Today’s Forecast

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

☔️ Explorin’ in the rain

The best way to spend a rainy day in Lakeland

Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL

It’s not too late to start your hurricane preparations. | Photo by @skymaro_009

We’ve got our rainboots ready, because the rainy season starts this month. The Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25-October 10 in West Central Florida, bringing frequent storms our way. Thankfully, you don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come. Keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.

Stroll through a museum

Take advantage of time inside to learn something new. See the latest exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art, bring the kids to the Florida Children’s Museum, or let your curiosity take flight at the Florida Air Museum.

An exterior view of the Treehouse at Bonnet Springs Park, showing lights from the windows. — Visit the Treehouse for some indoor fun at Bonnet Springs Park.
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Photo by @phachszotos

Have a park day

Bonnet Springs Park offers many covered and indoor areas, so you can still have fun when the rain comes. We love walking through the Nature Center or picnicking at the Boathouse. Just pack an umbrella for the walk from the parking lot.

Strike out boredom

Here’s a fun way to spend your spare time: Visit Orange Bowl Lanes in north Lakeland or Bowlero in south Lakeland for a few games of bowling. This is sure to be right up anyone’s alley.

An open graphic novel with a cup of coffee on a table by a window looking out at trees — Watch the rain from the windows at the library’s Main Branch.
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Photo by LALtoday

Find a new read

Is there anything better than flipping open a book while thunder booms outside? Head to the Lakeland Public Library to check one out, or visit one of Lakeland’s independent book shops for the latest bestsellers, classics, or gently-used books. We recommend sipping a local coffee while you read.

Lace up your skates

When clouds roll in, so can you. Visit Skate World for a day of roller skating, or work on your figure skating at the Lakeland Ice Arena. Pro tip: If you’re not an Olympic-level skater, both businesses also offer lessons.

Do you have another fun way to avoid the rain this season? Make like the rain and drop us a line — we may share your suggestion.

Events

Tuesday, May 16

Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, May 16 | 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.
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.*
Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, May 16 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

Wednesday, May 17

Baby Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Wednesday, May 17 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd., Lakeland | $5-$25 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.
“Orson’s Shadow” | Wednesday, May 17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $15 | The latest show in The Edge Stage Read series offers a witty, behind-the-scenes look into the drama of theatre.

Thursday, May 18

Classic Albums Live: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Damn the Torpedoes” | Thursday, May 18 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $41-$52 | Hear this best-selling album performed “note for note, cut for cut,” just like the original.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | Thursday, May 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$10 | Bring your pup to Bark in the Park and receive a dog goodie bag at the game.

Friday, May 19

Mental Health Awareness Month Community Summit | Friday, May 19 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | Free | Join this large-scale community Mental Health First Aid training — lunch is included at no cost.

Saturday, May 20

Author Talk with Courtney Summers | Saturday, May 20 | 2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This best-selling author will discuss her new young adult book “I’m the Girl” in this talk with the Lakeland Public Library.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Biz

How Bank of Central Florida helped this local business owner build a quality business

Two men standing next to each other in a warehouse.

Tiger Concrete & Screed business owner, Willie Aceves, with Field Operations Manager, Alfredo Aceves. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida, MEMBER FDIC

Tiger Concrete & Screed has seen rapid growth + success over the past decade.

To meet the unique needs of the business as it grew, Bank of Central Florida provided financial solutions that assisted the local concrete company.

See owner and president Willie Aceves’ story, including how he got started and how he’s worked with Bank of Central Florida to finance his business’ success along the way.*

Read Willie's success story

News Notes

Number

$70 million. That’s how much will be issued in bonds to Lakeland Electric, following a vote by the Lakeland City Commission in yesterday’s meeting. The money will be used to repair McIntosh Power Plant Unit 5, which has been offline since being damaged in February. (LkldNow)

Open

The Patio-Lakeland, formerly known as Patio 850, is officially open. While the location (850 S. Tennessee Ave.) hasn’t changed, you can now visit for brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Civic

The Roller Skating Rink Safety Act has been signed into law, thanks in part to lobbying by Skate World owner Chanel Bellotto. The law will reduce lawsuits against skating rinks that adhere to safety rules, which Chanel hopes will lower insurance rates and keep skating rinks open. (The Ledger)

Sports

The Lakeland Flying Tigers will offer free tickets to active duty and retired military members on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20. Attend their game to thank these military members and enjoy post-game fireworks.

Kids

Mary’s Bagel Cafe is making sure no kid goes hungry this summer. Visit the eatery (1242 N. Florida Ave.) for a free bag lunch for children ages 5-18 on these select dates. It’s also a delicious place to stop for your own breakfast or lunch.

Feel Good

Lakeland photographer Amie Stafford is helping children in foster care find their forever families by taking their portraits for free. Amie recently took photos of kids from the Children’s Home Society at Hollis Garden. The photos are then added to their files for prospective parents to see their personalities. (Fox 13 News)

Ranked

No. 2. That’s where Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale ranked on USA Today’s list of the 10 best luxury RV resorts in the country. Ready for a vacation? Check out more unique local camping destinations. (USA Today)

Plan Ahead

The next Miss Florida will be chosen in Lakeland when the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant and Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Pageant return to the RP Funding Center from June 21-24. If you want to see who takes the crown, tickets for the pageants are available now.

Deal

Wawa Summer Fun Days are back at Bok Tower Gardens. Register now for free admission to the gardens on the last Thursday and Friday of each month from May to September.

Travel

ICYMI, we partnered with Orlando International Airport (MCO) to put together a list of the best restaurants, bars, and lounge options at each terminal. (Read: You’re going to want to bookmark this.) See the MCO food + drink cheat sheet.*

Eat

Just a few more days to experience Catapult’s Spring Pop-Up Series. Highlighting a different entrepreneurial food business each day of the week, the lunch series happens from Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through May 19 and features creative tacos, Italian classics, craft beer-infused bakes + more. See the schedule + go.*

The Buy

Turn misplaced keys into a thing of the past with the Apple AirTag. The button-sized tracking device can give you step-by-step directions to your lost keys (or phone…or wallet…) and has a battery life of one year. Pro tip: Put one in your checked luggage and never worry about lost baggage again.*

History

Home sweet (historic) home

What makes a Lakeland home historic?

A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof

This historic house was home to former Lakeland mayor Edward L. Mack. | Photo via Florida Memory

In yesterday’s City Commission meeting, May was designated as Historic Preservation Month. Historic buildings hold a key to our city’s past through architecture, culture, and character — but what makes a home historic?

Lakeland has seven historic districts: Munn Park, Dixieland, South Lake Morton, East Lake Morton, Beacon Hill, Lake Hunter Terrace, and Biltmore/Cumberland.

Homes in these districts can be considered “contributing structures” if they’re at least 50 years old and have a distinct and authentic architectural style based on the time of construction.

Living in a historic home comes with a fair share of design guidelines enforced by the Historic Preservation Board, which assesses current structures and exterior modifications according to the Design Guidelines for Historic Properties.

Even if your abode isn’t officially considered a historic home, each one comes with its own rich story. Learn your house’s history with a hands-on workshop at the Lakeland Public Library’s History Room on Wednesday, May 31.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

I love heading out during a rainy day, but sometimes you just want to stay home with a good movie. Looking for one to watch during the next storm? Try “The People Who Live There,” a Lakeland-based documentary available on Prime Video.

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