Your opportunity for community

Find your community at Lakeland’s five community centers

Lake Crago Recreational Center offers indoor and outdoor recreation space.

If you’re looking to foster a hobby, take a class, or host an event — you’re looking for a community center. Here’s a guide to five here in Lakeland.

Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
This multi-purpose facility hosts classes and offers rental space for events like weddings + family reunions.

Features: Auditorium, meeting rooms, classrooms, and a dance studio

Sunrise at Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL — Visit Gandy Pool for early morning Aqua Spin classes.

Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd.
This complex offers adult fitness + dance classes, martial arts, and children’s programming.

Features: Cardio theater, multi-level fitness area, 12,000-sqft gymnasium, eight tennis + pickleball courts

Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr.
This lakeside facility offers kayak, canoe + paddleboard rentals as well as classes and activities.

Features: Kayak + canoe facility, green spaces, lakeside patio, banquet room, rental rooms, educational amphitheater

A view of two buildings and the grass steps available at the Lake Mirror Complex — The Lake Mirror Complex offers 13 spaces for rentals + recreation.

Lake Mirror Complex, 121 S. Lake Ave.
This complex along the lake consists of park spaces and multiple rentable buildings.

Features: Auditorium, community theater, amphitheater, parks, and rental spaces

Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
This indoor + outdoor facility offers instructional classes, sports leagues, and special event programming.

Features: Two full-size basketball courts, tennis court, softball field, weight room, cardio room, computer room, and game room

Looking for more ways to enjoy Lakeland’s community centers? Check out these upcoming events:

Falling Into Fun - Fall Festival | Thurs., Oct. 27 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free | Dancing, arts + crafts, bounce houses, and archery
The Annual Red Ribbon Run | Sat., Oct. 29 | 7 a.m. | Lake Mirror Complex | Free for children, $5 for adults | Fun run for the whole family
Video Game Rumble | Sat., Oct. 29 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free | Watch or play games like Fortnite + HALO.

Learn about events by following the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department on Facebook.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Lionel Bart’s Oliver! Jr | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $12+ | Visit the streets of Victorian England in this award-winning musical.
After Hours at the Museum | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 4-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free | Visit the Polk Museum of Art during extended hours — an in-depth Curator Tour starts at 6 p.m. 🖼
T-R-I-V-I-A | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.

Friday

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. 🍪
The Rusty Wright Band Album Release | Fri., Oct. 7 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $10 | Bring your dancing shoes and hear new music by this local blues and rock group. 🎸

Saturday

Polk State College Annual FallFest | Sat., Oct. 8 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Polk State College, Winter Haven Campus | Free | See hundreds of handmade crafts on display, visit the pumpkin patch + haunted house, and let the little ones roam the Kids Zone.
Classroom to the Sky for Teachers | Sat., Oct. 8 | 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence | $80 | Teachers can learn how to inspire future aerospace professionals and take a flight in an aircraft. ✈️

Sunday

Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Sun., Oct. 9 | 4-8 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12+ | Have some fall fun with a corn maze, animal adventure hayride, cow barrel train, and a miniature golf course. 🍁
Corporate Worship service at Trinity Presbyterian Church | Sun., Oct. 9 | 8:45 a.m. | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Trinity’s worship service is available to attendees in-person at both 8:45 a.m. + 10:30 a.m., as well as virtually livestreamed on the Trinity Lakeland YouTube channel at 10:30 a.m., every Sunday.*

Monday

Winter Haven Coffee, Tea, and Treats Tour | Mon., Oct. 10 | 10 a.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45+ | Sip your way around downtown Winter Haven and learn from a local coffee roaster. ☕️

We have a monthly 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Here’s how to stop grinding your teeth

When customers join the Remi Club, they receive brand new replacement night guards every 6 months for just $49. | Photo provided by Remi

Fact: Stress is really bad for your sleep. If you’re grinding + clenching your teeth at night, it might be time to focus on yourself to protect your physical and mental health.

