We’re not out of the woods yet 🌀

Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL

It’s not too late to start your hurricane preparations. | Photo by @skymaro_009

Note: By the time this newsletter hits your inbox on Thursday morning at 6 a.m., the storm’s status may have changed. Check here for live updates.

This isn’t our first go-around this hurricane season, but you can never be too prepared. Here’s what we know so far and how you can stay informed and prepared.

As of 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Hurricane Nicole had sustained wind speeds of 75 miles per hour — making it a Category 1 hurricane. At this time, the storm was roughly 75 miles east of West Palm Beach and expected to make landfall on Florida’s east coast on Wednesday night.

From there, it will continue through the state (possibly making a second landfall in Florida’s Big Bend) and travel into Georgia and the Carolinas.

Get prepared

Rainfall | Polk County is expected to see between 3-6 inches of rain. Thankfully, flooding is not expected to be a major issue at this time.

Gas | Wondering which gas stations are still open? Use this map from GasBuddy to find an open gas station near you.

Power outages | You can track or report power outages using Lakeland Electric’s online map. If you do lose power, use this chart to determine what can be eaten from your fridge and freezer.

Stay informed | Storms are always changing. Follow Hurricane Nicole’s path here, sign up for digital alerts here, and consider buying a crank radio to stay up to date if you lose service. Keep radios tuned to WUSF 89.7 or the National Weather Radio KHB32 at 162.550.

Pets | This article wraps up a few tips to keep your furry friends safe whether you’re hunkering down in a non-evacuation zone or heading to a shelter.

Hurricane kits | Restock your hurricane kit with supplies from this list.

Last-minute tips | Click here for more last-minute tips like checking on your neighbors, preparing your home, and more. For notes on evacuation plans, check here.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention 2022 | Thursday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 12 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $6-$25 | Learn new scrapbooking techniques, shop from vendors, and work on your own projects with other crafters.

Friday, Nov. 11

Lakeland Magic vs Austin Spurs | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $15-$40 | Join the home opener of Lakeland’s NBA G-League team — the first 1,000 fans receive a free shirt.
Bandtastic! | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Robert Davis Performing Arts Center, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Hear a blend of classical, jazz, rock, and pop music played by the FSC Symphony Band and Jazz Ensembles — veterans get in free.
Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 4-8 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12-$15 | Enjoy the final weekend of fall fun on this farm with a corn maze, animal adventure hayride, cow barrel train, and a miniature golf course.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Live Green Lakeland EcoFest | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E Main St, Lakeland | Free | Learn more about how you can get involved to help the environment with local vendors and children’s activities.
Polk Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N Lake Ave, Lakeland | Free | Participants of all ages can walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Steeln’ Peaches | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | $20-$25 | This Allman Brothers tribute band is back for its third concert at Union Hall and 9 Juan Juan Tacos will be serving up food.

Sunday, Nov. 13

Paul Cataldo Duo w/ Uncle Bucky’s BBQ | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Stop by for live music with the Paul Cataldo Duo and delicious bites from Uncle Bucky’s BBQ.

Monday, Nov. 14

Auditions: Five Women Wearing the Same Dress | Monday, Nov. 14 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland | Free | Try your luck on the stage at auditions for this 1993 play written by Alan Ball.

With Hurricane Nicole on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancelations or event updates.

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

FINANCE

What local business does Catapult trust with their finances?

Two women looking out a glass window at a construction site.

When Catapult got over the $250,000 mark, Bank of Central Florida helped them move to Insured Deposit Sweep accounts. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida

Did you know Catapult opened an account with Bank of Central Florida in 2013? Since then, Catapult has grown from a small business in a basement with 20 members to a 38,000-sqft entrepreneurial center with 230 members in the heart of Lakeland.

