You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life

You can become a Swan City expert in no time. | Photo by @emnoel_

Question: What’s the best city in the world? Answer: Lakeland, of course. In case you’ve got more questions on your mind about life in Lakeland, we’re answering a few of the most common queries our readers send our way.

Q: Who makes decisions about local policies?
A: The Lakeland City Commission. The mayor and commissioners are elected to create policies, maintain city budgets, and hear from Lakelanders at their public meetings.

Q: Who can help me learn to start and grow my business?
A: The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. This not-for-profit organization supports local businesses through education and community engagement.

Q: Who’s in charge of community revitalization projects?
A: The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA works with businesses and developers on improvement projects using redistributed property taxes. It currently covers three districts: Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland.

Downtown Lakeland filled with vendors and shoppers at the farmers market — You can thank the LDDA for downtown events like First Friday and the Farmers Curb Market.

Q: Who maintains downtown Lakeland’s charm?
A: The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. This special taxing district uses funds for physical improvements according to the area’s design guidelines. The LDDA also organizes events like the Downtown Farmers Curb Market.

Q: I’m new to Lakeland. What do I need to know?
A: Check out our Lakelander 101 guide. It’s full of need-to-know information on voter registration, school enrollment, utilities, and more. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Q: How can I get involved in local changes and decisions?
A: There are many ways to make your voice heard. Join City Commission hearings, LDDA meetings, public forums, and local boards to be a part of the conversation.

What other questions do you have about living in Lakeland? Drop them to us in this survey and we’ll do our best to answer them in the future.

What questions do you still have about life in Swan City?

TELL US WHAT YOU SWAN-NA KNOW 💭

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Friday, Feb. 17

Friday Night Live + Night Market | Friday, Feb. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Grab takeout from downtown restaurants, enjoy an outdoor concert by Proper Wednesday, and shop from local vendors.
Sixx L Sixx w/ One Stop Food Truck | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Start your weekend off with cold beer, cool music, and hot food truck bites.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Take flight at this musical based on the beloved children’s movie.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Black History Festival | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park and Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate Black History Month with dance performances, artisan vendors, and a neighborhood history walk.
Docent-Led Tour | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the museum’s featured exhibit on a tour with a local docent — registration is required.
Book Launch Party with Sofia Simpson | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Pressed Lakeland, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the release of the new young adult fantasy book “Terra, An Elemental Series” by a local author.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Highland Calf | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $45-$47 | Paint a cute cow on a canvas or wood plank to take home in this step-by-step class.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.

Saturday, Feb. 25

25th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs ... Legends Havin’ Fun 2023 Car Show | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Bring the family for an afternoon of car gazing + shopping as you cruise through the years when Imperial Mustangs of Polk County presents a generation of one of America’s ultimate sports cars.*

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

Weather

86º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Edu

The future is Ful-bright for these students. Florida Southern College has earned recognition as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for US Students, with six students and alumni selected for Fulbright awards this year. This year’s selected students are studying abroad in countries like Norway, Greece, and Thailand. 🎓 (The Ledger)
Florida Polytechnic University students will be able to enroll in two new degree programs — civil engineering and industrial engineering — starting this fall. Pro tip: Applications for the fall semester are due by Wednesday, March 1.

Ranked

No. 82. That’s what Publix Super Markets ranked on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Large Employers,” which ranks 500 companies based on recommendations from employees. DYK Publix is Lakeland’s largest private employer? See where Lakelanders are working on our list of top employers. (Forbes)

Shop

Are you ready to rock? The sixth Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market is scheduled for Sunday, March 26 at Swan Brewing. This free event will feature 50+ local vendors, artists, food trucks, and performers. See the full list of vendors here. 🤘

Watch

Lakeland’s new Aldi opened yesterday on South Florida Avenue, and we were some of the first in line to see what it had in store. Check out our inside look of the busy opening morning before your next grocery run. The store will now be open from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Kids

Snapology is offering spring break camps and activities for kids aged 2-14. Kids can learn coding, robotics, and more at camps lasting from a few hours to a full day. See more details on our list of local spring break activities. 🤖

Learn

Have you ever wanted to start your own food truck business? Tampa Bay Food Trucks — which hosts the monthly Lakeland Food Truck Rally — is holding a seminar on Sunday, Feb. 19 in Tampa. Learn the ins and outs of the industry, including how to buy a truck.

Show

Swan City Improv will return to Rec Room for its next First Friday show on March 3. The team will debut new show formats, including its signature family-friendly comedy. Tickets are now available — act fast, February’s show almost sold out.

Health

Did you know? Flu season in Florida spans from October to May — that’s why Lakeland Regional Health has two convenient Urgent Care locations. Whether it’s a cold, sore throat, minor burns, or the flu, the urgent care centers are there for you and your family, no appointment needed. 🩺 *

Community

There’s still time to get tickets for the 76th Annual Tiger BBQ. The community is invited to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 for BBQ + baseball. Learn more and grab tickets.*

Stat

One in five small businesses will fall victim to a cyber attack. Entrepreneurs and side hustlers: Check out these six ways to protect your biz. 🖥️ *

Sports

Super Bowl weekend may be over, but NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off today, Feb. 17. See the lineup of events — like this evening’s All-Star Celebrity Game and Sunday’s 72nd NBA All-Star Game — and get your hands on the limited edition All-Star merch before it sells out. 🏀 *

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

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Random Acts of Kindness Day

6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lakeland’s community

A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset

Show Lakeland a little extra kindness today. | Photo via @cathyannstokes

February is the season of love, but we’re adding kindness to the mix. Although today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, these acts can be performed any time of year.

Bring treats to work

Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. Pro tip: Donuts and brews from Charlie’s Mini Donuts and Coffee are a perfect pairing.

Help our furry friends

Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like the SPCA Florida. You can also donate monetarily or drop off blankets, toys, food, and supplies.

Volunteer with local organizations

Check out our growing list of organizations with local volunteer opportunities.

3 MORE WAYS TO BE KIND

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: I’m hoping for good weather this weekend, especially for tonight’s downtown market — I’ve got some shopping to do. If you’re out and about in Lakeland, be sure to tag us in your social media posts. We love to see what our readers are up to.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn Lakeland’s history with the Detroit Tigers and snag your spring training tickets, 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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