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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.

Food

🥨 Expert-approved munchies for 4/20

Presented by Hometown Hero

Hometown Hero is spilling the beans on the best snacks to pair with 4/20 festivities. | Photo provided by Hometown Hero

If you’re partaking in 4/20 festivities today (safely, of course), here are five expert-approved snacks to make (or to order on your fave food delivery app… because, let’s be honest, we’re not leaving the couch today), courtesy of the pros at Hometown Hero CBD.

🍣 Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a type of acid found in fats and oils that offer all sorts of benefits. They’re a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning.

Additionally, research shows that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert omega-3 fatty acids into endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate vital functions such as memory, appetite, sleep, temperature, emotional processing, and much more. (More on the science around that here.)

Foods rich in Omega-3s include:

Salmon, oysters, mackerel, and anchovies (sushi, anyone?)
Walnuts
Peanut butter
Soybeans
Flaxseed and chia seeds (hello, smoothie bowl)

🍫 Chocolate

Before gummies came into the spotlight, the humble brownie was the most iconic cannabis edible — and for a good reason too. With its sweetness and deep earthy undertones, chocolate does a spot-on job of covering up any “meh” grassy aftertaste.

But there’s another benefit: Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) is rich in anandamide, an endocannabinoid that gets its name from the Sanskrit word “Ananda,” which means “happiness” or “bliss.”

Snacks on snacks on snacks.
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Photo by Christian Kaye Photography via Hometown Hero

🥭 Mangoes

Ever wonder where plants get their smell? (Stay with us here.) Through naturally occurring compounds called terpenes.

Mangoes are rich in a terpene called myrcene, which may help transport cannabinoids into the brain. Plus, this terpene may help the transdermal absorption of cannabinoids too — AKA help topical Delta-8 products absorb through the skin.

Keep reading for two more ideal munchies — and snag Hometown Hero’s bonus offer of a free sample, offered today only for our readers.*

2 more ideal munchies

This content was created in partnership with Hometown Hero CBD. Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read the company’s terms and 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.

Asked

What’s the origin of the “4/20" holiday?

A. 420 is the number of active chemical compounds in marijuana.
B. 420 is police code for marijuana violations.
C. The location of Denver Interstate mile marker 420.
D. 420 is what you get if you multiply 12 by 35, the numbers from the title of the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35.”
E. 4:20 is the time when a group of teens from California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station.

Puff, puff, guess

See the correct answer in The Wrap.

Events

Thursday, April 20

Polk @ Nite | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $15-$80 | See the museum’s newest exhibit while enjoying small bites by Sabu Ramen and drinks by Cob & Pen at this cocktail party.
Lecture Series: Buffalo Soldiers — “Those Men That Came Before” | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn about these historic soldiers from historian and re-enactor Richard Wilder, president of the Buffalo Soldiers Florida, Inc.
Contemporary Band Concert | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Bush Chapel, Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Hear student-written and student-produced music performed live by Southeastern University’s premiere popular music ensemble.

Friday, April 21

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.
“The Elixir of Love” | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:30-9:30 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.

Saturday, April 22

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.
Big and Little Chef: Pancake Breakfast | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 10 a.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $80 | Help your young chef create classic breakfast dishes that upgrade the regular pancake to something fun.
It’s Hip to be Square: Yoga Warrior Poses | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 112 E. Pine St., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Attend this yoga workshop in person or virtually to learn warrior poses.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

City commissioners approved two new multifamily developments on Lake Wire in Monday’s meeting: Peachtree Flats and Lake Wire Apartments. Construction on another development, Prospect Lake Wire, is also underway in this area. (LkldNow)

Number

7,000. That’s how many wishes Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida has granted. Its 7,000th wish will go to Cooper, a four-year-old battling leukemia, on World Wish Day, Saturday, April 29. Cooper will fight bad guys and save hostages with help from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Legoland, and more.

Civic

Polk County commissioners have passed an ordinance that prohibits standing in roadway medians. The ordinance is designed to keep pedestrians safe by diverting them to sidewalks. (Fox 13 News)

Deal

Calling all poets and latte lovers — Black & Brew is celebrating National Poetry Month today at its Lake Morton location with free lattes in exchange for an original haiku poem. Bring yours to the Lake Morton cafe (or write it while you’re there) today for a free small latte.

Sports

Local collegiate baseball teams are hitting it out of the park this season. Southeastern University is ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, and both Florida Southern College and Webber International University are in the middle of winning seasons. (The Ledger)
Registration is now open for Polk State College’s Brandon Giles Skills Camp. Young boys and girls wanting to learn basketball skills can work with Polk State’s players and coaches from July 10-13. Registration is $200 — pro tip: Sign up before May 15 for a discount.

Active

What better way to celebrate Skate World’s 50th anniversary — and upcoming 3,000-sqft expansion — than with skating lessons? Learn from a pro on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Group lessons are $10 per person. (The Ledger)

Eat

Red Door Lakeland will host its four-course Palladino Wine Dinner tonight at 6:15 p.m. Reservations can be made online to enjoy Italian fare and wine pairings. On the menu: Beef carpaccio, a White Negroni welcome cocktail, and more.

Drink

Local company Color Theory Tea is now offering a new rewards program: The Society of Steeped Teas. Join online to earn points on purchases, birthday bonuses, and more. You can also shop the biz’s tea in person at Black & Brew, Pressed, and Chamberlin’s Natural Foods.

Shop

The second annual Central Florida Food Forest Festival is on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Scars Farm (777 Alturas Rd., Bartow). Shop for fruit trees, edible plants, and flowers while you enjoy family-friendly activities. Admission is free and parking is $10 per vehicle.

Kids

The perfect family-friendly activity does exist, and you can even do it all spring and summer long, rain or shine. We’re talking about Kids Bowl Free — a national program that connects you with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling each day. Learn more + sign up.

Cause

Cheers to volunteers

How to give back and volunteer in Lakeland

volunteers with shovels and vests at Bonnet Springs Park

Many hands make light work — bring a group to volunteer with. | Photo by @bonnetspringspark

Today is Volunteer Recognition Day, and we’re highlighting a few opportunities to give your time to a worthy cause. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you.

Bonnet Springs Park | Bring the new park to life by helping out with one-time projects or long-term volunteer positions.
kidsPACK | Pack food donated to children in need to eat over the weekends.
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine | Medical professionals can volunteer their time as physicians, RNs, and more. No healthcare experience? Volunteer as a greeter, housekeeper, or clerical assistant.
Lakeland Youth Alliance | Support the LGBTQ+ community through volunteering.
One More Child Lakeland | Become a mentor for single moms in Lakeland.
Polk County Bully Project | Foster a rescued pit bull or bully breed dog until they find their forever home.
Polk Museum of Art | Assist in the museum gift shop, at the information desk, or on tours as a docent.

32 more ways to serve

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

Answered: E. According to several sources, 4:20 is the time when a group of teens in Marin County, California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station in the 1970s.

One of the kid’s older brothers was friends with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, who co-opted and popularized the now-iconic association between the number and the recreational activity (and, ultimately, the celebration of both on April 20 — aka 4/20 — each year).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Prepare for graduation season with our guide to Lakeland brunch spots.

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