It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus

Rebecca and Dwight MacPherson, owners of Hocus Pocus Comics

Meet Rebecca and Dwight, the couple behind the comics. | Photo provided by Hocus Pocus Comics

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore...” will we have to wonder what to read — Hocus Pocus Comics has us covered with comic books and graphic novels created right here in Lakeland.

Meet the Hocus Pocus team and get a signed copy of their new book at Inkling’s Book Shoppe’s Spooktacular Saturday event this Sat., Oct. 29 from 12-4 p.m. Shop at Pressed, Little Bus Books, The Unbound Bookery, and online, to find their books, including:

“The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe” | The famous writer descends into madness, falling into a nightmare world called Terra Somnium in this recently completed trilogy.
“Elevator” | A newly released modern retelling of “Dante’s Inferno” about the value of family
“Houdini’s Silver Dollar Misfits” | An orphan is pursued by a powerful magical organization

Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson first met through work — Rebecca worked in film production and called to inquire about the rights to Dwight’s comic book — and they married soon after. (Call that a rom-com.) With experience in the comic industry working for big names like DC Comics, they decided to self-publish their own books.

Owners of Hocus Pocus Comics pose with their comic books — These macabre stories are perfect Halloween reads.

Rebecca and Dwight say they find inspiration everywhere, from literature to music to art — and their passion for education. You can find their books in classrooms, universities, and even the Lakeland Public Library.

They’ll also be participating in Polk County Public Schools’ Great American Teach In, an event that invites community members to tell students about their career paths. Maybe the next generation of comic creators will find some inspiration of their own?

It looks like the elevator is only going up for Hocus Pocus Comics.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, October 26

Halloween Trivia w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wed., Oct. 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Wear your best costume to answer Halloween trivia questions for prizes.
Line Dancing Lessons & DJ Steev G | Wed., Oct. 26 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | Free | Kick off your Sunday shoes and take these free line dancing lessons — stay for music by DJ Steev G and drink specials starting at 8 p.m.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wed., Oct. 26 - Wed., Dec. 28 | 8-11:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local comedians and singers or perform onstage yourself at this open mic night.

Thursday, October 27

Falling Into Fun - Fall Festival | Thu., Oct. 27 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland | Free | The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department invites the community to celebrate the season with arts and crafts, bounce houses, archery, and more.
Ghoul’s Night Out! | Thu., Oct. 27 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Bungalow Boutique and Gifts, 1026 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Browse fierce fashions, enjoy scary good specials, and receive a free gift.

Friday, October 28

Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida Annual Pink Ribbon Gala 2022 | Fri., Oct. 28 | 6 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $100.00+ | Join The Watson Clinic Foundation and The Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida for cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and more to support breast cancer survivors.
Costumes and Candy | Fri., Oct. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland | Free | Don those costumes and bring the family for this trunk-or-treat event.
Spooky Pineapple Carving + Cocktails | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E Main St, Lakeland | $45.00 | Get festive with pineapple carving and specialty “boos” — AKA, cocktails mixed for just the occasion — price includes a pineapple, two drinks, and necessary tools.

Saturday, October 29

46th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival | Sat., Oct. 29 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lake Wailes Park, 33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales | Free | Get a glimpse into Central Florida history with heritage education activities, historical reenactments, and a craft market.
Mr. Central Florida | Sat., Oct. 29 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park Entertainment Center, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland | Free | Enjoy hors d’oeuvres catered by Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar, complimentary libations, live entertainment, and an online auction while supporting Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center.

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

HOT LISTING ALERT

The Rhi by Hulbert Homes 🔥

Exterior rendering of black and white two-story home with second-floor balcony and black garage door.

The Rhi offers year-round outdoor living and is now move-in ready. | Rendering provided by Hulbert Homes

Meet The Rhi by Hulbert Homes — a 5 BD, 4.5 BA stunner with a patio + lanai (catch us daydreaming about starting the day with a latte or wine-ing down with a glass). 🍷

With 2,865 sqft of living space, including a detached, air-conditioned flex space (think: for workouts, family gatherings, or hobbies) and a balcony view of Lake Hollingsworth, The Rhi is a Lakelander’s dream.

