Today's Note

Please excuse our dust. We're currently working to bring you an even better newsletter. Over the next couple weeks, you may see some things that are still in the works. We're excited for you to see what we've been up to.

News worth shouting

Have exciting news? Get ready to shout it out in the newsletter. | Photo provided by 6AM City

We’re sharing exciting news with our LALtoday family. We’ve launched a new shoutout section in our newsletter just for you.

We’re offering our most passionate and loyal readers (yep, that’s you) the opportunity to support local journalism through our LALtoday membership program, where you’ll gain exclusive access to have your voice included in the newsletter.

Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Lakeland. All you have to do is submit your shoutout, and we will take it from there. Already a LALtoday member? Go ahead and send an email to secure your shoutout now.

Other membership perks include exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts + discounts in our online shop (Six & Main).

In addition to offering membership benefits, we genuinely just love giving you the scoop on the newest restaurants, the coolest events, detailing the city’s history, digging into the latest real estate deals, and keeping you up-to-date on developments around town.

Your membership fee of only $50 will go towards keeping our newsletter hyper-local and supporting our local editors. We’re also donating 10% of memberships annually to a local philanthropic cause.

We can’t thank you enough for your continued readership and support. Ready to take your love for LALtoday to the next level? There’s a shoutout with your name on it waiting for you…

Join Today

Shoutout

Welcome to the family, puppy pancake! We didn’t rescue you. You rescued us!
- Donna G.

Want to make a shoutout?

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Events

Friday, March 17

Spring Pop-Up Series: NoxxKitchen | Friday, Mar. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy Jamaican-inspired eats like jerk chicken on the Catapult patio.*
Spring Piano Concert | Friday, Mar. 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Fellowship Baptist Church, 4625 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Join Eileen Sutton for a concert of classical, sacred, and contemporary piano music.
Bartow Citrus Roundup Pro Rodeo | Friday, Mar. 17-Saturday, Mar. 18 | 7-10 p.m. | Bartow Ag Center Horse Arena, 1702 Hwy. 17 S., Bartow | $16-$20 | This isn’t their first rodeo — watch the professional PRCA cowboys and cowgirls compete at this action-packed rodeo.

Saturday, March 18

Discovery Bags | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Children can check out a Discovery Bag filled with unique books and hands-on activities to enjoy around the park.
Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.
Chase Dixon | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 7-10 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Listen to the musical stylings of Chase Dixon while pouring your own drinks at Union Taproom.

Sunday, March 19

Cookie Concert | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Florida Southern College, Branscomb Auditorium, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | Free | Take part in family activities like an instrument petting zoo before solving a musical mystery and enjoying Publix cookies.
Misty Hike | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Paint your own canvas with a mountain and flower design with friends and refreshments.
Live Music: Melissa Lee | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 12:30-4:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Enjoy live acoustic music while you grab lunch and a locally made glass of wine or cider.

Thursday, March 23

Launch Pitch Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Come experience Catapult’s version of Shark Tank as finalists pitch their business and answer judges’ questions in an effort to win a $10,000 Launch Micro Grant.*

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.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ More Events

News Notes

Weather

85º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Development

The City Planning and Zoning Board will vote next week on whether to approve a zoning change that will allow the Lakeland Family YMCA to move forward with a planned $21 million expansion. If approved, the YMCA also plans to expand health and wellness, youth sports, and summer camp programs. (LkldNow)

Film

Watch a screening of the documentary “Path of the Panther” followed by a panel discussion with its filmmakers at the Polk Theatre tomorrow, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. The film, which promotes the Florida Wildlife Corridor, will also be shown Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at 6:30 p.m. (The Ledger)

Arts

The Polk Museum of Art has announced the Featured Poster Artist for Mayfaire by-the-Lake: Alex Lanier, a Harrison School for the Arts graduate and award-winning artist. Mayfaire by-the-Lake, an annual outdoor art festival, is scheduled for Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14 around Lake Morton.

Biz

Publix shoppers may have noticed a change in custom meat counters in stores over the past few years. While some locations still offer the service, others have turned to grab-and-go meals, pre-wrapped meats, or online ordering for custom cuts. (The Ledger)

Civic

Lynn Wilson, a Winter Haven resident and former Polk County School Board member, has filed to run for a Florida House District 48 seat. Lynn has taught at his alma mater, Polk State College, for the past 30 years. Other candidates currently include Chad Davis and Kenny Hartpence. (The Ledger)

Learn

Here’s your sign. Brooks Law Group is offering free American Sign Language classes to the public. The classes will take place on Monday nights in April from 5:30-6:15 p.m. at the firm’s main office (123 1st St. N., Winter Haven) — send an email to register.

Holiday

Easter is coming up on Sunday, April 9. Honeycomb Bread has opened Easter pre-orders for baked goods, including lemon poppy pound cake and hot crossed buns. Can’t wait for a sweet treat? Visit Honeycomb’s booth at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market tomorrow from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Drink

How about a cup with your cut? Venue Salon (5035 South Lakeland Dr.) is now offering clients a cinnamon-churro latte so you can sip while they style. Make an appointment online.

Eat

It must be the luck of the Irish. Grillsmith is serving up traditional corned beef and cabbage simmered in Guinness beer to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Hurry in for this special — today is its last day on the menu.

Deal

Stop by Ole Tampa Cubans (4525 S. Florida Ave.) Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. for this deal: Buy one half traditional Cuban sandwich, and get another one free. Consider our dinner plans made.

Asked

We’re in the mood to party like it’s our birthday. Know of any birthday freebies or discounts from local spots? Let us know so we can add them to our upcoming roundup.

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. *

Finance

A cash back card so good, even the experts had to have it. (Hint: Features include up to 5% cash back, a big sign-up bonus, and no annual fee.) See what it is.*

Number

$241. That’s the real price of a round trip ticket from Boston to Barcelona sold this year via Going — a travel membership that alerts you when flight prices drop. Sign up for a free membership or try an Elite membership for free if you’re interested in business and first class tickets, too.

Holiday

🍀 It’s your lucky day

Three girls in green at a St. Patrick's Day street party

Don’t forget to wear green to avoid any pinches today. | Photo by @chaselyndunn

Sláinte. Today is St. Patrick’s Day — celebrate with these events in and around Lakeland.

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave.
Order traditional dishes like shepherd’s pie and corned beef, available today and tomorrow. Molly’s will also host a street party on Saturday, March 18 at 9 p.m. with live music and drinks.

Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
Grab a pint of green beer while Aggie Road Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Fat Maggie’s food truck will be on site with a special menu of Irish-inspired dishes.

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Attend the final performance of the Florida Carillon Festival today at 3 p.m. to hear Celtic music by carillonneur John Widmann.

Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven
Enjoy live music by Just Fun Celtic, wear the most green to win a spirit contest, and feast on Union Pizza and green drinks on tap.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Connor

From the Editor

Anyone else not quite sure what to do with this weekend’s weather? I’m just hoping the rain holds off so I can spend all day downtown tomorrow — I plan on hitting the farmers market in the morning and the St. Patrick’s Day block party at night.

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