To help, Remi makes custom night guards that are bringin’ it with:

Cost: 80% less expensive than the dentist
Convenience: delivered right to your door
Quality: 100% BPA-free plastic only

And according to reviews, they’re super comfortable — most folks forget they’re even wearing them.*

RELEASE YOUR STRESS

Weather

86º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Community

With storm surges raising the Peace River to waist-high levels, riverside communities are still experiencing floods. FEMA employees were on site in the Peace River Village neighborhood this week, and disaster workers from around the country are providing aid to those affected by Hurricane Ian. (The Ledger)

Biz

According to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, business owners and private nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $2 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to repair or replace assets lost to or damaged by Hurricane Ian. Homeowners can also receive up to $200,000 in disaster loans. Apply here. (LkldNow)

Outdoors

Floods and fallen debris are keeping some Polk County Environmental Lands closed for the foreseeable future, including Circle B Bar Reserve. Pro tip: Get your trail fix at Gator Creek Reserve (9725 US Hwy. 98 N.) and check here for reopening information. 🐊 (The Ledger)
Notice an uptick in any of these feathered friends in your backyard lately? Keep them safe from colliding with your windows — a cause of death for millions of birds each year — by throwing up some decals like these. We love these leaf designs too to keep things festive for fall.*

Cause

You get what you give. Drop by Haus 820 on Tues., Oct. 11-Wed., Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to donate canned foods, personal care items, blankets, and more for hurricane victims. For each item you donate, Bloom Shakalaka will give you a free flower, up to 12 stems. 💐

Legacy

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Blane Lane died in the line of duty on Tuesday morning. A procession was held Tuesday, and PCSO is planning a funeral for Deputy Lane with full law enforcement honors. (WFLA)

Feel Good

Turning Point Worship Center in Bartow is giving back to those affected by floods. By partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay and a food bank from Houston, the church was able to give food and water to nearly 200 families. (WFLA)

Arts

Celebrate Halloween in style at the Polk Museum of Art. Get your tickets to Polk@Nite on Thurs., Oct. 27 for a costumed cocktail party, or visit The Haunted Museum on Sun., Oct. 30 for more spooky fun in the galleries for all ages. 👻

Eat

Thanksgiving catering packages are now available for pre-order from La Imperial Bakery. Choose from classic dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes, or change things up with roasted pork with mojo sauce and guava + cheese swirl cake.

Festival

Winner, winner...strawberry shortcake dinner? The theme of this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival has been announced: “We Have a Winner.” Celebrate strawberry shortcake’s big win as Florida’s official dessert at this festival from March 2-12 in Plant City. 🍓

Announced

By becoming an LALtoday member, you’ll directly support our mission of offering our newsletter, social content, and website access for free to all Lakelanders (read: no pesky paywalls). Learn more + sign up. 💻

Travel

A lively nightlife scene, beautiful canals, and stunning architecture? Yes, please. Starting Sat., Oct. 29, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will resume servicing direct flights to Amsterdam via Delta Airlines. 🛫 *

Real Estate

On the lookout for a home with max year-round outdoor living? Meet The Rhi by Hulbert Homes — a 5 BD, 4.5 BA stunner with a detached game room + patio along with a lanai that’s perfect for starting or ending the day. 🏡 *

Learn

Bom dia, Lakeland. Learning a new language can feel difícil (that’s Portuguese for “difficult”), but with Babbel, it doesn’t have to be. Their bite-size, 10-minute lessons are designed to fit your lifestyle — and right now, you can get 55% off your subscription.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Follow the lederhosen 🥨

Oktoberfest events in Lakeland, FL

A man wearing German lederhosen and a hat holds a beer stein and turkey leg

Here’s your stein to celebrate Oktoberfest locally. | Photo by @groverootsbrewing

Oktoberfest is far from over in Swan City. Celebrate German culture, food, and — of course — beer at these upcoming local events.

🍺 CrispyFest | Sat., Oct. 8 | 12-11 p.m. | Craft + Kitchen | Price of purchase | Drink traditional beers and craft lagers paired with German street food + desserts.

🍺 Swantoberfest 2022 | Fri., Oct. 14-Sun., Oct. 16 | Times vary | Swan Brewing | Price of purchase | Enjoy live music, food trucks, and award-winning Swantoberfest beers.

🍺 Oktoberfest | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | Free | Try bratwurst, listen to live polka music by Brass Heart Band, and sample over 40 beers — beer tasting tickets are $25 online or $30 at the event.

Are we missing your favorite Oktoberfest event? Raise a glass and send us an email so we can update our list.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: One thing I love about Lakeland is that there are always new businesses opening. The newest biz we’ve spotted? Hana Tea House, coming soon to Alamo Plaza on South Florida Avenue, near Plato’s Closet. We’ll share more about the boba tea + smoothie shop as it bubbles up.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about six more upcoming food and beverage spots, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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