06.01.2023

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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.

📚 All Together Now

All Together Now: Join the Lakeland Public Library’s summer reading programs

A hand holding an open book with the Blanton Family Lagoon at Bonnet Springs Park in the background

Check out a book and take it to your favorite Lakeland reading spot. | Photo by LALtoday

How’s your to-be-read list looking? The Lakeland Public Library is making sure it stays stacked with summer reading programs for adults, teens, and kids. This year’s theme is “All Together Now,” highlighting community and kindness for all ages.

Sure, finishing a good book is a reward in itself, but prizes are great motivation as well. Adults and teens can earn tickets to be entered to win a prize pack at the end of the summer. Stop by any library location to pick up a reading log starting this weekend, and complete these steps for tickets:

Visit the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library (1700 N. Florida Ave.). Play lawn games, grab your reading log, and enjoy refreshments.
Complete a weekly reading challenge and get your log stamped at the library.
Donate new or gently used items at any branch to be given to local organizations.
Visit each branch to play the “Polk-émon County Adventure,” the library’s spin on the classic game Pokémon. Complete challenges at the library to earn badges, and get an entry ticket when you catch ‘em all.

There’s plenty of fun in store for little literature fans, too. Kids can earn prizes by reading at least three days each week, and weekly craft kits will be available at all libraries. Readers ages 2-13 and their parents are invited to All Together Fridays to meet with local organizations like the Lakeland Fire Department, Citrus Connection, and more.

What’s on your summer reading list? We’re starting off with the library’s recs, but you can also find books by local authors in our beach bag. Let us know what you or your little ones are reading this season and we may share your recommendations.

Events

Thursday, June 1

The Reserve Book Club | Thursday, June 1 | 5:30-6:50 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Discuss the recent best-seller “Our Missing Hearts” by Celeste Ng with other readers.
Cookies ‘n Convos | Thursday, June 1 | 6-7 p.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Kids in grades 2-5 and their parents can learn about aviation careers from a new speaker each month.

Friday, June 2

Caribbean Casino Night | Friday, June 2 | 6 p.m. | Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $75 | Enjoy food, drinks, and casino games at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s fundraiser for the Bethany Center for Grieving Children.
Relay for Life of Polk County | Friday, June 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Raise funds for the American Cancer Society — a luminaria ceremony will commence at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 3

Family Nature Walk | Saturday, June 3 | 10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Families can take a guided 1-mile walk around the Blanton Family Lagoon to explore the park’s natural plants and animals.
Aerial Yoga Workshop | Saturday, June 3 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 112 E. Pine St., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Hop in a yoga sling and try inversions, backbends, and twists.

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.

Monday, June 5

Weeknight Dinner Solutions | Monday, June 5 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $65 | Put the question of “What’s for dinner tonight?” to rest with the tips and tricks you’ll learn at this hands-on class.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Number

$4.1 million. That’s how much grant funding Polk County has been awarded as part of the statewide Broadband Opportunity Program. Lakeland and five other cities will receive $1.8 million of the funding to install broadband internet infrastructure, expanding fiber optic cable to 2,440 new locations. (The Ledger)

Today Is

The beginning of hurricane season, which runs from June 1-November 30. Tell us your pro tips for dealing with stormy weather and we might use it in an update of our hurricane season guide.

Opening

The Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center — the fifth of its kind in Florida — will open in Lakeland this summer. Kids ages 8-14 can register for the center’s summer camps from June 26-July 28 to learn about conservation + wildlife.

Pets

All spay and neuter appointments at TLC PetSnip have been canceled following a string of staff and board member resignations. The future of the nonprofit is uncertain since the medical director with the required permit and certificate has resigned. The clinic had recently reached 100,000 surgeries. (LkldNow)

Weather

Expect heavy rain and wind this week as a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico moves across Florida. Don’t forget that disaster preparedness supplies are tax-free through Friday, June 9. (The Ledger)

Award

Harrison School for the Arts grad Janiyah McAllister was selected for the Betsye Kay Finch Performing Arts Scholarship. Janiyah will use the $2,500 scholarship to study Music Theatre at the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music in Ohio.

Lakelander

At 90 years old, Don Huffman is still riding motorcycles. He found his passion before serving in the Air Force and later bought the Lakeland Harley-Davidson dealership, which he ran for 45 years. Don now shows off his collection of classic motorcycles on his son’s property. (Fox 13 News)

Arts

Vakti Gallery will hold an Interactive Neighborhood Art Show on Saturday, June 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Pressed. Stop by to try art activities for all ages — including a Collaborative Canvas — and shop from local artists.
The Fine Lines Art Show is set for Saturday, June 24 at ART/ifact Studios. This 18+ show will feature 2D, 3D, and video art, as well as drag, burlesque, and aerial silks performances. Following the show, the gallery will be open by appointment only through July 13.

Concert

The Swan City Piano Festival will feature original works created just for the festival. Don’t miss a presentation from Erica Porter, this year’s Composer-in-Residence, on Friday, June 9. It will be followed by a performance of Erica’s new piece by Jihye Chang.

Cause

West Central Florida FCA is searching for church facilities to use for upcoming youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics. Do you know of a space the organization could use? Reach out to FCA Sports Area Director Jay Butler.

Deal

Plan ahead for the next Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower Gardens. Register online for free admission courtesy of Wawa on Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30.

Seasonal

Stay-cation, all I ever wanted

Staycation in style at these Lakeland Airbnb and Vrbo rentals

A crystal blue outdoor pool and a unicorn floatie

Aya’s Paradise | Photo via Aya’s Paradise

WalletHub has named Orlando and Tampa the nation’s No. 2 and 4 best cities for staycations, respectively, but you don’t even need to go that far for summer fun. Save on travel time by booking one of these local vacation rental homes with pools.

Aya’s Paradise
Whether you’re lounging comfortably poolside or grilling up a summer steak, this is the spot for a relaxing stay on a hot day.

$214/night
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
4 beds | Sleeps 6
Kitchen, free parking, bathtub, heated pool

Retro Retreat
This home features outdoor amenities like a hammock, Frisbee golf, firepit, and patio space in addition to its highly-stylized interior.

$168/night
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
3 beds | Sleeps 6
Private pool, dedicated workspace, free parking

Mid Century Modern
This unique 1957 house is furnished with original pieces and incredible retro design elements.

$225/night
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
2 beds | Sleeps 5
Private garden, in-ground pool, sunken Roman baths

More homes with lakes, patios + pools

Answered

We recently asked which spot in Lakeland needs a new mural, and here’s what you said:

A large white building with blank walls on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, FL. — We can see a fresh coat of paint on this building at 120 S. Florida Ave.
|
Screenshot via Google Maps

Where would you like to see a new mural in Lakeland?

“Building at 120 S. Florida Ave.” — Reader Chris H.

“SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus” — Reader Richele F.

“The Summit Building in downtown Lakeland — Lots of mural space there!!” — Reader Cyndi T.

“Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q” — Reader Tiffany H.

“The Joinery” — Reader Chloe U.

What design would you put there?

“African American Community Pioneers” — Reader Cappie W.

“Illustration of the skyline of Lakeland” — Reader Jonelle D.

“Some unique fictitious stamp images of several landmarks of Lkld such as Lake Mirror facing Lakeland, of course the Sandhill cranes, and even a Cuban sandwich… not traditional landmarks!” — Reader Towana E.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

I hope the headline of our vacation rentals section above has “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s stuck in your head. Did you know that the cover of the “Vacation” album was shot here in Polk County? Mick Haggerty took a photo of professional water skiers at Cypress Gardens, then superimposed The Go-Go’s faces onto them.

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