08.23.2023

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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.

$15,000 for your favorite farmers market

There’s $15,000 on the table in the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration

Shoppers at vendor tents set up on downtown street

One vote makes a big difference. | Photo by @sarahmaephotography

The bright burst of a freshly picked blueberry in your mouth, the excitement of seeing the first heirloom tomato of the season, a warm loaf of bread nestled into your tote bag... just thinking about our favorite local farmers market fills us with pride.

It’s time to turn that appreciation into a vote — so that the entire nation can know Lakeland has the best farmers market around.

The 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC) is open to votes through Monday, Sept. 18 to find a “People’s Choice” farmers market as the top-endorsed market in the country. The prize? Up to $15,000 for the top five markets to spend on marketing, communication, and other needs.

The most popular market in each state also wins $100 — so get voting.

The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market is ranked No. 14 at the time of this writing with just a few votes. Casting yours could put Swan City on the farmers market map.

The search to find America’s most beloved markets accomplishes the AFMC’s mission: to shine a light on the vital role farmers markets play across the country.

Farmers markets are a major resource connecting communities and families to fresh, local food. The produce sold is typically at the peak of its growing season — meaning it also has peak nutrition and taste. Plus, shopping locally keeps your dollar in your community and directly supports farmers, ranchers, and growers.

Feeling the passion? Sign up for updates from American Farmland Trust or register for a free “No Farms No Food” bumper sticker. And don’t forget to vote your market to the top.

Cast your vote

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Storytime @ the Main Library | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Kids aged 2-5 are invited to this storytime featuring activities that promote verbal and listening skills.
Live Trivia w/ The Cultivated Pig | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying taproom drinks and food truck eats.

Thursday, Aug. 24

Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels.
Jukebox Bingo & Cousins Maine Lobster | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 5-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a bite from the on-site food truck and listen out for your favorite songs as you play Jukebox Bingo for $10 off your tab.

Friday, Aug. 25

The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Aug. 25 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee and enjoy live music by country musician Jon Corneal and his band every Friday.
Sarah Morey at Keel Farms | Friday, Aug. 25 | 4-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Price of purchase | Enjoy dinner on the Keel Farms patio with live music and locally made beverages.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

The Polk Theatre will reopen Saturday, Aug. 26 after seven weeks of flooding repairs. Celebrate the return by grabbing tickets to the 2 p.m. showing of “The Iron Giant” or 7:30 p.m. showing of “Twister.” (The Ledger)

History

The Florida Citrus Mutual Building, approved for demolition on Monday, was built in 1957. Florida architect Donovan Dean designed the building, along with the Lake Mirror Center, Southgate Shopping Center, and the corporate HQ of Publix, the lot’s current owner. (LkldNow)

Coming Soon

Sushi Masa will hold a soft opening from Monday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Sept. 10 at 5700 S. Florida Ave. Stop by Sunday-Saturday for all-you-can-eat sushi lunch and dinner specials.

Watch

Lakeland’s The Apiary Studios and actor-director Richard Elfman announced that they will partner to create an animated TV series. The Apiary gave no timeline for the show, dubbed “Project Echo,” but described it as absurdist and eco-conscious.

Community

Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts is seeking community input on hours, noise, and amenities at Woodlake Park. Residents near the park and pickleball players can share their thoughts at the Magnolia Building on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Cause

Winter Haven locals are stepping up to do their part following wildfires in Maui. Mary Bailey is coordinating food and first response efforts with the Common Ground Collective, while Christian Disaster Relief is accepting donations to support its network of volunteers on the island. (The Ledger)

Active

Do you yearn to be a yogi? Yoga Pointe is now accepting applications for its next yoga teacher training program. The 200-hour program will take place February-June 2024. Pro tip: Join the info session on Wednesday, Sept. 6 for a tuition discount.

Pets

Purrology Cat Cafe is hosting an “Eras Hour” event on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. Listen to Taylor Swift’s top hits as you cuddle adoptable cats + sip specialty coffees. Costumes are encouraged.

Plan Ahead

Thinking about Southeastern University? Experience what life on campus is like at SEU Preview days. Prospective students will get to tour the campus, connect with staff, ask questions, and get to know the SEU community. Upcoming dates: Friday, Sept. 15 + Friday, Sept. 29. See more dates + register.*

Biz

Meet your fellow Lakelanders + the startups that call Catapult home. Got a business idea? See how joining Catapult’s growing list of entrepreneurs might make your business the next one featured.*

City

Anything is possible

Answered: What you want to see in Lakeland’s vacant storefronts

Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland

Crispers closed its four remaining locations in fall of 2022. | Photo by LALtoday

Crispers’ former Lakeside Village location has already been spoken for by KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, but it appears the downtown spot is up for grabs.

We asked our Instagram followers what they’d like to see. The top-liked comments included:

“A diner would be so cute!!” — @nyletteadagostinoo
“Chicken Salad Chick!!” — @"ryon_flanagan
“Could totally see a boba tea spot!” — @grizbizzz
“Is it weird that I really want someone to put an arcade there? Like Dave and Busters style with games and prizes” — @radxcity
“We need a Trader Joe’s, or Lucky Dill’s.” — @luciabelfiore
“A nice Greek restaurant that’s not fast food.” — @_randi144

Crispers isn’t the only vacant spot we’re watching. We want to know what you’d like at the locations previously home to La Imperial Bakery (830 E. Main St.) and Tuesday Morning (2625 S. Florida Ave.) — send them our way. Pro tip: Specify which building you’re talking about in your email.

Shop

Eat

Ready to tailgate? Our online shop, Six & Main, has you covered. Spice up your game-day burgers with Spicewalla’s 3-Pack Grill Lovers Collection.

Seasonal

Find your new favorite scents this fall from our candle brands such as Wixology and Corridor Candle Co. Shop now at Six & Main.

Active

Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.

Kids

These pop-up soccer goals make the most of time outdoors with the kids or grandkids. Easily set them up, then just as easily put away and store.

Home

The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

Thanks for the warm welcome, Lakeland — but it’s time I let the professionals take over. I look forward to working with you all sooner than later.

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