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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.
 

Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible...

Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Woah — Adler’s in Winter Haven is known for super juicy burgers. | Photo by @hungryyhippiee
We’ve been wondering where we might find the best burgers in Polk County. We took to Instagram to ask our followers. Here’s what some said:

Adler’s, 543 Ave. B SW, Winter Haven
This spot recommended by @cornjerker80 and other users is well-known in Polk. Try the Twitty burger for caramelized pineapple, bacon, American cheese, and mayo.

The Chop Shop, 118 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
Head to downtown Lakeland for @brettgarbs92’s go-to eatery. The Blue Suede Burger features blue cheese and beer-battered onion rings.

Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub, 2940 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland
This Lakeland staple suggested by @buzzandchele is the spot for your no-muss, no-fuss, classic American diner burger.

Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill, 190 S. Idlewood Ave., Bartow
The Bartow Golf Course is host to @mrsneely77’s favorite hidden gem. Stop by for hand-made burgers and turkey burgers after your next round on the green.

A hand holding a burger wrapped in checked paper

Enjoy your Super Duper Spot on The Joinery’s patio.

|

Photo by @thewanderingconk

Super Duper Spot, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland
Head to The Joinery on the shores of Lake Mirror for your next burger-licious bite — this spot serves both certified Angus patties and plant-based patties. Pro tip: Complete your order with a shake or frozen lemonade.

S & L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd., Lakeland
Try @austinbanttari’s go-to spot for “habit forming” burgers. For something on the lighter side, order the burger salad (read: A burger with no bun).

The Burger Goat, 413 N. 12th St., Haines City
Hey, meat lovers: @taylorthe1andonly’s favorite burger spot has a triple-meat burger — The Generous — topped with egg, cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and secret sauce.

Is your go-to burger joint missing from our list? Let us know so we can try it for ourselves.
Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. c/o McQueen Marketing
 
Events
Friday, June 2
  • Spelldown Friday | Friday, June 2 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Grab a word list from the library’s service desk and join this team spelling competition for adults.
  • Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, June 2 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. 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, June 3
  • Free Morning Yoga | Saturday, June 3 | 8-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park Allen & Company Family Lawn, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Attend this free yoga session for all levels led by The Balance Culture — bring your own yoga mat or towel.
  • Summer Reading Kick-Off Party | Saturday, June 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the beginning of the library’s Summer Reading Program with games and activities.
Sunday, June 4
  • Big Love Bake Sale | Sunday, June 4 | 12-3 p.m. | ART/ifact, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 2, Lakeland | $5 | Grab baked goods and coffee at this fundraiser for the Rose Dynasty Foundation — tickets include one item of your choice.
  • Fundraiser for ASA Service Dogs! | Sunday, June 4 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $40 | Paint for a purpose at this fundraiser for ASA Service Dogs, Inc.
Monday, June 5
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, June 5 | 10 a.m.-12 p.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.
  • Trivia Night | Monday, June 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy happy hour deals all day and test your knowledge with trivia.
Tuesday, June 6
  • Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, June 6 | 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.
  • Tuesday Night Trivia | Tuesday, June 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Dissent Craft Brewing Company, 125 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Test your knowledge for a chance to win Dissent Craft Brewing gift cards.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Finance

Tip or Mistake? 5 ways to withdraw investments
Portrait of businesswoman standing against a wooden wall in office.
SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo by Dean Mitchell
Whether you’re almost ready to retire or just (wisely) planning ahead, there are five tips that can help optimize savings when withdrawing your investments.

Test your knowledge:
  1. Don’t dive straight into your 401(k) or IRA — you could cost yourself years’ worth of income in retirement savings. Tip or Mistake?
  2. Don’t automatically claim Social Security benefits at age 62. Tip or Mistake?
  3. Do start auto-withdrawing money from your 401(k) when you turn 59-and-a-half. Tip or Mistake?*
Find out the real pro tips (vs. the pitfalls)
News Notes
Development
  • Talbot House Ministries has proposed a day center on its existing campus. If approved, the day center would provide seating and shade for individuals experiencing homelessness who currently spend the day in other public places, including Munn Park. (WFLA)
Outdoors
  • Polk was one of four nearby counties to enact a fertilizer ban on Thursday, June 1 in an effort to keep fertilizer out of runoff during the rainy season. If you’re looking for more ways to help keep our lakes clean, check out this list. (Bay News 9)
Community
  • First Friday: Family Fun Night has been canceled due to weather. Don’t let this rain on your parade — check out our guide to rainy day activities.
Edu
  • Harrison School for the Arts teacher Rocky Bridges has two sculptures set to be unveiled at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. In addition to creating visual art, Rocky is known for passing his passion for the arts on to students — a skill he’s been honing for 31 years. (Bay News 9)
  • Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Directors has appointed a new chair: Jack Harrell III. In his new role, Jack plans to prioritize increasing support and awareness of Florida Poly. Additionally, he looks forward to fostering strategic industry relationships. In case you missed it, the school has achieved numerous prestigious rankings.
  • Are you a newb to financial aid? Southeastern University answers the most commonly asked financial aid questions (think: Loans, FAFSA, no interest payment plans, scholarships vs. grants + more) in its “Financial Aid: A Beginner’s Guide.” See the guide — and take advantage of first-come, first-served aid opportunities.*
Health
  • Lakelanders + Polk residents undergoing treatment for breast cancer might be eligible for financial assistance through the Bridge of Hope Program. Learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and application. (The Ledger)
The Word
  • Cone of uncertainty. Seasoned hurricane experts may be familiar with this phrase, which describes the model used during hurricanes + tropical storms to predict possible storm paths. What you might not know is that the cone doesn’t show where full storm effects will be, so you should always be prepared. (WFLA)
Arts
  • Head to the Polk Museum of Art on Friday, June 9 at 12 p.m. for a Gallery Perspectives event with Lakeland-based artist, educator, and photographer Nabil Harb. Nabil will teach attendees about techniques found in the exhibit “Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham.” Learn more about the free event.
Family
  • Looking for your next family outing? This summer, groups can enjoy lunch and battle it out in Ax-Caliber’s ax-throwing or virtual gun ranges for $30 and $35, respectively. Stop by from Tuesday-Friday, 12-4 p.m. Pro tip: Air hockey, pool, and shuffleboard are free to play.
Travel
  • People must have the travel bug. Orlando International Airport (MCO) had its busiest month ever for the second month in a row, once again flying over 5 million passengers in a single month. Contributing to the rise in MCO travelers are its new destinations: See where they’re flying.*
Eat
  • If you love Asian food, you won’t want to miss the Asian-Style Gastro Pub Dinner drink-and-food-pairing cooking class on Saturday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. On the menu: Asian-Style Radler with fried and sticky ribs, Plum Wine Sangria with Thai-style chicken and rice, and more. See details + register.*
Trending
 
Weather

Better to be safe than sorry

Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
aerial-view-atmosphere-clouds-cold-front-76969
In the eye of a hurricane, there is quiet. | Photo by Pixabay via Pexels
Hurricane season started yesterday. While we can expect unpredictable amounts of rain, wind, and even tropical storms, it’s time to ask yourself — are you prepared if an emergency were to happen?

Everyone’s kit is different, but here are a few essentials:

Sustenance and personal care
Safety
Communication and power
View your full kit
 
Shoutout
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Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Lakeland.

Become a LALtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.
Become a member, get benefits
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Rilee
From the editor
Happy Friday, Lakeland. Looking for your weekend plans? Make sure you’re subscribed to our weekend edition. It comes to your inbox every Thursday at 12 p.m. so you have plenty of time to plan.
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