Plus, weigh in on plans for Downtown West
 
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We asked you to weigh in...

Lakeland reacts to four-way stops downtown
Cloudy sky over downtown Lakeland, FL streets and businesses
We asked our readers to share their thoughts on four-way stops. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
and you delivered. Following the transformation of seven downtown traffic lights to four-way stops in January, the City of Lakeland is planning to add even more at the intersections of Kentucky Avenue and Tennessee Avenue at Lime Street and Orange Street.

We asked our readers how they felt about the changes after roughly six weeks of using the new four-way stops. Here’s what they said:
  • 81% think the four-way stops have improved the flow of traffic; 19% said they’ve worsened the flow of traffic.
  • 71.6% believe that pedestrians are safer following the change; 28.4% believe pedestrians are less safe.
  • When we asked how this change would affect our readers’ downtown experience, 43% said it has no effect on their likelihood of driving downtown. 42% are more likely to drive downtown; 15% are less likely to drive downtown.
Some readers provided additional feedback. Here are a few answers that caught our eye:
  • “We love the changes. Ideally, I’d love to see the roads turn into pedestrian-only like during the farmers market.” — Kristen H.
  • “The signage should be more obvious leading up to each four-way stop. I haven’t witnessed anyone run the stop sign, but many have come close.” — Maelyn B.
  • “It’s been great. Those lights are all so long that there’s honestly still a few more I would switch to stop signs.” — Jackson H.
  • “More traffic slowing devices and visual reminders to slow cars would be useful.” — Uwe D.
  • “It is wonderful to move through downtown now. Before, it was so frustrating to sit at red lights for extended periods with zero cars coming through the intersection. The new pedestrian crossing signs are helping people learn to navigate safely.” — S. W.
  • “I would like to see more traffic lights turned to four-way stops. Most of the lights are just too long for the amount of traffic that does/does not go through them.” — Gary R.
Editor’s note: Some answers have been adjusted for clarity.
Take the survey
Publix
 
Events
Monday, June 26
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, June 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — class meets in a temporary location from June 12-July 26.
  • Trivia Night | Monday, June 26 | 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 27
  • Summer Movie FunFest: “The Secret Life of Pets” | Tuesday, June 27-Thursday, June 29 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | See a new discounted family movie every week — tickets are only available at the box office.
  • Civics 101: Why Should I Vote? | Tuesday, June 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | Free | Join this voter education forum to learn how local, state, and federal legislation affects you.
Wednesday, June 28
  • Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, June 28 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Learn line dancing steps before taking the stage for karaoke at 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 29
  • 2023 Wawa Summer Fun Day | Thursday, June 29-Friday, June 30 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | Free entry | Visit the gardens with complimentary admission from Wawa — online registration is required.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Edu

What’s your ideal career? Take this quiz to find out.
LAL.TBAY.SEU career quiz.6.26.23.jpg
The average American spends one third (or 90,000 hours) of their life working — so why not love what you do? | Photo provided by Southeastern University
You might be showing up to work every day — but are you in a career tailored to your interests, goals, and aspirations?

Here’s why it matters: Studies show that job satisfaction is tied to increased productivity, a stronger sense of identity, and a more positive outlook on life. Read: Loving what you do and where you work is not overrated.

So how do you know if you’re in your ideal career? Take this free career quiz to get matched to the best careers based on your likes, dislikes, and personality quirks.

If the quiz has you thinking of a career change, Southeastern University’s 100+ degree programs and multiple career-path options (think: on-campus classes, affordable online courses, certifications + more) could make it the place for you.

