It’s almost ballot casting time

Lakelanders, make your voice heard by voting. | Photo by LALtoday

The big day — aka Election Day — is just around the corner on Tues., Nov. 8, and we’ve done the Googling so you don’t have to. To make this election as easy as possible, we’ve curated need-to-know information about how and where to vote, along with what we’re voting on — from seats to amendments. 👇

Are you registered?

First things first, make sure you’re eligible + registered to vote.

Find your polling location

Polk County polling places will be open on Tues., Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re unsure where to go, you can request voter information that provides your registration status + polling location.

Early walk-in voting is available daily through Sat., Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at these locations. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID or documentation that verifies your current address.

Voting absentee? The deadline to request a mail-in ballot was Sat., Oct. 30, and completed ballots must be sent in by Tues., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. to be counted.

What are we voting on?

In Polk County, you’ll be voting for a Senate representative, Congressional House representatives, a Governor, several more state and county seats, a school board seat, and five ballot measures.

Ready to cast your vote? Click below to view a sample ballot, the candidates, and more.

At LALtoday, we aim to cover local elections in a way that educates and activates our community with unbiased information to encourage individual voter participation. (I.e. vote for whoever + whatever you want to, just make sure to vote.) To learn more, check out our Editorial Ethics Policy.

GET INFORMED

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, October 31

Winter Haven Beer Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour | Mon., Oct. 31 - Fri., Dec. 30 | 7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven, 220 Ave A NW, Winter Haven | $45.00 - $95.00 | Enjoy beer, spirits + haunting stories on this frightful ghost walking tour through downtown Winter Haven.
“A Siren’s Peril: Underwater Portrait Retrospective” | Mon., Oct. 31 - Fri., Nov. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | ART/ifact, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Browse this gallery of underwater photography featuring zombie-esque mermaids and mermen.
After School Art | Mon., Oct. 31 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | $5.00 | Parents and children can learn creative skills with a new art lesson each week.

Tuesday, November 1

Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tue., Nov. 1 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.
Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tue., Nov. 1 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.

Wednesday, November 2

Lunch Pop-Ups at Catapult: Vegetation | Wed., Nov. 2 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E Main Street, Lakeland | Free | Part of the Wednesday lunch series on Catapult’s patio, Vegetation will offer meals featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients in handcrafted dishes.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wed., Nov. 2 | 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, November 3

T-R-I-V-I-A | Thu., Nov. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.

Friday, November 4

Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Fri., Nov. 4 | 4-8 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12.00 - $15.00 | Have some fall fun with a corn maze, animal adventure hayride, cow barrel train, and a miniature golf course.

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

HEALTH

Need help getting a COVID-19 vaccine? We’ve got a solution.

Woman receiving a COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccine clinic

The COVID-19 vaccination assistance program provides an important service to individuals with disabilities. | Photo provided by Center for Independent Living in Central Florida

Are you an individual with a disability who needs help getting to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic? Enter: Center for Independent Living in Central Florida. They assist people with disabilities in Polk County (and beyond) who may need assistance during the vaccination process.

Here are three ways to contact CIL to see if you or a family member qualifies:

Call (863) 413-2722
Text COVID to (407) 623-1070
Email info@cilorlando.org

See how else CIL assists people living with disabilities below.*

EXPLORE CIL’S SERVICES + PROGRAMS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

89º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Number

$500,000+. That’s how much the Polk County Commission has given to local organizations in Arts, Culture, and Heritage sponsorships, which are funded through the Tourist Development Tax. The Polk Museum of Art will receive nearly $108,000 of the funding to promote events like Mayfaire-by-the-Lake. (The Ledger)

Edu

In a work session last week, the Polk County School Board reviewed plans for a new estimated $20-30 million elementary school in Winter Haven. Planned to be built by 2023, the school would have the capacity for nearly 1,000 students, reducing strain on the nearby Chain of Lakes Elementary School. (The Ledger)

Community

Homes in Lakeland’s historic districts like Dixieland and Beacon Hill are held to strict standards, but those guidelines could be changing. After a recent hearing on allowing certain shutters, Lakeland’s Historic Preservation and Design Review Committee discussed re-evaluating guidelines to allow safer windows. 🏡 (The Ledger)

Arts

Let us paint you a picture: Over 50 local artists, art competitions, and live performances enchant you all day long. Join the free Lakeland Art Crawl this Fri., Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Munn Park to celebrate a wide array of local art.

