Honor MLK’s legacy by volunteering

Young boys walking in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade

Celebrate a week of service with Saturday’s MLK parade. | Photo by the City of Lakeland

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January — today, Jan. 16. The theme for this year is “Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems,” according to The King Center — a nonprofit founded by MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue Dr. King’s legacy.

If you have time to dedicate to our community, here are three local volunteer opportunities:

Meals on Wheels | Cook or deliver hot meals to homebound Lakelanders, or volunteer in the Winter Haven thrift store.
Lighthouse Ministries | Volunteer as an individual or with a group to help Lakeland’s at-risk population.
Lakeland Youth Alliance | Support the LGBTQ+ community through volunteering.

You can also participate in The Joinery’s MLK Brunch and Service Day happening today from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out more local volunteer opportunities through the link below.

31 MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

EVENTS

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Monday, Jan. 16

Canvas and Culture Conversations | Monday, Jan. 16 | 2-5 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | Free | Gather to browse an art exhibit and take part in a conversation inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Author Talk with Dana K. White | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This author and creator of the blog “A Slob Comes Clean” will discuss her new books on decluttering in a conversation with the Lakeland Public Library.
Fun Run, Music Bingo w/ Gin Khao Food Truck | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 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 bites from Gin Khao.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Reception: Lauren Austin: Life in Quilts | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the current exhibition with an in-depth conversation between the artist and the museum’s director.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Free Yoga for Wellness - Weekly Classes | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | Free | This donation-based yoga class focuses on the holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.

Friday, Jan. 20

Fayuca with Jakob Nowell | Friday, Jan. 20 | 6 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$60 | Reggae-rock/Latino group Fayuca brings the Winter Vacation tour to Lakeland with Jakob Nowell — VIP meet and greet packages are available.

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

69º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️

Number

$2.3 billion. That’s Polk County Public Schools’ budget for the year, which School Board Chief of Staff Jason Pitts presented to board members last week. Although Polk County is the country’s 24th largest school district, it is ranked No. 995 nationally for funding. (LkldNow)
$1.25 million. That’s how much RP Funding will pay the City of Lakeland if it opts to maintain naming rights to the RP Funding Center under a new five-year contract. The deal, which allows the City to sell naming rights to the facility’s rooms, goes before city commissioners for approval tomorrow. (The Ledger)

Asked

In response to proposed renderings of Munn Park’s redesign we shared last week, many asked how Lakeland plans to help those experiencing homelessness downtown. The City is awaiting budget discussions to make a decision but says it could work with local organizations like Talbot House Ministries on a solution. ⛲️ (WFLA)

Watch

What was that sound? Early in the morning of Saturday, Jan. 14, Total Wrecking & Environmental imploded Lakeland Electric’s decommissioned McIntosh Unit 3, causing a boom around Lakeland. In case you missed it, you can see a video of the implosion here. (The Ledger)

Holiday

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this week’s Dream Megafest events, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “Our History is Our Future — Protect It and Preserve It.” (LkldNow)

Community

New Polk County Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith was sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 12. The ceremony took place at the grand opening of Lakeland’s new Winston Creek Fire Station (1140 N. Galloway Rd.), a $4 million facility that will serve west Polk County. (The Ledger)
It’s time to get outside, Lakeland. Plan a visit to Bonnet Springs Park to soak in some nature at Central Florida’s (new) place of play. 🌳 *

Sports

Lakeland High School has chosen Marvin Frazier to succeed Bill Castle as its head football coach. Marvin was selected to take over the state championship team after working as an assistant and JV coach under Coach Castle since 2019. 🏈 (The Ledger)

Arts

Wondering about the story behind the Polk Museum of Art’s latest exhibits? Don’t miss the next free docent-led tour on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. to learn about the works of Edward Hopper, Guy Pène du Bois, and Lauren Austin from an art expert.

Seasonal

If you’ve got sticker shock from your winter energy bills, it’s time to break out the space heater. Solve chilly mornings the energy efficient way with the Dr. Infrared Heater that warms objects, not the air. Hello, cozy legs. Bonus: Heat your patio with infrared, too. 🔥*

Eat

Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *

Drink

Going dry this month? Give it your all with Athletic Brewing Company’s non-alcoholic craft beers. From IPAs to goldens, they have brews for whenever + wherever works for you. Subscribe to get 50% off your first month (terms + conditions apply). 🍻 *

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HOLIDAY

Dream on

Digital map showing event points in Lakeland

Mark your calendar — and your map. | Map by LALtoday

Lakeland is commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact with the 2023 Dream Megafest, a community-wide series of events. Use our interactive map of events to mark these on your calendar:

MLK Digital Business Challenge 2023 | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 5-7 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Young entrepreneurs ages 13-18 will pitch their businesses for a chance at $1,000.
Swan City Jazz Fest | Friday, Jan. 20-Saturday, Jan. 21 | 3-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Hear music from local acts, high school bands, and headliners Paula Atherton and Jazmin Ghent.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 1–3 p.m. | Providence Road and 14th Street | Free | Take to the street with a parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue — see the route here.
MLK Car Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Browse cars competing for best interior, best stereo, and more top honors.

MORE EVENTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Don’t forget that since today is a federal holiday, many local offices may be closed. The City of Lakeland, Lakeland Electric, and Polk County Tax Collector offices will reopen tomorrow, but there is no planned delay on waste collection.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? See renderings of proposed additions to Munn Park, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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