Tests you don’t have to study for 🚗

Outdoor SunTrax automated car testing site in the Lakeland, FL innovation district

Would you hitch a ride in an autonomous car? | Photo provided by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Imagine a world where you could get a lift from a driver-less car or drive completely hands-free. That’s what the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise are working on at SunTrax, a 475-acre vehicle research + development facility located near Florida Polytechnic University.

Phase One of construction on the facility began in 2017, and Phase Two is now in progress. Here’s a look at what’s included in each phase:

🚗 Phase One

A 2.25-mile oval test track has been operational since 2019. It’s used to test autonomous vehicles and new toll technologies with four overhead toll gantries. The track is designed for high-speed travel up to 70 mph.

🚗 Phase Two

The 200-acre infield is the focus of Phase Two. This includes several testing environments, such as:

Geometry track with grade changes
Loop track with entrance + exit ramps and road construction/collision avoidance testing
Urban simulations using shipping containers that can be reconfigured like city buildings
Suburban and pick-up/drop-off areas that replicate airports, hotels, and more
Noise, vibration, and harshness testing areas with eight pavement surfaces
Technology pad
Wet test tracks

Phase Two also includes the Main Entry Campus, featuring flexible space for a 20,000-sqft conference center, classrooms, event space, and a full-service cafe. The infield will also house maintenance and workshop bays, plus a 75-ft observation tower to catch all the action happening in the tests.

The price tag on a project this large? $141.2 million. Phase Two is expected to be completed in 2023, when the infield will officially open for testing. Can’t wait until then to see the facility? Check out this 360 degree virtual tour before it opens next year.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Star Wars Trivia w/ Hold On I Know This w/ Gin Khao Food Truck | Wed., Oct. 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Grab a bite from Gin Khao and compete to see if Yoda biggest Star Wars fan.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wed., Oct. 12 | 8-11:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local singers or perform onstage yourself at this open mic night.

Thursday

ART Connects ALZ | Thu., Oct. 13 | 2-3 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland | Free | Individuals in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers can create and appreciate art and its various forms.
The Most Awkward Network Event 2.0 | Thu., Oct. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | $15.00 | Get awkward with this networking event — register to become an EMERGE member for a discount.

Friday

Winter Haven Tastes of the World Food Tour | Wed., Oct. 12 - Fri., Oct. 14 | 2 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven, 220 Ave. A W., Winter Haven | $45.00 - $95.00 | Follow your tastebuds around Downtown Winter Haven as you try delicious dishes and learn their history.

Saturday

Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Sat., Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 East Main Street, Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.
Festival de Las Americas | Sat., Oct. 15 | 1-7 p.m. | Central Park, 251 Ave. A SW, Winter Haven | Free | Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with food, local vendors, entertainment, and a live concert on the lawn.

Sunday

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch | Sat., Oct. 15 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, 6151 Varn Rd., Plant City | $10.00 - $11.00 | Pick a pumpkin in any size and shape at this farm with a corn maze, hay rides, a bluegrass band, and Southern food — open Saturday + Sunday.

Monday

Amplify Lakeland: Find Your Voice. Increase Your Influence | Mon., Oct. 17 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Well Lakeland, 114 E Parker St, Lakeland | Free | Learn about leadership from Mayor Bill Mutz, Polk County Commissioner Martha Santiago, and Toastmasters International President Matt Kinsey — refreshments provided.

Thursday

Grand Opening of CIL’s Lakeland Office | Thu., Oct. 20 | 3-6 p.m. | CIL’s Lakeland Office, 2025 Crystal Wood Dr., 2nd floor, Lakeland | Free | Lakelanders are invited to the grand opening of the new Lakeland Office and learn more about the work CIL is doing in the area.*

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

FAMILY

Lace up, Lakeland, and run for a cause 👟

Pro tip: Check out the Fitness Fun Zone after the races for healthy snacks, activities, and giveaways. | Photo provided by Publix

This one’s for the kids — K-8 students (and their families) are invited to race around Lake Mirror on Sat., Oct. 29 at the 2022 Red Ribbon Run and Challenge.

Sponsored by Publix Super Markets, the race promotes InnerAct Alliance’s Mission to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances. Participants can compete in timed heats or go at their own pace in the family + kids fun runs. Kids run (and rock an event t-shirt) for free (Adults: $5). 🏃*

NEWS NOTES

Weather

90º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain

Civic

Interim Lakeland city commissioner candidates interviewed with current commission members on Mon., Oct. 10. Commissioners will review their answers and rank their top choices before a candidate is selected at their next meeting on Mon., Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. at City Hall. See a video of the interviews here. (LkldNow)

Community

With 24 trucks working 12-hour days, city officials are expecting storm debris to be picked up within two to four weeks. As of this week, crews are working in every collection quadrant of Lakeland. 🚛 (LkldNow)
Residents of the Peace River Village in Bartow are still waiting for power to be restored. Officials are waiting for floodwaters to recede before they can turn the power back on within the next couple of weeks. (Fox 13 News)

DYK

Polk County residents affected by Hurricane Ian may qualify for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Online pre-registration for the food assistance program is open for Polk residents through Sun., Oct. 16 at 11 p.m. See the eligibility requirements here. 🍎 (The Ledger)