Drink

Art Crawl’s not all. Head to Black & Brew, Hillcrest Coffee, and Mitchell’s Coffeehouse from Thurs., Nov. 4-Sat., Nov. 6 for a coffee crawl of art-inspired drinks. Keep your receipt to submit online for a chance to win a prize. ☕️

Today Is

Halloween, Samhain, and the eve of Dia de los Muertos, which takes place from Tues., Nov. 1-Wed., Nov. 2. Whether you’re preparing your candy bowl for trick-or-treaters, enjoying a festive film, or just going about business as usual, check out these terrifying tales local to us in Swan City.

Cause

After cancer kept Dax Gingras from volunteering in South McKeel Academy’s morning drop-off line, fathers stepped in to support him. Through “Dads for Dax,” other fathers are filling in for him — and continuing his tradition of dressing up in costume each day of October. (Bay News 9)

Answered

Last week, we asked for your own scary stories, and Reader Doug Y. delivered. While working in a local warehouse alone during Hurricane Ian, he came up on a restricted elevator that opened by itself — with no one inside. We agree, Doug, it sounds like a haunting to us. 👻

Learn

Are you an educator who’s yearning for some learning? Register for EdCamp Polk, a development opportunity for educators, substitute teachers, and college interns + students. The event takes place Sat., Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Jim Miles Professional Development Center (4270 Wallace Rd.). Registration is now open.

Plan Ahead

Looking to avoid this year’s turkey-induced tryptophan slump? Register now for the Annual Run for the Pies 5K or 3K Fun Run at Holloway Park. Tickets for the 3K fun run are $15 and tickets for the 5K are $35. 👟

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*

Eat

Bring a bit of the West Coast to Central Florida. The Western Steakhouse, a demonstration-style cooking class, is happening Sat., Nov. 19 at Publix Aprons Cooking School. The menu includes: mesquite-rubbed chicken wings, pan-seared buffalo meatballs, and more; paired with the perfect wine.*
As they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Get your daily dose with North Coast Organic Applesauce, on sale at two for $5 at Publix GreenWise Market through Wed., Nov. 2. *

Correction

On Friday, we incorrectly stated that My Happy Plants would be opening a storefront at Unfiltered Lakeland. What we should have said is that My Crazy Plant Life will be setting up shop. Get a head start on snagging an exotic plant by shopping online before the storefront opens. 🪴

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Cause

Shaken or stirred?

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Lake Mirror at night | Photo via @kyleomedia

You decide this month at the 35th Annual Lakeland Margarita Ball.

Happening annually in November, the Margarita Ball takes place on Lake Mirror’s Frances Langford Promenade, and while there will be margaritas on deck for your enjoyment, the event really centers around assisting Polk County’s children.

Want to get a load of the action? Here’s what you can expect:

The event takes place on Sat., Nov. 19 from 8-11 p.m.
The festivities will occur at the Frances Langford Promenade (121 S. Lake Ave.).
Entertainment by the band MPiRE
Along with live music, there will also be hors d’oeurves, beer, and of course, margaritas.
While the event is listed as a “ball,” the dress code is casual.
Attendees of this event must be 21+.

Want to learn more and get your tickets? Click below.

TICKETS, PHOTOS, AND MORE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Between all this talk of Margarita Balls and Turkey Trots, I’m already ready for the next part of the season: Thanksgiving. If you want to try your hand at writing and practice some gratitude during the season of thanks, check out Orange Blossom Poems’ upcoming workshop.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We rounded up a few terrifying tales to tell your trick or treaters, 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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