. (The Ledger)
• 100. That’s roughly how many crew members have come from utility companies across the South to help Lakeland Electric. As of the afternoon of Sun., Oct. 2, there were 10,600 customers still without power. ⚡️ (The Ledger)

• Here’s some swan-derful news. The Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department stopped by Lake Morton to check on the swans. According to first looks, the swans are doing swimmingly following the storm. 🦢

• Rituals Salon + Shop (1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 150) is offering free hair washing appointments today for those still without power. Contact the salon online to book a 10-minute slot. Pro tip: Bring your own blow dryer to style your hair after it’s clean.

• Florida’s gas tax holiday began Sat., Oct. 1 and will last through the end of October. The tax rate will be reduced by 25.3 cents per gallon. Find the best deals around Lakeland with GasBuddy’s gas tracker. ⛽️ (The Ledger)