Number

16 million. That’s how many gallons of wastewater were reportedly spilled in Polk County due to power outages during Hurricane Ian. To prevent future spills, the City of Lakeland aims to buy two more generators and build lift stations with built-in backup generators. (The Ledger)
10. The number of days until the opening of Bonnet Springs Park. Our countdown clocks are set for the Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23 Grand Opening Weekend of the highly-anticipated public park. Here’s a rundown on what to expect. 🌳 *

Edu

Polk County Public Schools students could soon add another class to their schedule: Air traffic control. A 10-month program is in the works for students to learn this in-demand skill at Bartow Executive Airport. The airport hopes to minimize the school district’s program costs. (The Ledger)

Try This

Visit the Winter Haven Farmers Market on Sat., Oct. 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to get free foliage + trade with others at the October Polk County Plant Swap. Want a head start? Trade discussions are already starting to blossom in this Facebook group. 🪴

Announced

If you love this newsletter (and supporting local) as much as we love strolls in Munn Park, morning lattes from Hillcrest + Saturdays spent hiking Peterson Park (which is a lot) — we’ve got something for you: LALtoday just launched a membership program. Learn more + sign up. 🎉

Eat

There’s nothing fishy about this deal. Pick up select sushi for $5 today (and every Wednesday) at Publix GreenWise Market. 🍱 *

Biz

Have a great business idea, but need help getting it off the ground? Enter: Catapult’s Mentorship. Catapult has business experts and entrepreneurs with years of experience ready to direct your next steps. Learn more about the space + membership.*

Job

How does doing the same job for higher pay sound? Lakeland Regional Health just increased their pay rates for experienced EP Techs + RNs. Learn more about the additional benefits offered + apply online.*

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

Meet Morning Brew, a free daily newsletter that covers the latest news across business, finance, and tech, written in a fun and witty tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. 4 million people are already subscribed — it’s 100% free and takes just 5 minutes to read.*

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

EAT

The ABCs of local eateries

Pizza lovers can soon head to 5615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 101 for fresh pies. | Photo via @jburnspizzashop

Deciding where to eat in Lakeland should be as easy as ABC. With 34 of your responses, we’ve rounded up our readers’ favorite local restaurants starting with each letter of the alphabet.

A: Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, 3700 Lakeside Village Blvd.
We love this spot with a dog-friendly patio.

B: Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary
Grab a morning coffee or a hearty lunch.

C: Cob & Pen, 1221 Florida Ave. S.
Two words: Ultimate fries.

D: Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop, 128 E. Main St.
Our readers love this downtown stop for their morning brew.

E: Elena’s Cuban Cafe, 2246 E. Edgewood Dr.
Get authentic staples like Cuban sandwiches and empanadas.

F: Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Did somebody say brunch?

Dog sitting at table with food at Good Thyme restaurant in Lakeland, FL — Gee, we love a fresh lunch from Good Thyme.

G: Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln.
This breakfast and lunch spot specializes in using fresh ingredients.

H: Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, 101 N. Kentucky Ave.
One bite and you’ll be hooked.

I: Il Forno Italian Restaurant, 3615 Florida Ave. S., Ste. 1310
You can’t go wrong with this spot’s classic Italian dishes.

J: J. Burns’ Pizza, locations vary
This pizza parlor is a long-time favorite known for its crispy square-cut slices.

K: KC’s Artisan Pizza, 6645 Florida Ave S., Ste. 5
Head here to build your own pizza.

L: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, 2101 Florida Ave. S.
Choose your heat level wisely at this hot chicken joint.

LAL-Mister-Fish-laltoday — Mmmm, nothing beats a fried fish sandwich from Mister Fish.

M: Mister Fish, 715 E. Palmetto St.
Grab a bite at this classic restaurant before a walk around Lake Morton.

N: Nineteen61, 215 E. Main St.
Head downtown for fine dining and craft cocktails.

O: Ovation Bistro & Bar, 4715 Florida Ave. S.
This bistro is known for its smokehouse and dinner deals.

P: Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.
Grab a slice of your favorite fresh-baked pizza and tiramisu.

Q: Quinteassence Kava Bar, 839 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 101
Come for the tea, stay for the nightly events.

R: Reececliff Family Diner, 940 Florida Ave. S.
We can’t leave without a slice of the pie of the day.

S: Scarpa’s Italian Restaurant, 1833 E. Edgewood Dr.
Bring your appetite to enjoy freshly made pasta and more.

T: Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, 734 E. Memorial Blvd.
It’s always a fiesta at this local favorite.

Hand holding bagel at Uncle Nick's Deli in Lakeland, FL — U need to try a bagel from Uncle Nick’s Deli’s extensive menu.

U: Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli, Bagels and Catering, 6955 Old Rd. 37
Order up a New York-style bagel made in-house.

V: Vegetation Plant Food, delivery in Lakeland
Keep things fresh with a menu that changes weekly.

W: West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant, 2215 S Combee Rd.
You can’t beat the sandwiches here, whether it’s a Cuban or a medianoche.

X: Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St.
Since we couldn’t find an “X” restaurant, we’re cheating a bit with this restaurant and ax-throwing establishment.

Y: The Yard On Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Hit this spot for a rotation of local food trucks and live entertainment.

Z: Zarza Latin Food & Grill, 4648 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
This grill is known for flavorful Latin dishes and lunch specials.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Our Noire Kitchen caught my eye with their new brunch dishes, including coffee-rubbed steak and eggs. Try them at Haven Coffee Roasters in Winter Haven today from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Pro tip: Place an online pre-order to skip the line and get straight to brunch.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read up on Lakeland’s Little Free Libraries, 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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