Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
We know the question on your mind, Lakelanders — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
🌡️ Temperature Think warm. This winter, Lakeland has a 40-50% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
🌨️ Precipitation Expect slightly less precipitation. Lakeland has a 40-50% chance of seeing below-normal rainfall amounts this winter.
What we’ll deal with in December Typically in December, average temperatures will only fluctuate between 55.4° and 72.5°. Pro tip: December has the shortest days of the year and is the month with the least amount of sunshine, so midday is the best time to get outdoors at places like Bonnet Springs Park.
Jumping into January Break out your scarves. We probably won’t see any snow, but the first month of the year is usually also the coldest — average high and low temps will likely be between 68.5° and 50.9°. January also has the least amount of days of rainfall, and we can expect to start the new year off with around 4.3 rainy days.
The forecast for February Temperatures will start to climb back up in February. Average highs will reach 72.9°, and lows will grow to 54.3°. We can start preparing for springtime strolls through Hollis Garden with 7.8 average hours of sunshine each day and a cloud cover of 37% — the highest of the year.
New Yoga | Monday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
All of Us Choir Concert | Monday, Nov. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Robert Davis Performing Arts Center, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Hear fun and powerful choral music with pieces that center on love and unity.
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tuesday, Nov. 22-Tuesday, June 27 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | Free | Learn some new moves from 5-7 p.m., then sing your heart out starting at 8:30 p.m.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wednesday, Nov. 23-Wednesday, 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, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Music w/ Jim Thomas | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Stop by for live music and a round of beers after your Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday, Nov. 25
Lakeland Magic vs Mexico City Capitanes | Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Nov. 26 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $15-$40 | Catch the Magic as they face off against the Mexico City Capitanes at home — the first 1,000 fans receive a mystery foam finger.
Saturday, Nov. 26
Video Game Rumble - City of Lakeland eSports | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland | Gamers of all ages are welcome at this family-friendly video game competition, including Fortnite, NBA 2K, Rocket League, and more.
We have amonthly 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.
You can’t go wrong with essentials made right. | Photo by The Ridge
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$36 million. That’s how much a planned expansion of Keymark Corporation of Floridawill cost. The manufacturing firm — which plans to purchase new equipment and add another facility at 3155 Drane Field Road — has applied for a $400,000 incentive grant from the City of Lakeland. (LkldNow)
$21 million. That’s how much Spain-based seafood canning company Frinsais investing in a 180,000-sqft plant near Kathleen High School — its new US headquarters. The City Commission has discussed giving the company a $400,000 incentive to reduce impact fees. Around 115 jobs will be created at the plant. (LkldNow)
Edu
In a lecture on Thursday, Nov. 17, Sheriff Grady Judddiscussedadded measures for school safety, including additional armed officers on campuses. Polk County Superintendent of Schools Frederick Heid mentioned a $3 million grant, which would add more school counselorsif awarded in December. (Fox 13 News + LkldNow)
Cause
Here’s a bright idea. Give backthis holiday season by donating to Lakeland Electric’sProject Care program. Opt in to round up your bill as a donation, or commit to a set monthly donation to help low-income older adults and those with disabilities pay their utility bills.
Arts
The Polk Museum of Art and Scholastic are partnering to host the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Middle and high school artists can submit their best work in categories like drawing, poetry, and more until Sunday, Nov. 11. Winners will be included in a Polk Museum of Art exhibition.
Shop
Make a big impact by shopping small at Artsgiving and the Small Business Saturday Night Market. Peruse pop-ups by local makers, bakers, andartists while enjoying live music on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 6-11 p.m. in Dixieland at the Artists Village (1023 S. Florida Ave.) at Union Hall.
Holiday
On Sunday, Nov. 27, visit Lakes Church’s Bethlehem at Lake Mirror event from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Frances Langford Promenade. Travel back in time to journey through a tent city experience, meeting merchants and logging your name in a simulated census.
Outdoor
Duck hunting seasonreturned on Saturday, Nov. 19 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 27. Residents near Lake Parker’s southwest cove requested regulations to keep hunters out earlier this year, but no action was taken. Hunters are limited to six ducks per day. (The Ledger)
Drink
As your out-of-town guests arrive for Thanksgiving, treat them to a night out at The Brass Tap (1515 Town Center Dr.). This spot is serving up themed beers on tap and specialty cocktails — like the Bourbon Apple Pie Old Fashioned —on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Biz
Need a location for your next team meeting or conference? Catapult has avariety of meeting rooms for rentthat are able to accommodate any size group. Take a look at the options.*
Eat
‘Tis the season for entertaining. Looking to impress your dinner guests? Enter: Publix’s Holiday Dinner Wine and Dine. This demonstration-style cooking class on Sat., Dec. 17 features dishes like braised chuck roast, spiced veggies, and more. Yum. 🍽️ *
Health
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here, which means it’s time to ask yourself a big question: keep your coverage, or change it? Fidelity Medicare Services can help. Fidelity’s licensed Medicare advisors provide customized advice based on your situation — and if you choose a new plan, they’ll help you enroll.*
Learn
Babbel — a premium, subscription-based language learning platform — is offering LALtoday readers up to 55% off subscriptions to learn a new language (in just three weeks). Choose from 14 languages and learn through bite-sized, 10-minute sessions that focus on everyday phrases + relevant topics. 🗺️ *
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A metal tribute to Blinky, the alligator with a craving for marshmallows. | Photo by LALtoday
When the chatter lags at the Thanksgiving table, hop in with one of these conversation starters to impress your guests with your local knowledge.
Tell the history of Blinky the Alligator
Say “see you later” to awkward silences with the story of Blinky, Lakeland’s unofficial mascot during the 1970s. If your guests are one-eyed reptile fans, ask them if they would have given him a kiss on the snout back then.
Debate the best coffee shop
Everyone’s got an opinion on this one. Whether they prefer to sip a latte during Hillcrest’s live music nights, or they’re a bookworm regular at Pressed, see if one local coffee house reigns supreme in your family.
Plan a local celebrity sightseeing trip
Did your loved ones know that Hollis Garden is home to several treesgrown from cuttings of celebrities’ trees? Tell your guests about our tree-mendous connection to Elvis Presley, Abraham Lincoln, and more famous names.
What are you bringing up this Thanksgiving? Tell us so we can add a little spice to our holiday conversations.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Connor.
Editor’s pick: My family always ends up planning our Christmas shopping trips around the Thanksgiving table. Are you shopping online or in-person this year? Let us know where you’ll be bargain hunting this weekend so we can share it with our readers — and snag a few deals of our own.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? Find out where to dine in and carry out your Thanksgiving meal, here.
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