“We knew we wanted a bank in alignment with our goals,” says Catapult president Christin Strawbridge. “Bank of Central Florida has provided all of the services that we have needed to grow.”*

READ THE FULL Q + A WITH CHRISTIN

NEWS NOTES

Weather

74º | Rain | 100% chance of rain 🌧

Civic

Lakeland City Commissioners unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 4173. The group represents Lakeland’s unionized firefighters, engineers, and lieutenants. The contract will retain firefighters by ensuring shorter work weeks and providing a retroactive pay raise. (The Ledger)

Edu

Polk County Public Schools are closed today, Thursday, Nov. 10 out of an abundance of caution for Hurricane Nicole. Schools will remain closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. 🍎

Number

$5.2 million. That’s how much the Polk County Health and Human Services Indigent Health Care program is allocating to a partnership with United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) for wellness programs in Polk County. UWCF is looking for nonprofit applicants who provide prevention and early intervention behavioral health services.
120,000. That’s how many yards of debris the City of Lakeland anticipates it will clean up from Hurricane Ian by the time efforts conclude in December. So far, the city has collected an estimated 96,000 cubic yards of debris. View debris cleanup status updates on the city’s website. 🌳
40,000. That’s how many people (including your favorite LALtoday City Editors) visited Bonnet Springs Park during its opening weekend. The park is closed today for the weather, but you can watch our videos in the meantime. Check out eight things you can’t miss during your next visit. (Bay News 9)

Ranked

No. 89. That’s what Lakeland ranked on WalletHub’s list of 2022’s Best Midsize Sports Cities. Over 390 cities were included in the sample and ranked based on factors like favorable conditions for sports fans, adults who follow particular sports, and more. 🏈

Arts

The Polk Museum of Art’s Gallery Perspectives, formerly known as Point of View Gallery Talks, take place on the second Friday of each month. Hear music by French composers performed by Dr. Fen-Fang Chen and voice and piano students from Florida Southern College on Friday, Nov. 11 from 12-1 p.m.

Announced

Exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, insider information from our team, discounts from our online shop — that’s just a few of the perks you get when you join the LALtoday Membership Program. Learn more + sign up for this new way to support local journalism. 💻

Eat

Warm up the work week with this tasty White Turkey and Sausage Chili. Pro tip: This makes great leftovers for a workday lunch break, too. 🍲 *

Shop

‘Tis the season to shop products from our online shop Six & Main. From apparel to accessories, there’s something special for everyone. Start filling your digital cart with goodies now.

Learn

Going on vacation this winter and need to learn a new language fast? With Babbel, LALtoday readers could be speaking a new language in as little as three weeks. Bonus: Get 55% off your subscription for a limited time. 🛫 *

Listen

We already know that you love Lakeland, so you might love this too. Home Where You Belong is a weekly podcast that explores how to feel more at home in your living space and city, provides tools for deepening your relationships + connections with your community, and more. Listen online or wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 *

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

EAT

We hope you’re hungry 🧋

Exterior shot of the new Tea Rx storefront with green boba tea.

Bubble tea, anyone? | Photo by @gypsy_momma3

If there’s one thing we love even more than looking ahead to the future, it’s enjoying the present at one of Lakeland’s newest spots. Check out these three new eateries in Swan City.

Tea Rx, 3114 S. Florida Ave. | Fruit smoothies, vegetable juices, bubble teas, salads, Bahn mi, and more.

Dominican Cake By G, 1322 E. Memorial Blvd | Classic pastries including palmiers, apple pie, pineapple Dominican cake, and pecan pie

My Ramen, 3121 US Hwy. 98 S. | Hibachi lunch, ramen, milk tea, and more

Ready for more? Click below for 45 new and upcoming developments — from dining to residential and recreational.

FRESH KITCHEN, DOWNTOWN GATEWAY, AND MORE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: One thing I learned to keep in my hurricane kit after Hurricane Ian was ground coffee. It’s not technically an emergency essential, but it sure came in handy when we were without power and my husband was able to make coffee on the grill. Stay safe, dry, and caffeinated, Lakeland. ☕️

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared soup-erior Swan City menu items from local eateries, 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.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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