Today’s Forecast

91º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:41 a.m. | Sunset 8:08 p.m.

Now open: happyfastdelicious

Meet Lakeland’s newest drive-thru coffee shop: happyfastdelicious

A hand holds up an iced coffee drink against the exterior of a purple and yellow building

Place your order for pickup in the mobile app. | Photo by LALtoday

happyfastdelicious, a drive-thru coffee shop that prides itself on fast service and a community-based approach, opened this morning.

We had the chance to meet with owner Andrew Nesi to talk all things coffee, community, and of course — purple.

Purple straws, purple blenders, purple tables, purple garbage cans — you name it, it’s purple. The colorful nature speaks to Andrew’s vision: Providing a space where customers can dream up their own wild (or simple) creations and share them with others.

How to order

Happyfastdelicious has (purple) outdoor seating, but this drive-thru establishment is made for mobile ordering. Download the app to your phone, create your account, and place your order. If you’d like to wait until you arrive, place your order from your parked car or at the walk-up window and a team member will deliver your drink as soon as it’s ready.

Hours:
5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

A yellow menu on a purple building depicts coffee drinks created by customers. — Try drinks created by other customers or publish your own drink to earn points.
|
Photo by LALtoday

Once you’ve ordered your drink, you can publish them for others to try. Give your drink a distinctive name — when other people order your drink from the menu, you’ll earn points towards a free drink.

What we tried

Two red-haired women hold up coffee drinks in front of a purple wall — Order Connor and Rilee’s drinks using the links below.
|
Photo by LALtoday

City editor Rilee’s cookie butter cold brew is a medium cold brew with one pump of cookie butter syrup (think: The flavor of those airplane Biscoff cookies) and dulce de leche-infused cold foam. If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, you can increase your cookie butter pumps.

City editor Connor paid homage to a summer staple with her creation: The Con-fire. This s’mores-esque blended latte has three shots of espresso, two pumps of vanilla, two pumps of toasted marshmallow, and a chocolate-drizzled cup. Topped with whipped cream, this super-sweet concoction is bonfire ready.

Events

Thursday, May 11

Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, May 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Head to Munn Park for live music, scavenger hunts, and bites from your favorite local food trucks.
Harrison School for the Arts Spring Dance Concert | Thursday, May 11-Friday, May 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $9-$12 | Watch guest artist Marion Tonner’s ballet, set to some of Gershwin’s most memorable work, in a World War II tribute to the sounds and innocence of prewar America.

Friday, May 12

Dixieland Night Market | Friday, May 12 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local artists and makers, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy live entertainment at Union Hall and The Pink Piano.

Saturday, May 13

Hundred Acre Wood Fitness Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, May 13 | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Teams of three to five members can work together to gather clues by completing fitness challenges — registration is recommended.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, May 13 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

Sunday, May 14

Mother’s Day Brunch in the ’34 Club | Sunday, May 14 | 1 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$55 | Treat a mother figure in your life to brunch while you watch the 2023 Junior College FCSAA Region 8 baseball championship.
Mother’s Day at the Gardens | Sunday, May 14 | 1-3 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | Free | All mothers can enjoy free admission to the gardens.

Monday, May 15

Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Monday, May 15 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Schalamar Creek Clubhouse, Garden Room, 4500 US Hwy. 92, Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the third Monday of each month.

Tuesday, May 16

Spring Pop-Up Series: Our Noire Kitchen | Tuesday, May 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Spice up lunch with bold flavors created by this kitchen duo — look for bites like tacos and tostones.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

15,000. That’s how many people flock to Lakeland for Mayfaire by-the-Lake. The annual juried art festival will be judged by Elizabeth Flinsch — editor of SHOTS Magazine. This year’s focus will be on the future, with emerging artists being featured and special zones for kids to learn about the arts. (The Ledger)

Outdoors

Blue-green algal toxins have been detected in Lakes Hollingsworth, Haines, Hancock, Scott Lake, Peace River, and Tiger Lake. The Department of Health is recommending residents avoid contact with the water — in short, don’t enter the water (even in a boat) and keep your pets away, too. (The Ledger)

Edu

Move over, Kenny G. Harrison School for the Arts student Jacob Gmitter received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Florida thanks to his skillful saxophone playing. The Bright Futures recipient plans to pursue a double major so he can continue honing his musical talents. (Spectrum News 13)

Learn

Ever wanted to learn the ins and outs of self-defense legality? Ax-Caliber is hosting a seminar on Tuesday, May 30 from 6-8 p.m. Attend to hear from a self-defense lawyer and learn about the laws and your rights.

Eat

Cob & Pen has a new menu. We’re eyeing the fried green tomato caprese and the spring risotto — stop by today from 4-11 p.m. to try it for yourself.
Ever wondered how the Feasts of Persia chefs work their magic? The Persian-fusion food truck shared its recipe online. Not a cook? Find them around town this week. Today, they’ll be at Hollis Cancer Center (3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd.) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Bay News 9)

Shop

Mark your calendars for the Vegan Mini Market happening on Saturday, May 20. Vendors like Mood Rising, Corn Soup King, and Three Willows Body Care will be selling their goods from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 4295 S. Florida Ave. (next to The Juice Box).
World Cocktail Day is this Saturday, May 13, and we’re helping you celebrate with the help of our online shop (Six & Main). Mix things up with flavorful drinks from Simple Time Mixers and satisfying syrups from Portland Syrups. Cheers.

Arts

Lake Gibson High School Arts instructor Greg Burdick’s original play, “Accommodation,” is premiering this summer at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. Greg’s play follows a compelling conflict between a high school teacher and a parent leading to a lawsuit against the district.

Travel

How does Going work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and get notified when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a ~$575 round trip to Fiji).*

For Family

We’ve got a Mother’s Day gift and outing all-in-one idea: Pay for a Day at ZooTampa. Plan to take mom and the fam to ZooTampa, Pay for a Day, and get Zoo entry that day — plus free access for the rest of 2023. (Yep, you read that right.)^

Outdoors

🌱 Dig this

The beginner’s guide to composting in Lakeland

A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.

One person’s organic trash is another’s compost treasure. | Photo by Eva Bronzini via Pexels

Ready to begin composting? We’ve got the dirt on how to get started, plus the best compost bin for your needs.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter — like leaves, food scraps, and yard trimmings. You reap what you sow: The result is a dark, nutrient-heavy material, like soil, that you can use to enrich your lawn or garden.

Can you compost without a backyard?

If you’re an apartment-dweller or simply don’t have the backyard space, you might want to give worm composting a try. Simply purchase a special bin and some worms, and let your new squirmy pets feast on your scraps.

What can you compost?

Compost should be a blend of waste containing nitrogen (green waste) and carbon (brown waste) like:

✅ Green: fruits, vegetables, bread, coffee grounds, grass clippings, tea, and hair

✅ Brown: dryer lint, egg shells, nut shells, sawdust, hay, leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard

Our bin picks

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

Pro tip: The first drink you order in the app from happyfastdelicious (!!!) will be $2.

Missed yesterday's newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY