Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner. That doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound. We have some tips on how to put a once-living tree to good use.
Curbside pickup
The City of Lakeland will collect and recycle your tree for you. All you have to do is bring it to the curb for your neighborhood’s usual pick-up day. To make sure it gets properly processed, you’ll need to remove the tinsel, garland, tree stand, and ornaments before bringing it out.
Natural feeders
Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: Orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat and take shelter. If your property includes a private pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef, giving local fish a home.
Make your own mulch
When you take a tree to a recycling center, they turn it into mulch. Why not use it for your own yard and spring garden? Home Depot has mulchers for rent to shred your own tree, and falling needles can be spread in garden beds or over the lawn.
Did we bark up the wrong tree? If you’re looking to say goodbye to your artificial tree, consider donating to a local thrift, like Lighthouse Ministries (3111 US Hwy. 98 S.),Salvation Army, or Goodwill. Holiday string lights can also be donated, and even if your string is looking burnt out, certainLowe’s and Home Depot locations have bins where you can drop them off.
Wondering how to dispose of your packing materials, cardboard, and gift wrapping? Check out Lakeland’s Holiday Recycling Guide before you crack open those green and blue bins.
Tasty Tuesday | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Dine through downtown by purchasing tasting tickets from local restaurants — get 10 samples for $25.
Fun Run & Music Bingo w/ Gin Khao Food Truck | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Join in a fun run at 5:30 p.m. before playing music bingo at 6:30 p.m. with grub from Gin Khao.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
Florida Tropics SC vs. Baltimore Blast | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 7:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer on Florida Tropics SC as they go head to head against the Baltimore Blast soccer team.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 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, Dec. 22
Free Yoga for Wellness - Weekly Classes | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, North Lakeland | Free | This donation-based yoga class focuses on holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.
Acoustic Dose w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Get a dose of live acoustic music while enjoying craft brews and fresh-cooked food.
Friday, Dec. 23
Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 23 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stroll downtown with Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
“There Is A Light” Christmas Show | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free | See this Christmas production featuring timeless classics and unique musical surprises.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Shop produce, plants, and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly downtown farmer’s market.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
We’re dreaming of a white Christmas. The area is bracing for temperatures 20-30º colder than normal. On Christmas morning, we’re looking at wind chill temps in the low 20s, something Florida only experiences once in a blue moon. Read up on the Sunshine State’s history of snow days. ❄️ (WFLA)
Traffic
The Dixieland Road Diet’s future is still being decided. Originally five lanes, the one-mile stretch of road could permanently be three lanes, and discussions about extended sidewalks, added left turn signals, parking, additional safety measures, bus lines, and beautification are still underway. Read more about the proposed changeshere. (The Ledger)
Crews have resolved work on Lake Hollingsworth Drive. The portion of the road between Nevada Road and Crystal Lake Drive that was closed for water main repairs is now open, just in time for scenic drives around the lake admiring the Christmas lights. ⚠️
Development
Amazon’s expansion at Lakeland Linder International Airport, which was previously slated to double, is being scaled back. Expansion plans include improvements to Taxiway A and additional parking for two Boeing 767s and trucks. These changes would increase Amazon’s annual rent to the city to $501,811. (The Ledger)
Community
The City of Lakeland is inviting residents to two public forums regarding potential plans for Munn Park on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 12. Head to the Magnolia Building(702 E. Orange St., Lakeland) to weigh in on design options and provide your thoughts.
Sports
The Lakeland Dreadnaughtsbrought home their eighth state title on Saturday, Dec. 17. As fans cheered, one superfanwas noticeably absent — Andrew Mastalski, AKA Mr. Dreadnaught. In 40 years, Mr. Dreadnaught has missed only three games. While he couldn’t attend in person, he watched virtually from Lakeland. 🏈 (The Ledger + Bay News 9)
Eat
DOU Bakehouse has your sweet tooth’s stocking stuffer covered — grab a gift set of chocolate and orange financier dessert pops. Place your order online and pick it up at the biz’s bakehouse at 830 N. Massachusetts Ave., next to Haus 820.
Try This
Calling all animal lovers, yogis, and hopheads. Front Page Brewing (190 S. Florida Ave., Bartow)is hostingGoat Yoga on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tickets include a free Front Page pint or guest cider. No experience is necessary, attendees must be at least eight years old, and space is limited. 🧘
Health
Need healthcare treatment, but don’t know whether to go to the emergency room, urgent care, or a primary care doctor? Lakeland Regional Health’s symptoms chart decodes it for you, so you know what to do + where to go when illness or the unexpected happens.*
Community
After the season’s celebrations, head outside with the fam for some fresh air. Bonnet Springs Park is open from 6 a.m. to dusk so you can walk, run, or bike the many trails, see the beauty of the botanical garden, or be among the trees on the Canopy Walk. Plan your visit.*
Drink
Cheers to the holidays. Raeburn Chardonnay is buy one get one free at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Dec. 21. 🥂 *
Finance
Receiving a call, text, or email from a government agency (think: the IRS or Social Security Administration) can be alarming — and that’s the point. The best way to minimize your chances of becoming a fraud or identity theft victim is to understand how scams work. Here’s how to protect yourself.*
Learn
You know how to order coffee at Concord Coffee. But can you order coffee in Italian? Babbel can help LALtoday readers learn how to order coffee(and other beverages)in Italian, so they’ll be ready for their next trip to Italy. Want to try it out? For a limited time, snag 55% off your subscription. ☕ *
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SEASONAL
Get your fuzzy socks and cocoa ready...
Winter events happening in and around Lakeland
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. | Photo by @megsfundays
...because there’s plenty to put on your end-of-year social calendar.
Magical Snowy Wonderland | Thursday, Dec. 22-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Head to Lakeland’s outdoor shopping mall for a whimsical snowfall — snow will fall at the top of each hour.
NYE 2023 Electric Masquerade | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $20 | This electro masquerade dance party includes a free champagne toast.
Pop Punk Emo Night New Years | Saturday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | Hear live music, dance the night away, and enjoy drink specials.
The NYE Facebook Party | Saturday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $20 | Ring in the new year with live music from DJ Secret.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Rilee.
Editor’s pick: Our followers continue to share name suggestions for a Lakeland-set HallmarkChristmas movie on this reel. Personally speaking, I think my favorite is “Smitten in Swan City.” Thanks to @tinajohnnynight for the swantastic suggestion. 🦢
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We took a tour of Lakeland’s seasonal coffees, here.
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