Plus, how to celebrate Earth Day.
04.21.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

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

Important Message
This is the official last call to take to take our brief product survey. We are working to ensure the content we deliver is relevant to you, and that’s why we’re inviting you to share your feedback with us. Once you’ve completed the survey, you’ll automatically be entered to win $500 cash; it’s our way of saying thanks. Take the survey.
 

🥾 It’s adventure time

Hiking guide for Lakeland
A man and woman running on a trail
Stretch your legs in the great outdoors. | Photo by @justrunfuller
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and marshes, our county has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Lakeland area with 13 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and the safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

A shaded, grassy hiking path winds through tall trees.

A good hike becomes a great hike when the path is shady.

|

Photo by @_kayleeholland

Gator Creek Reserve, 9725 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland
  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 7 combined miles — looped trails range from .23 miles-2.9 miles.
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required
With five walking trails and one equestrian trail, this reserve offers paths for everyone. The elevation change is 22 feet and one of the paths is paved, making this a great option for the whole family.

Colt Creek State Park, 16000 SR 471, Lakeland
  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 15+ combined miles
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required
This grassy, padded hike boasts cool breeze and shade if you catch it at the right time. The land was once home to rock mining, timber harvesting, citrus production, and even turpentining.

A brown and white owl looks to the right.

Hoo’s ready to see the wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve?

|

Photo by @rh_photoadventures

Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland
  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 5 combined miles
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: No
Spot sunbathing gators in Alligator Alley, watch for wildlife on Wading Bird Way, and practice your photography skills along the way or simply take in the fresh air.

Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd., Lakeland
  • Difficulty: 🥾🥾
  • Length: 3 miles per loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Pet-friendly: No
This water treatment area-turned-nature park is a must-see for locals. Wear proper shoes and bring enough water to stay hydrated — but leave your furry friends at home.
Try 9 more trails
Lakeland Regional Health
 
Events
Friday, April 21
  • Swan Brewing - 5th Anniversary Party Weekend | Friday, Apr. 21-Sunday, Apr. 23 | Times vary | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate Swan Brewing’s fifth anniversary with new beer releases, live music, food trucks, and more all weekend long.
  • LoveBird Birthday Party | Friday, Apr. 21 | 5-8 p.m. | LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, 2101 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate two years of this local eatery with giveaways, beer sampling, and special guest DJ Brandon Gomes.
  • Spring Pop-Up Series: NoxxKitchen | Friday, Apr. 21-Friday, May 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Enjoy Jamaican-inspired eats like jerk chicken on the Catapult patio.*
Saturday, April 22
  • SuperStar Sports Party | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 7-10 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $135 | Enjoy silent auctions, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary drinks at this night benefiting the Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship program.
  • Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
  • Record Store Day | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Jesse Carl Vinyl, 304 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Line up early to shop exclusive vinyl records, pre-owned music, and more at this annual event — items are first-come, first-served.
Sunday, April 23
  • “The Elixir of Love” | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | The Florida Southern College Opera Theatre and Orchestra are performing this charming comedy about unrequited love.
  • “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 2-5 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Watch this play about five southern women who rely on their friendship to get through the challenges of life.
Monday, April 24
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Apr. 24 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. c/o McQueen Marketing
 
News Notes
Edu
  • Florida Southern College student entrepreneurs won a piece of the $10,000 pie that was the 2023 Truist Business Plan Competition winnings. Tafika Tickets, owned by FSC junior Happyson Kaunda, took the first-place prize of $5,000.
Biz
Cause
Arts
  • Calling all emerging artists — your work could be featured in this year’s Arts & Rec! Program, which features local artists at Lakeland facilities like the Kelly Recreation Complex. Apply online by Sunday, April 23 to be considered for the upcoming exhibition. (LkldNow)
Deal
  • Buy a new book, get a free drink. That’s the deal you can get at Pressed Lakeland on Wednesday, April 26. Celebrate National Indie Bookstore Day all week long at the 2023 Lakeland Book Crawl — hint: Pressed is the third stop on the list, following Bookends and Inklings Book Shoppe.
Drink
  • Keel Farms’ cider is being served in Morocco — well, Morocco in EPCOT, that is. Visit the House of Mouse this weekend to try the Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider at Tangierine Cafe. Or, swing by the Plant City winery to see what else the biz is pouring this season.
Job
  • Citrus Connection is looking for summer interns. High school and college students can send in their resumes to apply — interns will gain experience in administration, finance, maintenance, IT, and more.
Shop
  • We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: This customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.
  • Celebrate Earth Day by supporting some of our Six & Main brands. Rainier Watch, a business inspired by mountains, gives a portion of its sales to organizations that protect National Parks, and Plant Based Candles allows customers to reuse the vessel as a planter with wildflower seeds included in each order.
Featured Deal
  • Your CBD Store is hosting a National Pet CBD Day promo at both Lakeland + Winter Haven locations today where all pet products are “Buy 3, Get the 4th item free.” Come in and prepare for the summer showers and firework events —your fur-babies will thank you. Snag the deal.*
Holiday
  • Demain, c’est le Jour de la Terre. Cet événement mondial a été fondé en 1970 par un sénateur des États-Unis qui avait été témoin d’une terrible marée noire. Le Jour de la Terre est désormais célébré par plus d’un milliard de personnes dans 193 pays autour du globe. Translate this news with Babbel (currently offering 55% off lessons) in The Wrap at the bottom of our newsletter.*
Travel
  • Sun-kissed Caribbean paradise or steep streets and golden shores? Starting in May, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will add Ponce, Puerto Rico + San Francisco, CA to the destinations offered via Frontier Airlines.*
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.*
 
Seasonal

🌎 Go planet, it’s (almost) your Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day in Lakeland
earth-day.jpg
EarthDay.org also has resources for how to celebrate Earth Day year-round. | Photo via Pexels
Shoutout to planet Earth for keeping us all grounded. Let’s celebrate.

Saturday, April 22 marks Earth Day — an annual holiday that is celebrated by more than a billion people across 193 countries. This year’s campaign is “Invest In Our Planet,” and to help you do so, EarthDay.org has a plethora of resources that can help you get involved on local, national, and global levels. A few of our favorites include:
Interested in volunteering with a local environmental org in honor of Earth Day? Look no further than Bonnet Springs Park and Polk County Environmental Lands Program.
Earth Day facts
Answered

We asked how often you’d like to see games in the newsletter — here’s what you said:

A crossword shows the answers to a poll.

We polled our readers on their puzzle preferences.

|

Graphic via 6AM City

29% responded “Once a week” and “Not interested.” 26% opted for puzzles on an occasional basis, with big puzzle fans bringing up the rear with 15% of votes. It’s not too late — tell us your puzzle preferences.
The Wrap
 
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Rilee
Holiday, translated: Tomorrow is Earth Day. The global holiday dates back to 1970, when it was spearheaded by a US senator who witnessed an oil spill first hand. Now, it’s observed by 1+ billion people across 193 countries. Brush up on your French skills with a subscription to Babbel (currently 55% off exclusively for LALtoday readers).*

From the editor
Happy Friday, Lakeland. Check out our guide to the perfect weekend.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We talked about expert-approved munchies.
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Subscribe     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY