06.30.2023

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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.

Lakeland’s ready to light up the sky

Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know

Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight

We look forward to this explosive event all year long. | Photo by LALtoday

Red, White & Kaboom is returning on Monday, July 3 at 6 p.m. We’ve decided to answer commonly asked questions about the event.

What is it?
This is a free Independence Day celebration on Lake Mirror’s Frances Langford Promenade featuring music, food, and fireworks. Guests are asked to bring canned food items to the event, which will go to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly. Donations can also be made online.

Who’s playing?
Andrew Luv & the Franchise Players, an Orlando-based R&B and soul band known for singles like “I Just Wanna Say Thank You” and “This Feeling” are playing.

Are there bathrooms?
Public restroom stations will be available around the event; ADA-accessible restrooms will be at each station.

Where should I park?
Parking is free after 5 p.m. in public garages, street spaces, and lots. Pro tip: The Main Street Garage will offer free parking after 3 p.m.

What’s for dinner?
Guests can bring food, but grills are not permitted. The following food trucks will be on-site:

Breezy Bistro
Crab Kitchen
Fat Maggies
Donut NV
Pelican’s SnoBalls
Thunder Hollow Kettle Corn
Rolling Gourmet
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Big Hot Box
Top Dogs

Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, but no glass bottles or containers.

Can I bring my pets?
You can bring leashed pets. Just remember: Not all pets love fireworks as much as their human counterparts do.

What if it rains?
Events will take place rain or shine. Come prepared with a rain jacket or personal umbrella, but no tents or umbrellas that need to be staked.

When are the fireworks?
The firework display will begin at 9 p.m. with an estimated finale time of 9:30 p.m.

What else is going on?
Buena Market is hosting Buena Summer Nights at Catapult Lakeland’s parking lot (502 E. Main St.) from 5 to 9 p.m. Shop from 50+ local makers, artists, and food and drink vendors.

Any lingering questions? The City of Lakeland answers them here.

Asked

What year did Red, White & Kaboom begin?

A. 1996
B. 2004
C. 2008
D. 2010

Lakeland experts click here

Events

Friday, June 30

Free Fitness Class for Seniors | Friday, June 30 | 9-10 a.m. | MaxHealth Primary Care, 2382 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free | All fitness levels are welcome at this free weekly fitness class for older adults — register online.
Marrison, Ballistic Mafia, Operation Acoustic Kitty, and UMAI | Friday, June 30 | 6:30-11:55 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$13 | Listen to these local artists play songs by Nirvana, Deftones, and other bands.
Island View Set and Fused Permanent Jewelry Popup | Friday, June 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Fused Permanent Jewelry is popping up at this guided class — when you’ve completed your island artwork, peruse jewelry options and buy one for yourself.

Saturday, July 1

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, July 1 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, July 1 | 9-10 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard and stay to visit the tasting room or restaurant.
Birding on the Boardwalk | Saturday, July 1 | 10 a.m.-12 p.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 — binoculars and birding guides are provided.

Sunday, July 2

Forever More | Sunday, July 2 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Put brush to canvas at this guided painting class — bring your own refreshments, supplies are provided.
Frankie Raye Duo at Keel Farms | Sunday, July 2 | 12:30-4:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Price of purchase | Listen to the musical stylings of Frankie Raye while enjoying locally made beer, wine, and cider.
Side Hustle Sunday | Sunday, July 2 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Sun Kava, 5711 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Dive into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship by getting business insights, investment tips, and networking with Lakeland’s emerging entrepreneurs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Sports

🎇 Don’t miss the 4th of July fireworks extravaganza at the Flying Tigers game

Fireworks light up the sky over Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland, FL.

Gates open at 4 p.m. for the Independence Day game and firework extravaganza. | Photo provided by The Flying Tigers

Independence Day plans? Head to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium to watch the Flying Tigers light up the sky as they take on the St. Lucie Mets Tuesday, July 4 at 5 p.m.

Following the game, enjoy one of the largest firework shows in Central Florida, sponsored by The City of Lakeland + Lakeland Electric.

Pro tip: Bring your appetite for one of the two buffets at the ’34 Club or Pepsi Pavilion.

