Who’s eligible for a tree?

How does it work?

• Bald cypress
• Crape myrtle
• Dahoon holly
• Live oak
• Nellie R. Stevens holly
• Red crape myrtle
• Sweetbay magnolia

What’s my responsibility?

• Planting the tree on your property in the spot you designated online — somewhere clear of overhead power lines and other obstructions
• Caring for the tree
• Calling 811 before planting to avoid hitting anything underground

What’s the impact?

• 512,951 trees planted
• 342,645 homeowners participated

• 6.6 million pounds of air pollutants will be absorbed
• 809 million kilowatt-hours of energy will be saved
• 195.1 billion pounds of carbon will be sequestered
• $260 million will be generated in energy and community benefits
• 8.9 billion gallons of storm water will be filtered

• Spring Pop-Up Series: Baking Brewer | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Treat yourself to savory brunch items, like breakfast sandwiches, infused with craft beer.
• Trivia Night | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas at Union Taproom while showing off your general trivia knowledge.

• Access Art: Special Needs | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Individuals of varying abilities, guardians, and caretakesr are invited to create and discuss art with specially trained educator and artist Tinia Clark.
• Jellybean Jubilee 2023 | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Join this annual spring celebration for crafts, face painting, and bounce houses — an egg hunt starts at 5 p.m.

• Easter Bunny Brunch | Friday, Apr. 7 | 10-11 a.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Call to reserve your spot at this free brunch with the Easter Bunny.
• Breastfeeding Support Group | Friday, Apr. 7 | 9-10 a.m. | CJB United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Learn breastfeeding tips from a lactation facilitator and connect with other expectant, breastfeeding, and pumping moms.

• Hernando Audubon Birding Trip | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 8-11 a.m. | Lake Parker Park, 910 Granada St., Lakeland | Free | Join this birdwatching field trip to see songbirds, egrets, and more — meet at Gate 1, beyond the boat ramp.
• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

• Easter Sunrise Service | Sunday, Apr. 9 | 7-10 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | Free | Celebrate Easter at the Gardens for seasonal compositions performed by Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, an Easter message, bagpipes, and more — gates open at 6 a.m.
• Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Apr. 9 | 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.

• A new self-storage facility was approved by Lakeland city commissioners on Monday, April 3. The 94,000-sqft facility on Harden Boulevard will feature 700 units. To make it more compatible with the surrounding area, developers have agreed to increase the landscaping buffer, eliminate RV and boat slots, and more. (LkldNow + The Ledger)

• Nominations are now open for the 2023 Polk Arts & Culture Awards. If you know an artist who has significantly contributed to the arts community of Polk County, nominate them here by Thursday, April 20. An awards ceremony will be held this October at Bonnet Springs Park.

• A pair of Florida Southern College students were included on Poets&Quants’ list of the 100 Best and Brightest Undergraduate Business Majors of 2023. Katie Sharp + Alex Blankinship, both involved with the school’s Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, made the list. (The Ledger)

• Head to Barnett Family Park (near Hollis Garden) on Saturday, April 15 for the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s Annual Reading Festival. The 9 a.m.-1 p.m. festivities are free to attend — bring the whole family for themed book tents, crafts, free books, live music, and live readings.

• SPCA Florida is looking for foster families willing to provide short-term stays to currently un-homed dogs and cats. Learn more about the program at the SPCA’s Foster Open House on Saturday, April 15 from 1-3 p.m. at SPCA Florida (5850 Brannen Rd. S.).

• Lakeside Village’s Second Sunday Artisan Market returns on Sunday, May 14, which happens to be Mother’s Day. The market is looking for participating vendors — email the team to inquire about selling your artisan goods.

• The 44th Mayfaire 5K is happening on Saturday, May 13 at Lake Mirror. The race operates in conjunction with the annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival, which draws thousands of visitors to the shores of Lake Morton annually. Registration closes on Wednesday, May 10.

• Calling all live music fans. The Back Nine Downtown shared its lineup of live performers for April. Stop by each Monday from 7-10 p.m. to hear Adam Whelchel, Shaun Hopper, and Black Satin on April 10, 17, and 24, respectively. If you’re interested in performing live, contact the team.

• Hana Tea House launched a brand new menu — stop by today from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. to try something fresh for yourself. City Editor Rilee is eyeing the Evergreen, and City Editor Connor plans to try the Sunny Day.

• Love Jamaican food? Try Catapult kitchen member Jackie Tate’s Jamaican-inspired dishes like jerk chicken + coconut sweet corn rice every Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. now through May 19. Jackie’s business, NoxxKitchen, is one of five entrepreneurial food businesses featured at Catapult’s Lunch Pop-Up series. See the schedule.*

• Shopping for Easter? Publix has everything you need to host a dinner in no time. Pro tip: Those looking for a ready-to-eat meal, can order a Boneless Ham Dinner, complete with sweet sliced ham, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and Marshmallow Delight.*

• Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love: The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.