LALtoday and your inbox go together like Lakeland and swans. | Photo via @catapultlkld

Except we’d rather be the hero than the anti-hero of your morning scrolling. It can be difficult to keep all of your local and national media outlets straight — we know you have plenty of options when it comes to who you follow.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering who we are here at LALtoday, no worries. Allow us to reintroduce ourselves — from our mission of activating and educating Lakeland citizens to the editors who make it happen.

How it works

LALtoday is a branch of our larger parent company, 6AM City. While there are 6AM City markets spanning the nation from Boston to Seattle, your LALtoday newsletter is written by two locals — more on that later.

Let’s answer some FAQs:

Is LALtoday affiliated with the City of Lakeland? No. We share as much news about the City of Lakeland as possible, but we’re two independent entities.
Who should I direct my feedback to? Thoughts on a newsletter or article can be emailed to our team. Feedback specifically relating to the city — think development, parking, traffic, public services, etc. — can be shared with the city via the Citizens Action Center.
Why don’t I see any coverage of national news, crime, punishment, or politics in my newsletter? Every media company is different. At 6AM City, we choose to cover super relevant, hyper-local news and events, focusing on city guides, civic conversations, food and drink, lifestyle, history, and news. You can read more in our editorial ethics policy.

Meet the editors

LALtoday City Editors Connor Keith and Rilee Delgado — Connor Jacobson and Rilee Delgado

City Editors Rilee and Connor have the honor of sharing local news and events with thousands of readers in Lakeland via our newsletters and socials. Check out our Q+A to learn about Connor’s favorite lake and Rilee’s perfect day in Swan City.

Have any lingering questions? Click below.

SEND AN EMAIL, MAKE OUR DAY

POLL

What’s your favorite section of your LALtoday newsletter?

A. The lead story — I need all the details.
B. Events — I like to stay busy.
C. News Notes — I like to be “in the know.”
D. The Wrap — I like hearing from the editors.

DON'T BE SHY, WE LIKE THEM ALL

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Made @ the Library | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Adults can create a new craft project each month — all supplies are provided.
T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know and enjoy an extra long happy hour.

Friday, Jan. 20

Swan City Jazz Festival | Friday, Jan. 20 | 3-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Head downtown for live jazz performances from headliners Paula Atherton and Jazmin Ghent, plus groups like Lakeland High School Jazz Band, The Franchise Players, Let’s Ride Brass Band, and more.
“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Laugh along at this comedic play where five bridesmaids hide out from a wedding reception.

Saturday, Jan. 21

MLK Annual Parade | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 1 p.m. | Providence Road and 14th Street, Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. at this free community parade — the parade starts at Providence Road and West 14th Street and ends at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and 2nd Street.
Dixieland Night Market | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Shop from local artists, makers, food vendors, and horticulturists with live entertainment.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

Sunday, Jan. 22

MLK Car Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Come out to see Lakeland’s most fashionable cars — prizes will be given for best interior, best paint, best stereo, and more.

Monday, Jan. 23

Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Jan. 23 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., 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.

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

DRINK

Have the party without the hangover

Athletic Brewing Jan 2023 Mini Article (Cropped)

Every beer is non-alcoholic (0.5% ABV or less). | Photo by Athletic Brewing Company

You might even have more fun.

Athletic Brewing Company makes non-alcoholic beer you can drink without sacrificing feeling your best. It tastes great, has all the variety from IPAs to goldens, and has even won awards. (Read: Even beer snobs think it’s good.)

Ready to give dry a try? Subscribe to get 50% off your first month, and get members-only perks (think: early access to new launches + merch). Cheers. 🍻 *

TRY IT FOR 50% OFF

NEWS NOTES

Weather

83º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Opening

Open sesame. Mary’s Bagel Cafe has announced its opening on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1242 N. Florida Ave., across the street from Lakeland Regional Health. Keep an eye out for the menu, which will be released online the day before the grand opening. 🥯

Health

Florida Southern College’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Kirk is one of seven members appointed to the State of Florida’s Board of Pharmacy. If confirmed by the Florida Senate, Dan will serve a four-year term working with the Board on health care regulation.

Civic

Polk County’s state legislators heard from local leaders and residents at their annual public meeting on Friday, Jan. 13. Around 40 speakers made requests for funding and legislation on behalf of city offices, schools, businesses, and nonprofits before the next legislative session begins. (The Ledger)

Edu

Do you have a future media pro in your family? Southwest Elementary School is Polk County Public Schools’ first to offer a career academy for elementary students. In the new Digital Media Academy, students will learn skills like videography, graphic design, and photography, 📸

Sports

A new sport has caught the eye of Southeastern University. Bass fishing will be the school’s 20th athletic program when the season begins this fall. The team of 10 fishers will compete in tournaments across the south, including the Bassmaster College Series. 🎣

Number

$5 million. That’s how much Winter Haven resident Alpeshkumar Patel won from a scratch-off lottery ticket. The ticket was purchased at a Winter Haven gas station, and Alpeshkumar’s chances of winning the top prize were only one in 4,027,792. (WFLA)

Kids

Looking for a creative way to make family memories this spring? Scott Audette Underwater is offering Mini Mermaid and Lil’ Mermen photo sessions where kids can dress up for underwater photos with a costumed mermaid. You can book your shoot online for select Saturdays from February to June. 🧜‍♀️

Trivia

Union Taproom (245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven) has announced its monthly trivia themes for 2023. Stop by the taproom on the last Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. to test your knowledge of classic rom-coms, the 90s, and Marvel.

Cause

Registration is officially open for the Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run. The annual 5K/10K — which will be hosted at the Lake Mirror Promenade on Saturday, March 4 — allows the community to help conquer cancer and celebrate loved ones impacted by the disease. Learn more + register. 👟*

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

COMMUNITY

Share this with your new neighbor 👋

Have you seen Lakeland Electric’s 10-story building reflecting on Lake Mirror? | Photo by LALtoday

Picture this: You just moved to Lakeland, Florida and you need some help with the practicalities of life. That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Lakelander 101, our guide to all things Lakeland.

Voter registration

Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Utilities

Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Lakeland Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: You can complete a free virtual energy audit to learn how you can save money and energy every month.

Recycling

For everything you need to know about recycling in Lakeland, from where to place your bin to pick up times and accepted materials, check out our guide.

Click below for even more — from getting your driver’s license and car tags to finding a healthcare provider.

WELCOME TO LAKELAND — CLICK HERE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Take a peek into the future. 🔮 Sometime soon, we’ll be taking your questions about Lakeland Electric to the experts themselves. From energy-saving tips to understanding your monthly utility bill, what questions do you have about Lakeland Electric? Ask them here for a chance to get answers.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We said “goodbye, gluten” and explored Lakeland’s gluten-free restaurants, 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.

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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