What you need to know about the fly-in
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Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.
 

Eyes to the skies, Lakeland

SUN ‘n FUN is flying back in to Lakeland
Fireworks explode in the night sky over several parked fighter jets at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace expo.
Sparks are sure to fly at the 51st anniversary of this expo. | Photo by Raimo Roonet
Strap in and prepare for your annual dose of G-force fun. SUN ‘n FUN is back, taking place from Tuesday, March 28-Sunday, April 2 at the Expo Campus (4075 James C. Ray Dr.). Entering its 49th year, the event has grown into one of the largest aviation events ever.

Within the Sunshine State, it reigns as the largest annual convention of any kind, drawing in over 200,000 visitors. The aviation exhibition showcases hundreds of aircraft, a trade show, 500+ exhibitors, a career fair, and airshows.

If you’re planning to attend this year’s expo, here’s what you need to know:

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B-25 Mitchell medium-range bomber, circa 1991

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Photo via Florida Memory

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1983 “Cricket”, World’s smallest airplane, circa 1990

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Photo via Florida Memory

  • This year, a C-5 Galaxy — the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory — will be on display.
  • Waco Kitchen (located inside Lakeland Linder International Airport) has a special SUN ‘n FUN menu, featuring customer favorites and new seasonal dishes. Reservations are highly encouraged.
  • Calling all “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” fans — an F-14 will be on display along with an F-18 and Tom Cruise impersonator.
Is there something we missed that’s bringing you to the expo this year? Share it with us and be sure to tag us in your photos next week.
QUIZ

How much money did sports bettors wager between January and November of 2022? (Source: Forbes)
A. $10 billion
B. $31 billion
C. $54 billion
D. $68 billion
E. $83 billion
F. $103 billion

Congratulations to Wendy A. for winning a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main. Did you know you could be our next winner? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to score a gift card!
Answer here
Publix
 
Events
Monday, March 20
  • Alzheimer Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Monday, Mar. 20 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Schalamar Creek Clubhouse, Garden Room, 4500 US Hwy. 92, Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the third Monday of each month.
  • Give Back Monday: Chase Sanctuary | Monday, Mar. 20 | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Your dinner can make a difference — a portion of proceeds from the Tasting Room will go to Chase Sanctuary for animals.
Tuesday, March 21
  • Fun Run & Music Bingo w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Take part in a fun run before enjoying tacos and beer while playing music bingo.
  • Lakeland Magic vs. Long Island Nets | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | The Magic give back to the community in this Hoops for Hunger game — the first 1,000 fans in the door get a replica jersey.
Wednesday, March 22
  • The Guess Who | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $44-$86 | This classic rock band brings its top 40 hits like “American Woman” to Lakeland.
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
Orlando International Airport
 
News Notes
Weather
  • 69º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Number
  • 2.2 million. That’s how many acres of land are on the 2023 Florida Forever Priority List to acquire for conservation. Six Polk County properties made the list: Bombing Range Ridge, the Lake Hatchineha Watershed, Catfish Creek, Wilson Ranch, Old Town Creek Watershed, and 161,000 additional acres of the Green Swamp. (The Ledger)
Biz
Civic
  • Tax season is here, and that means you may see longer-than-normal lines at the Tax Collector service center. According to Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County, you can skip these lines by paying your property taxes online. The deadline for timely payments is Friday, March 31.
Edu
  • The 2023 Roundtable of Entrepreneurship Educators of Florida (REEF) Governor’s Cup was held earlier this month at Florida Southern College (FSC). Brooke Lierman, an FSC junior, won third place and $1,500 after presenting her invention: The OverTheShoulder alert device. (LkldNow)
Sports
  • Southeastern University’s men’s track and field team made history last week when it claimed its first NAIA National Championship. And that’s not all. The school’s baseball team is currently ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, with 27 wins and only one loss. Go Fire. (The Ledger)
Shop
  • Wondering what to expect from downtown Lakeland’s Spring Night Market on Saturday, March 25? Over 100 vendors have been confirmed, including familiar names like NoxxKitchen, Our Noire Kitchen, East Of These, Lugo’s Craft Distillery, The Crepe Company, and Mimi’s Italian Ice, to name a few.
  • Scout & Tag is hosting a Spring Shop and Hop event on Friday, April 7 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. “Hop” between Scout & Tag, Rafa Natural, and Take Heart Africa all day for giveaways, gifts with purchases, and food and drinks.
Kids
  • Young bookworms, rejoice. The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Florida Children’s Museum from Saturday, March 25-Friday, March 31. The fair will be open from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, with the exception of Sunday, March 26 when it will close early at 2:30 p.m.
The Word
  • Colorectal cancer. Encompassing both colon and rectal cancer, colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancers in the US. Get answers from Watson Clinic’s Gastroenterology department to four frequently asked questions about colorectal cancer — including symptoms, risk factors, early detection, and more.*
Eat
  • It’s Meatless Monday. See how good meatless meals can be with these recipes for a Veggie Burger Bowl or Penne Pasta (with homemade pasta sauce, kale, and bread crumbs). Bonus: Both dinners can be made in 30 minutes or less.*
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.*
Shop
  • If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
Seasonal
Watson Clinic
 
Seasonal

🌱 Spring has sprung

Spring equinox in Lakeland, FL
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We’re ready for warmer temperatures and added daylight. | Photo via Pexels
Today marks the spring equinox (aka the first day of Spring).

Technically speaking, it’s the day that the sun crosses the Earth’s equator from the Southern Hemisphere into the Northern Hemisphere. The shift marks the astronomical start of spring and days will become “longer” because there will be more time between sunrise and sunset.

Looking to celebrate the season? Head to our events page to see community events happening this week and beyond. If you’re up for spending some time outside, our parks guide will point you in the right direction — whether it’s for a lunchtime stroll or an evening run.

If you’re in the mood for some spring cleaning, here are the essentials we recommend:

🧽 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

💧 Microfiber cleaning cloths

🧹 Duster kit

🍓 Refrigerator organizer bins

🧼 Spinning scrubber brush

Bonus: Hire a cleaning professional to tidy up your humble abode.
The Wrap
 
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s Edition By:
Rilee
From the Editor
Happy Monday, Lakeland. Kick off your week with a happy hour, class, or tour around Swan City.
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