Plus, celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.
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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.
 

🛍 Small business, big style

Small business, big style: Boutiques and gift shops in Lakeland
Three rattan and leather bags from the small business boutique Monkee's of Lakeland
Treat yourself or a loved one to a new piece from a locally owned biz. | Photo by @monkeesoflakeland
National Small Business Week is rolling along, but let’s be honest — we love shopping small year-round. Visit these locally owned small businesses for your next retail therapy session.

Boutiques

On the hunt for a new wardrobe staple or the perfect outfit for a big event? Keep up with the trends at these small businesses specializing in clothing and accessories.
An exterior view of small businesses on North Kentucky Avenue, including Scout & Tag, with seating and plants outside.

North Kentucky Avenue is a small shop hotspot.

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Photo by @patriotcoffeeroasters

Gift shops

Birthdays, graduations, or just because — it seems like we always need a heartfelt gift on hand. Find one for a loved one (or yourself, we won’t judge) at these gift shops and stores with unique finds.
Did we miss your favorite place to shop small? Tell us where we can find more fashion and gifts so we can add it to our shopping list.
Lakeland Economic Development Council
 
Events
Thursday, May 4
  • Access Art: Special Needs | Thursday, May 4 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Individuals with varying abilities can take a tour of the museum and create an art activity inspired by the artwork.
  • Ladies Night with DJ Trinidad | Thursday, May 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Unfiltered Lakeland, 801 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Grab your girls and head to Unfiltered Lakeland for live music from DJ Trinidad and 20% off drinks.
Friday, May 5
  • Ten Story Challenge | Friday, May 5 | 3-9 p.m. | Lakeland Electric, 501 E. Lemon St., Lakeland | Free | Watch community members rappel down the side of the Lakeland Electric building at this fundraiser for Pace Center for Girls Polk.
  • Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, May 5 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these improvised comedy shows — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 p.m. show and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.
Saturday, May 6
  • Summer Farming with Farmer Will | Saturday, May 6 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | The Nectary, 1047 E. Main St., Lakeland | $7 | Learn how to grow crops in the Florida summer in this class and Q+A with a local farmer.
  • Vendor + Dance Party | Saturday, May 6 | 12-4 p.m. | Ensure Financial Group, 1253 W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Network with small business owners and enjoy food, music, and a vendor fair.
Sunday, May 7
  • Mom’s Brunch + Boutiques | Sunday, May 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Back Nine Downtown, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Treat mom to brunch, bottomless mimosas, and shopping from local vendors.
  • Burgers with the Bullies — An Open Play Yard Event | Sunday, May 7 | 12-4 p.m. | Polk County Bully Project, 5840 Brannen Rd. W., Lakeland | Free entry | Play with adoptable dogs and grab a burger from the Spontaneous Combustion food truck.
Monday, May 8
  • Spring Pop-Up Series: Salavate Pasta | Monday, May 8 | 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.*
  • Spring Band Concert | Monday, May 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Christian School (Sligh Center), 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland | Free | See student musicians grades 5-12 give a live performance at this annual spring concert.*
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Polk Museum of Art
 
News Notes
Sports
  • Polk County’s estimated economic impact from hosting high school athletics state championships has reached $7 million. Athletes in six sports currently compete at venues like the RP Funding Center. The addition of cheerleading next year could generate another $2 million. (The Ledger)
Traffic
  • It’s been 100+ days since seven downtown intersections were converted to four-way stops. LDDA Executive Director Julie Townsend says the stop signs have slowed traffic in the area, but some residents say that drivers don’t fully stop. A second evaluation of the intersections is set for 2024. (LkldNow)
  • Attention I-4 drivers: Construction has begun at Exit 48 and County Road 557. If you’re driving east, be prepared for lane shifts as new eastbound lanes and ramps are added and the CR 557 interchange bridge is replaced. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
  • Polk Pride is set for June 10-17, with events for all ages scheduled around Lakeland. Mark your calendar for Pride in the Park on Saturday, June 17 in Munn Park. The event will feature food, entertainment, and local vendors — sign up to volunteer. (The Ledger)
Community
  • The RP Funding Center will host graduations for Polk State College today, followed by Florida Southern College and Florida Polytechnic University this weekend. Hey grads, looking for a job? Meet Lakeland’s top employers and industries. (The Ledger)
Cause
  • Bandidas is hosting the Big Love Bake Sale on Sunday, June 4 at Art/ifact Studios featuring 15+ local bakers and food vendors. The event will raise money for the Rose Dynasty Foundation, a nonprofit organization that mentors local LGBTQ+ youth.
Opening
  • The $40 million Northeast Government Center will open on Saturday, May 6 at 200 Government Center Blvd. in Lake Alfred. The facility will hold Polk County Clerk and Tax Collector’s offices, courtrooms, and more. (The Ledger)
Edu
  • Students at Davenport High School are cultivating a passion for fashion. The school’s fashion design classes teach 200 students how to create their own clothing. They’ll show off their work in a fashion show on Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m. (WFTS)
Watch
  • King Charles III will be crowned on Saturday, May 6 in Westminster Abbey. Tune in at 6 a.m. with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM. Fun fact: Prince Charles was only eight years old when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, sent a pair of swans to Lakeland.
Try This
  • With the flowers blooming and the sun shining, it’s high time to get outside for a picnic. Looking for something special to fill your basket? We recently went on our own picnic outing + have all the recs for planning the perfect spring picnic (let’s just say you’ll be the talk of the park).*
Job
  • Lakeland Regional Health is hosting a Career Expo on Tuesday, May 9 from 5-7 p.m. in the Mulaney Atrium. Speak to team members and hiring managers about career opportunities, benefits, entry level positions + more. Come dressed in business casual attire and have your resume ready for potential job offers.*
Drink
  • Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.*
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.
Number
  • 10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.
 
Wellness

Find some peace of mind

How to focus on your mental health in Lakeland
Bonnet_Springs_Park_Crenshaw_Canopy_Walk
A walk through Bonnet Springs Park always clears our heads. | Photo by LALtoday
Did you know that the Mental Health Awareness Month effort began in 1949? This year’s theme, set by Mental Health America (MHA), is “Look Around, Look Within.” Here’s how you can take a few of MHA’s recommended steps to focus on your mental health in Lakeland:

Focus on your home

Keeping your space clean and calm can have a positive impact on your mind. Look for decor that makes you happy at a local vintage store, and add soothing pieces like a weighted blanket or sound machine.

Bond with your community

Meet new people by branching out with a new hobby. Learn something in a local class or give back through volunteering — it’s a great way to boost your endorphins and decrease stress.

Connect with nature

Where better to get back to your roots than in Lakeland? Even when life isn’t a walk in the park, visiting of our 70+ parks or sitting by a lake always lifts our spirits.
The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
May the Fourth be with you, Lakelanders. If you saw my team lose at “Star Wars” trivia last night at Swan Brewing... no you didn’t.
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