Score tix to Lakeland's most patriotic celebration

News Notes

Number

$1,450. That’s what a one-bedroom apartment at the new 320-unit apartment complex coming to the site of the former Sears department building could cost per month, according to Jordan Desnick of Flacks Group. Renters could snag a two-bedroom unit or a three-bedroom unit for $1,700 or $1,900, respectively. (WFLA)

Tech

Lakeland Electric’s McIntosh Power Plant Unit 5 is back online. The unit stopped working in February, and city commissioners shared the project’s cost and timeline in April. Repairs were completed on time and, according to LE spokeswoman Cathryn Lacy, within the $21 million budget. (LkldNow)

Edu

Once the Polk County School Board approves its budget, most district teachers and employees will get raises. District officials hope to specifically increase compensation for veteran employees who currently make marginally more than their first-year counterparts. An exact amount for raises is yet to be announced. (LkldNow)

Civic

Many of you have shared feedback about the Downtown West Action Plan — now it’s time to tell the forces behind the project. Attend the public forum on Tuesday, July 11 from 6-8 p.m. at the RP Funding Center. The time for public input will wrap up this summer. (The Ledger)

Featured

Local business Mike & Mike’s Desserts was featured on Fox News 13 for its “free from” style of baking — i.e., free from eggs, dairy, nuts, and other common allergens. Learn more about the biz and find stores that carry its bite-sized cupcakes. (Fox 13 News)

Shop

“The People Who Live There,” an art book based on the 2021 Lakeland documentary produced by Collection Media and directed by Paige and Chase Wagner, is hitting the shelves tomorrow. Stop by Scout & Tag from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to pick up a copy.

Arts

Harrison School for the Arts student JD Davis was selected as a student reporter at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards. At the event, JD — who was one of two selected reporters out of nearly 100 applicants — interviewed Broadway stars. (The Ledger)

Sports

Ty Evans, a former Lakeland Christian School student-athlete, became the first player to hit five home runs in the College World Series this week. Ty ended his season with the Florida Gators with nine home runs, 39 hits, and 43 runs batted in. (The Ledger)

Deal

A Publix ice cream truck will distribute free treats on Thursday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Barnett Family Park (730 E. Orange St.). Swing downtown for your free scoop, we think you deserve it. (WFLA)

Shop

It’s that time of year again, Lakeland. Don your patriotic gear, unload the s’mores sticks, and get ready to party in the 863. If you ask us, you can’t go wrong with a Lakeland-themed holiday outfit.

Asked

Reader Kim V. recently asked us to compile a guide to Lakeland’s trendy hidden gems where students can study this fall. Know of something that should be on our list? Let us know — maybe you’ll be inspired by this list of places to work outside in Swan City.

Eat

If you dig sweet + savory (and cooking creativity), you’ll want to take this Berry Explosion cooking class on Saturday, July 15. On the menu: Blackened fish with corn grits and raspberry hot sauce, Cornish hen with blackberry Nuoc Cham sauce, and strawberry gelato with balsamic strawberry syrup. See details + register.*

Biz

Why consider a Catapult membership? In addition to networking opportunities, Catapult offers a cool space to work (think: Coworking, dedicated desks, or offices), plus an individual mailbox, locker storage, free parking, printing services, and conference rooms. Oh — and unlimited coffee and snacks, too. See more membership perks.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Civic

Attending a Lakeland City Commission meeting

What you need to know about attending a Lakeland City Commission meeting

Interior of Lakeland City Hall Commission Chamber

Hey Alexa, play “The Room Where it Happens” from “Hamilton.” | Photo by the City of Lakeland

The Lakeland City Commission’s bi-monthly meetings are open to the public. Attend these meetings to become more involved with local government, learn about the initiatives of our city, and even make an impact.

If you’re looking to become a more informed + involved Lakelander, here’s what you need to know about attending city commission meetings like the one on Monday, July 3.

Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 9 a.m. — unless the day falls on a holiday. Usually, meetings take place at City Hall (228 S. Massachusetts Ave.), but Monday’s meeting (July 3) will happen in Lakeland Electric conference rooms 1A + 1B (501 E. Lemon St.).

In addition to attending in person, city commission meetings are streamed live on LakelandGov TV. You can also catch up with what you missed from former meetings with the city’s Meeting Minutes videos.

You can find the schedule for future meetings here.

Parking, agendas, and comments

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

Friendly reminder: Some pets get especially nervous or anxious at the sound of fireworks. Plan ahead for your pet’s holiday weekend with these tips from My Pet’s Animal Hospital. My dog Ruby also likes hemp chews; they keep her calm during fireworks, travel, and thunderstorms.

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