Today’s Forecast

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

You’ve got our attention, and we’re excited to receive your feedback. | Photo by Ash Photography

Having our newsletter be a part of your morning routine excites us.

Nothing gets us more fired up than delivering the most relevant news about our city. It’s important to us to fill the newsletter with information you truly care about. It’s our job to encourage you to explore other local zip codes, experience new things to do, and learn about the community around you.

This is a special time for us. It’s the one time a year when we ask you what topics and events you are most interested in, as a way to ensure we deliver the best content to you first thing every morning. In order to do that, we need to hear from you.

Let us know what you look forward to and what you want to see more of in the newsletter by taking our brief survey.

Here are the types of questions you can expect:

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Everything you share with us helps our team deliver the most relevant information about our city.

Now, let’s get to the money…

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Events

Friday, April 7

First Friday: Dog Days Downtown | Friday, Apr. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Bring Fido for some First Friday fun, including a pet lookalike contest, pet parade, and dog agility demonstrations.
April First Friday Show | Friday, Apr. 7 | 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with this comedy team as they use audience suggestions for both a family-friendly and 21+ show.
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.
Spring Pop-Up Series: NoxxKitchen | Friday, April 7 | 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.*

Saturday, April 8

Lakeland Family YMCA Easter Ride | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 8-8:45 a.m. | Lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Kick off your Easter weekend with a group cycling ride at the Lakeland YMCA.
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.

Sunday, April 9

Easter Sunday w/ John Frinzi & Best Dressed Eggs | Sunday, Apr. 9 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Adults can hunt for eggs at 3 p.m., kids can smash a piñata at 4 p.m., and Best Dressed Eggs will be serving food all afternoon.
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.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

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Civic

🍃 A conversation with law enforcement about CBD, Delta-9, and hemp

Hometown Hero is asking the questions we all want to know the answers to. | Photo by Hometown Hero

As 4/20 approaches, Hometown Hero is asking law enforcement all the need-to-know questions about the legalities of CBD, Delta-9, and hemp.

Questions like:

Can police testing kits tell the difference between marijuana and hemp-derived THC?
Have K9 units adapted to hemp legalization?
What could you expect if you get pulled over with a bag of gummies?

Partaking? Get a free sample in time for 4/20 if you order by April 9.*

Watch the eye-opening conversation

Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read the company’s terms & conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume Delta-9 before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LALtoday.

News Notes

Civic

Polk county commissioners appointed 11 members to the Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC) on Tuesday, April 4. CLASAC will advise on the purchase of conservation lands like Circle B Bar Reserve, which was purchased through a similar program that started in 1994. (The Ledger)
The results are in for multiple municipal elections in Plant City and Polk County. Cities like Bartow, Haines City, and Fort Meade asked constituents to vote on city commissioners and amendments. (Bay News 9)

Lakelander

Lakeland Regional Health honored Bill and Kathy Pou as its Philanthropists of the Year and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd as the Advocate of the Year in a ceremony at Polk Theatre on Tuesday, April 4. Bill and Kathy donated funds for a new psychiatric unit in 2022. (The Ledger)

Cause

Parker Street Ministries is hosting Taking Victory to the Streets — a fundraising event where community members, donors, and volunteers can support the nonprofit. Register online to attend the free breakfast or free dinner and enjoy a day of philanthropy. Individual tickets and whole tables are available.

Feel Good

Florida Rural Legal Services is helping Polk County residents in need. The organization received $750,000 to disperse among Polk residents who have fallen behind on their bills due to the pandemic. Interested individuals can apply online for up to $12,000 in assistance. (Fox 13 News)

Sports

Polk State Head Baseball Coach Al Corbeil celebrated his 419th career victory — making him the winningest coach in Polk State College history. Coach Corbeil is in his 13th season with the Eagles, who are playing against Hillsborough Community College today at 1 p.m.

Learn

David Magee, author of “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss,” is speaking at SEU’s Social Work Community Night on Tuesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. Attend the free event in person or watch the live stream — social workers and counselors can get continuing education units.

Shop

Mark your calendar for Friday, April 14 — the Dixieland Night Market is taking place from 6-11 p.m. at 1023 S. Florida Ave. Shop from local artisans, artists, and makers while enjoying live music at Union Hall and The Pink Piano.

Kids

This year’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake festival has something new in store for young art admirers: The Kids Collect tent, where artists will be selling work at “nominal prices.” And, for something more hands-on, kids can participate in free art activities and crafts. (The Ledger)

Florida

A Florida woman recently captured a once-in-a-lifetime sight on camera: A bobcat sneakily stalking an alligator across a Polk County road. The big cat eventually lost interest, instead sitting under a shady tree, and the gator made it safely to the pond. See it for yourself. (WFLA)

Travel

Oh, Canada. Orlando International Airport (MCO) just announced a new nonstop flight to (drumroll, please) Hamilton, Ontario. For context, Hamilton is about halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls. The Swoop Airlines route begins on Sunday, May 6. Check out our guide to MCO.

Health

Want to take charge of your health? Simple habits and preventive appointments can make all the difference. Get a checkup or book the appointment you’ve been putting off with one of Lakeland Regional Health’s 270+ providers spread across 18 locations.*

Biz

ICYMI, on March 23, Catapult hosted its Launch Pitch Night, where five entrepreneurial finalists pitched their businesses to win up to a $10,000 grant. The results: The judges were so impressed with each pitch that every finalist received funding. See the winners (and their biz ideas).*

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — coastal, lavish, or off the beaten path? For something coastal, check out these stunning oceanfront views in Hilton Head, SC. For a lavish stay, you’ll love this award-winning vacation home in Palm Springs, CA. And for something off the beaten path, peep this modern cabin with views of Mount Rainier, WA.

Kids

A family’s guide to LAL

Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park. | Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography

Polk County Public School students have no classes today. Looking to keep the kids entertained on their day off? We have you covered with this list of 20 kid-friendly activities around the 863.

All about the arts

Picassoz, 4636 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Stop by this walk-in art studio and help your little one create a work of art.

Great outdoors

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This new 180-acre adventure park has more than 1.75 miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands.

Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tie up your sneakers and explore 8.5 miles of scenic trails.

Animal encounters

Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Untouched natural spaces and trails lead to sights where you can appreciate wildlife and waterfront views.

Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd.
Bird-watch on the Great Florida Birding Trail to escape from the city bustle.

15 more activities this way

Shoutout

Shoutout to my best friend. I’m so happy for you and Mark and look forward to your wedding this summer! — Andrea H.

This could be your shoutout here, but you haven’t joined our LALtoday membership program yet. We can change that. — LALtoday team

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. Become a LALtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.

Become a member, get benefits

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

Looking for an Easter egg hunt this weekend? Check out Lakeland Mom’s list for events in Lakeland and surrounding cities like Winter Haven, Bartow, and Plant City.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We gave you our hotpot how-to’s and shared our experience eating at Fire Hotpot & BBQ.

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