SEU’s 15 areas of study include:
  • Aviation
  • Behavioral & Social Studies
  • Business & Leadership
  • Communication, Arts, & Design
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • Humanities
  • Kinesiology
  • Math
  • Ministry & Theology
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Political Science
  • Sciences
  • Tech
What will you do next?
Explore SEU's 100+ degrees
News Notes
Development
  • Could the 320 luxury apartment community proposed for the site of the former Sears department store become something even larger? Flacks Group, the Miami-based equity firm heading the project, is now eyeing the entire Lakeland Square Mall for future projects. Buying the mall would be an independent venture. (LkldNow)
Eat
  • The south Lakeland Chick-fil-A is slated to reopen today. You can expect updates to the dining room and kitchen, but the most noteworthy change will be outside — the fast food restaurant added a third drive-thru lane. (The Ledger)
Number
  • $70 million. That’s what Polk County Public Schools could spend on an expanded voucher system this school year. The vouchers help supplement tuition at private, religious, and homeschooling institutions. They may not cover the whole tuition — parents are responsible for full costs; some schools offer independent scholarships. (LkldNow)
Civic
  • The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency invites you to a public meeting surrounding plans for Downtown West (think: From Lake Wire on the east to Lake Bonnet on the west) on Tuesday, July 11 from 6-8 p.m. GAI Community Solutions Group will host the meeting at the RP Funding Center.
Ranked
  • No. 49. That’s what Circle B Bar Reserve ranked out of 65 on The Ledger’s statewide summer bucket list. Whether you’re heading for the Panhandle, the Everglades, or the Florida Keys, there’s something in the Sunshine State for you to visit or try this summer. (The Ledger)
Development
  • In a 5-2 vote, the Polk County Planning Commission approved a 147-home Kathleen development on Deeson Road in early June. Developers scaled down their plans from 242 homes to 147. Eric Swanson, the development’s applicant, shared hopes for a pedestrian-friendly community with sustainable design during his testimony. (The Ledger)
Open
  • HCA Florida Healthcare has opened a freestanding ER in Haines City. This is HCA Florida’s second Polk County location — its first is in Lakeland at 3526 S. Florida Ave. — and the group plans to expand across the state. (The Ledger)
Award
  • Harrison School for the Arts students Careagan Williams and Lathan Williamson won scholarships from the Arts For Life! nonprofit organization. The duo were two of 25 recipients selected from a pool of 650+ applicants throughout the state. Careagan and Lathan each won $1,000 for drama and visual art, respectively.
Travel
  • How does a tropical oasis sound? Orlando International Airport is offering new or resuming low-fare direct flights to the Bahamas destinations of Freeport, Marsh Harbour, Eleuthera, and Nassau. Read: Pristine white sand beaches + deep turquoise waters are just a few hours away. See flights + book.*
Wellness
  • Thinning hair? You’re not alone. This No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand is physician-formulated with science-backed ingredients to target root causes of thinning for faster-growing, visibly thicker hair. (Pro tip: This five-minute quiz will help you get to the root of your thinning.)*
Home
Network
  • Want to run your business funding plan by an experienced CPA? Or are you curious to learn about business formation from a practicing attorney? At ELEVATE, these opportunities are included in your membership. Learn more membership levels + pricing.*
Health
Correction
  • In Friday’s newsletter, we told you that The Back Nine’s north Lakeland location would close on Sunday, June 2. What we should have said is that it will close on Sunday, July 2, meaning you’ve got one more week to work on your swing at 7331 US Hwy. 98 N.
 
Culture

Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us...

Unwritten rules of Lakeland
Add a heading (46)
Munn Park sign in downtown Lakeland | Photo via @coolhandneal
Whether you’re a tried-and-true Swan City citizen, a long-time snowbird, or new to the flock, here are some unofficial rules of engagement that every Lakelander needs to know.

Shop local
  • “Weekly if not monthly trips to Lakeland curb market are a must!” — @scoutandtag
  • “Always shop small when able, especially when it comes to eating local.” — Carole C.
  • “You must shop local! Coffee shops, the Saturday Market, etc!” — Lakeland South Rotary
Putting the lakes in Lakeland
  • “Don’t feed the swans or other birds any bread! It’s not good for them!” — @Tonyafayesanchez
  • “You will find Lakeland Rocks. You will hide Lakeland Rocks.” — @orangeblossompoems
Roads, roads, roads
  • “Avoid 98 at 👏 all 👏 cost 👏” — @notheories
  • “Avoid South Florida Avenue if you can between 4-5:30 p.m.” — Peyton B.
What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know.
Find yourself nodding along
 
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Rilee
From the editor
We’re only seven days out from Red, White & Kaboom. Keep your eyes peeled on upcoming newsletters for our annual guide — in the meantime, what are your tips? Tell us where you like to sit, park, or eat for a chance to be featured in our guide.
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