You knocked it out of the park 🏟

Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.

Beer + football go hand-in-hand. | Photo by @foodand.beer

Now is a great time to be a sports fan — the NFL, NBA, and NHL seasons are all in progress. We asked you for your favorite places to watch your team play on TV while grabbing a bite, and you came out swinging. Here’s where you’ll find our readers during game time.

Glory Days Grill, 3790 Lakeside Village Ct.
Several readers recommend this joint for pulled pork bowls, tacos, and drinks. Pro tip: According to reader Sandi S., you can use a box on your table to hear the specific game of your choice.

Two hands holding pints of beer at Swan Brewing — There’s a brew for you at Swan Brewing.

Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
You can’t go wrong with any of the beers at this brewery, but reader Fred W. prefers the Straight Outta Lakeland IPA. Order from whichever food truck is on-site for fresh, delicious game day grub.

La La Land Liquor & Lounge, 3239 S. Florida Ave.
It’s the bartenders who make this reader Megan S.'s favorite place to catch a game. Cheer on your team with friends — and play darts or pool during halftime.

Hamburger covered with shrimp and cheese from Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux — Get this Cajun-inspired burger topped with shrimp.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 3772 US Hwy. 98 N.
Head to Walk-On’s for Louisiana-inspired cuisine and plenty of huge screens. Reader M. A. is a fan of the food — we recommend ordering the Surf & Turf burger.

Winners Circle Sportsbar & Grill, 4215 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Brook A. loves this local spot for its hometown feel and community support. If you visit, order Brook’s favorite: The chicken wings — there are 60+ flavors to choose from.

Did we fumble your favorite sports bar? Let us know which one you love and we may add it to our roster.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Nov. 11

Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention 2022 | Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-5:30 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.
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.
Lakeland Magic vs Austin Spurs | Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 12 | 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.

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.
Andrew York in Concert | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Hear Grammy award-winning classical guitarist and composer Andrew York in concert
Antique Fair Along Main Street | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | All along Main Street, Bartow | Free | Search for a treasure among antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
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.
The 39 Steps | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland | $20-$26 | In this comedic play, a man with a boring life is followed by a mysterious organization after meeting a spy.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Lunch Pop-Ups at Catapult: Our Noire Kitchen | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult , 502 E Main St. , Lakeland | Enjoy a gourmet meal with bold flavors from Our Noire Kitchen at this fall lunch series.*

Please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled due to weather conditions. 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.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

THE BUY

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You’ll receive regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ to touch base on your progress. | Photo by Smile Direct Club

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

82º | Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain
Hurricane Nicole has come and gone, but did you know it was only the second hurricane ever to hit Florida’s east coast in November? Learn more about what makes this storm so unique — from its irregular start to its large size. (The Ledger)

Cause

Local nonprofit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) needs more volunteers. VISTE plans to deliver 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to clients in need aged 70+ on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Sign up by Tuesday, Nov. 15 to get involved.

Holiday

The RP Funding Center’s holiday festivities begin with the 4th Annual Holiday Tree Decorating Contest on Friday, Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Vote for your favorite tree, donate to the United Way of Central Florida, and purchase discounted holiday event tickets to get in the holiday spirit. 🎄
There’s no place like home for the holidays, so commemorate yours with a Holiday House Portrait by local artist Bump Galletta. These personalized drawings are on sale now for $125 — act fast, availability is limited. 🏡

Open

White Oak BBQ Supply & Mercantile is now open at 490 E. Summerlin St. in Bartow, offering the meats, seasonings, and tools for your next barbecue. Celebrate its opening on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for discounts and live fire cooking demonstrations. We’ll meat you there.

Number

~227,200. That’s how many customers were left without power following Hurricane Nicole across Florida. Yesterday, Lakeland Electric restored power to an estimated 5,000 customers with storm-related outages within seven hours. ⚡️ (WTSP)

Arts

What’s poppin’? Find out at the Polk Museum of Art’s workshop, “Poppin’ Poppies,” where you’ll learn about complementary colors while painting a poppy field. Register now before the workshop on Saturday, Dec. 3.

DYK

Did you know that Publix has a live map of which of its stores are open or operating with modified hours during a storm? Save this page to check in on each of its 1,300+ locations before your next pre-hurricane grocery run. 🛒

Shop

Make your shopping list and check it twice. Head to Winter Haven’s Ritz Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12-5 p.m. to shop the holiday Bandit Market, featuring 40+ small businesses, cocktails, coffee, and bites from Lakeland-based Bandidas.

Concert

Bok Tower Gardens is hosting two Concerts Under the Stars, starting with Grammy-nominated Americana artist Hayes Carll tonight at 7 p.m., followed by modern folk singer Willie Watson on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Pro tip: Tickets include garden admission — purchase yours in advance for $5 off. 🎶

Community

Next week is your last chance to enjoy lunch from Lakeland’s food entrepreneurs in the Catapult Fall Pop-Up Series. Don’t miss out trying the latest culinary inventions — from veggie friendly meals to specialty pastries + flavorful dishes — happening Mon.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 18.*

Eat

The latest star of a viral board trend: cream cheese. That’s right, cream cheese boards are the latest internet sensation. Think: Fig + honey or everything-but-the-bagel boards. Yes, please. GreenWise Organic Cream Cheese is two for $5 at PublixGreenWise Market through Wed., Nov. 16.*

Travel

Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottage might just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $299 avg/night. 🌊*

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TODAY IS

Veterans Day 🇺🇸

American flags waving beside Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL

Thank you to Polk County’s 60,000+ veterans. | Photo by LALtoday

Today is a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Expect various closures related to the holiday, and don’t miss the City of Lakeland’s Veterans Day Celebration tomorrow, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The monument to the Buffalo Soldiers will be unveiled, and a parade through downtown Lakeland will leave from the RP Funding Center at 11 a.m.

This week, we asked you to share a tribute to a veteran in your life. Reader Della L. wrote in, “I’d like to pay tribute to my now deceased husband who served the wounded warriors at Philadelphia Naval Hospital during the Vietnam era while in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He was always proud of his service to his country and I am proud of his service as well.”

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Watching sports on TV is great — but watching Lakeland’s own professional sports teams in person is even better. Let us know what sports content you want to see from us by filling out this survey. You’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to score big with team-branded swag up to $100 in value.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See how we’re staying prepared for the end of hurricane season, 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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