Contact Hulbert Homes to schedule a tour.*

SEE THE FLOOR PLAN 🏡

NEWS NOTES

Weather

86º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Development

The new Orlando Health hospital coming to the Lakeland Highlands area will be bigger than originally planned. Plans now call for 302 inpatient beds and 48 emergency beds — nearly double the original amount — plus delivery rooms. It’s set to open in the summer of 2026. 🏥 (The Ledger)

Coming Soon

Unfiltered Lakeland recently shared these progress pictures of its new location at 801 E. Main St. (formerly home of The Poor Porker). We spy new paintings, updated finishes, and new structures being built outside. The coffeehouse and artisan market is planned to open in late November. ☕️

Stat

3.2%. That was Polk County’s unemployment rate in September, down from 4.7% in September 2021. Polk’s 10.3% growth in education and health job categories made it the second fastest growing sector statewide. (The Ledger)

Community

It’s been nearly a month since a team of Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies + employees arrived in Fort Myers to help with Hurricane Ian relief. The team has helped with search and rescue, evacuations, law enforcement, and cleanup at local first responders’ homes. (The Ledger)

Kids

Santa Claus is coming to town — with some help from the Lakeland Police Department’s Cops for Kids toy donation program. Lakeland residents can apply today at the Coleman-Bush Building from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. See more application dates and requirements here. 🎁

Job

Are you passionate about teaching kids and want to cowork with Blinky the Alligator? The Florida Children’s Museum is now hiring for positions like Early Learning Specialist and Program Specialist. Apply here — the museum opens Fri., Nov. 4 at Bonnet Springs Park.

Seasonal

Celebrate the season at the 78th Annual Bartow Halloween Parade and Carnival on Thurs., Oct. 27. Stake out your spot early on Main Street or Broadway Avenue for the parade starting at 4 p.m., followed by a community carnival at the Bartow Civic Center with costume contests and giveaways.
For a winter wonderland in Florida, there’s snow place like Snowcat Ridge, located an hour from Downtown Lakeland in Dade City. Tube down a 60-ft hill, ice skate, play in the snow, or rent a private igloo. Tickets are now available — the park’s season starts Fri., Nov. 11. ❄️ (Fox 13 News)

DYK

Did you know there are 60+ Lakeland UFO sightings on the National UFO Reporting Center State Report Index? NASA has gathered a team to study these phenomena nationwide, with findings expected next year. Tell us your local alien encounters and we may beam them up to an upcoming newsletter. 🛸 (WFTS)

Try This

Get your glow on with Ax-Caliber’s Glow and Throw Halloween party tomorrow from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Come in costume to get deals on specialty drinks, ax throwing, and the Range, plus candy for kids. Pro tip: Order a fall-flavored milkshake flight to get into the Halloween spirit.
Visit Bok Tower Gardens’ Ramble Fest this Sat., Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of the Ramble Barn with family agriculture activities, outdoor kitchen samplings, and a carillon concert. Our weekend plans just got saved by the bells. 🔔

Shop

Get some early holiday shopping in or treat yourself — select Kate Spade products are up to 60% off on Zulily. Save ~$80 on this timeless black leather satchel or snag this vibrant rose-hued crossbody for $184.99 (down from $299). 👜*

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

DRINK

Let the fun be-gin 🍸

Hamburger covered with shrimp and cheese from Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Walk-On’s offers cheeseburger sliders during their happy hour Mon.-Fri. | Photo via @geauxeat

Marg our words — Swan City’s bar scene is always hoppening. So when we released our guide on 22 happy hours in Lakeland back in July, that was only the beginning of an ever-evolving beer, wine, and spirits list.

Here are three additional sip-worthy spots you’ll want to check out after work:

🍺 Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux | Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., 9-11 p.m., Tues., all day | Get domestic pints for $3, and $1 off all draft beers while you watch a game on wall to wall TVs.

🍹 Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille | Every day, 2-7 p.m., Tues., all day | Add a discounted drink to your New Orleans-inspired meal — it’s $5 for premium cocktails, $6 for super premium cocktails, and $7 for Harry’s Signature cocktails, like the Harry’s Hurricane.

🍸 Ovation Bistro & Bar | Every day, 3-6 p.m. | Order $7 small plates to share, like Smokehouse Potato Skins and Happy Cheese Fries, and enjoy two-for-one well drinks, beer, and wine.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: This is the moment I’ve been waiting for: Voting is now open for the Lakeland Public Library’s book-themed pumpkin contest. See the literature-inspired pumpkins made by kids ages 5-13 — including Wilbur from “Charlotte’s Web,” Amelia Bedelia, and more — and vote for your favorite by Sat., Oct. 29.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get egg-cited for these 20 brunch spots around Lakeland, 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.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY