Plus, $4.9 million for Polk sidewalk projects
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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.

 

Important Message

Great news for locals: Share good, local news with your neighbors on Nextdoor and be entered for a chance to win $500 cash. Now, through Monday, May 8, share a favorite story using the “Share on Nextdoor” icon online, and you’ll be entered to win. Learn more.
 

🐛 Your guide to the Lakeland Book Crawl

Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl

Little Bus Books mobile bookshop
Read up on where to get new reads during the Lakeland Book Crawl. | Photo by @littlebusbooks
Independent bookstore owners throughout Swan City are joining forces to bring Lakelanders the second Lakeland Book Crawl in honor of National Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 29.

Follow along with the map (designed by Danielle Douglin) to find deals at each store sporting the signature bookworm (designed by Bump Galletta). Pro tip: Enter a giveaway for gift cards to all six participating sellers by scanning the QR code at each store.

A digital map showing stops on the Lakeland Book Crawl

Use this map to plot your perfect bookstore crawl.

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Design by Danielle Douglin, provided by Pressed

Monday, April 24

Bookends Used Books, 5100 US Hwy. 98 N., Ste. 4 | 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Get 30% off your purchase, excluding classics.

Tuesday, April 25

Inklings Book Shoppe, 2120 S. Combee Rd. | 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Enjoy 10% off and a free children’s book with every purchase, plus a signing with authors Luna Laurier and Jackie Sonnenburg from 12-4 p.m.

Interior of Pressed Books with books on shelves and tables

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the “LKLD Local” section at Pressed.

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Photo by LALtoday

Wednesday, April 26

Pressed, 213 E. Bay St. | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Every book purchase earns you a free drink — we recommend an iced chai latte.

Thursday, April 27

Crash Bookshop, 3125 Bartow Rd. | 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | All new books will be available for 10% off.

Friday, April 28

The Unbound Bookery, 1026 S. Florida Ave. | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Enjoy 20% off at this antique and vintage bookstore.

Little Bus Books, 1047 E. Main St. | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Half of all proceeds will go towards buying Spanish books for a local senior care facility, and author Irisjan Pereles will be a featured guest from 4-7 p.m.

Saturday, April 29

The fun doesn’t stop there. Celebrate National Independent Bookstore Day with a full day of fun activities at Pressed, a signing with Elise Kova at Inklings Book Shoppe from 3-4 p.m., and a visit from Bombae Tea & Treats at Little Bus Books.
 
Events
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.
  • Spring Pop-Up Series: Salavate Pasta | Monday, Apr. 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Grab lunch on the Catapult patio from these chefs specializing in fresh pasta, focaccia sandwiches, and more.
Tuesday, April 25
  • Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.
  • Fun Run, Music Bingo & SB&B Food Truck | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Lace up your shoes for a run with Fleet Feet before relaxing with a game of music bingo.
Wednesday, April 26
  • State of the County 2023 | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 8-10:30 a.m. | Polk State College Center for Public Safety, 251 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven | Free | Hear local updates and insights from leaders in government, health, and education.
  • Trivia Night | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 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.
Thursday, April 27
  • Creating Stunning Garden Containers | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $25 | Learn to create a garden container at this workshop hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
  • LCS Spring Choir Concert | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Christian School, Sligh Center, 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland | Free | See student vocalists from the choral department perform in their annual Spring Choir Concert event.*
Plan your week
Click here to have your event featured.
News Notes
Sports
  • The Florida Tropics soccer team has announced that they will not play their next season at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center, citing the city’s rent increases. Their departure comes after the Lakeland Magic also decided to play elsewhere in Florida. (LkldNow)
Civic
  • County officials will end recycling pickup for residents of unincorporated Polk County (read: Those with black and yellow trash bins) in October 2024 . Lakeland residents with green bins won’t be affected by the change. Pro tip: Keep an eye on your mailbox for more information coming soon. (LkldNow)
  • The Polk County Tax Collector’s office has partnered with First Lakeland Tag Agency (4130 S. Florida Ave.) to offer vehicle registration services. Starting today, you can walk in or make an appointment Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday.
Cause
  • Could you brave the Ten Story Challenge? This annual fundraiser for Pace Center for Girls is coming up on Friday, May 5. By raising at least $500 for Pace, community members can rappel down the Lakeland Electric building with help from Over The Edge experts. (The Ledger)
Number
  • $4.9 million. That’s how much Rep. Darren Soto has requested in federal Community Project Funding to add 7+ miles of sidewalks in eastern Polk County. The sidewalks will be focused near Polk schools and bus stops. (The Ledger)
Edu
  • Lakeland Regional Health’s seventh Project SEARCH class graduates today. The program prepares students ages 18-22 with varying abilities for highly skilled jobs upon graduation — and each student in this year’s class has already secured a job.
Arts
  • A piece by Lakeland photographer Scott Audette was chosen for display at City Arts (39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando). Take a trip to see the “Alice in Wonderland"-inspired underwater photo through Sunday, May 14. Pro tip: If you really love it, it’s available for purchase.
Biz
  • Need a fresh cut? The Hideout Barber Studio has moved to a new address: 4404 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 6C (across the street from Cafe Zuppina). You can now make an appointment for a haircut, beard trim, and more at the new location.
Shop
  • Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14. Treat mom to a gift bundle from Ivy Floral Studio and From Beverly Bakery. This bundle includes a lemon layer cake and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Orders close Sunday, April 30.
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.*
Older Adults
  • Every Monday is “Senior Monday” at Your CBD Store. Customers 55+ can enjoy 20% off their entire purchase (including topical creams, oils, gummies, pet products + more). Learn more.*
Drink
  • Hydration is key this time of year. Need to buy some water that will actually make you want to drink water? Meet Hint and use code 6AMCITY for over 45% off. (Hint: We love the Watermelon and Peach Raspberry flavors.)*
Travel
Holiday
  • Get excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our online shop (Six & Main). Cheers with this Margarita Bundle from Simple Times Mixers, and treat your taste buds with Sobremesa, a small-batch mole and salsa company.
 
Civic

We’ve got history

Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees

A historic home built in 1925 with a white picket fence, brick walls, and small trees.
The home at 401 W. Peachtree St. could be moved or torn down to make way for apartments. | Screenshot via Google Maps
When we shared the news of a vacant 1925 home that could be removed for a new multifamily housing development, many of our readers expressed an interest in preserving Lakeland’s historic homes.

One way to get involved is to apply online for the city’s Historic Preservation Board, which is currently seeking one new member. The board promotes the preservation of historic structures and sites and oversees design guidelines in historic districts.

The city is seeking an architect, realtor, property owner, or other Lakelander with an interest or experience in historic preservation for the position.

Interested in serving on another board? There are currently eight vacancies on five committees — click below to learn more.
Get on board
The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor
Do you think you could take on the Ten Story Challenge? Check out our video from atop the Lakeland Electric building to watch when Mayor Mutz and more community members went over the edge last year. If you want to donate, it looks like Pace is about halfway to its $80,500 goal.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Take a hike — no, really — at these 13 local hiking destinations.
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