Plus, 100 free bikes for kids.
 
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Today’s Forecast

91º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 7:53 p.m.
 

Take a deep dive into these lakes

The quintessential guide to Lakeland’s lakes
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Do you know the story of Lake Wire’s name? | Photo via @rebeccabaumknowles
This is, arguably, the most important guide a Lakeland resident can read. After all, what would Lakeland be without its 38 lakes? It would be a much shallower place, that’s for sure.

Lake Wire

This lake was originally named “Israel’s Dish” after a cowboy named Israel left behind his dish while camping there.

Following the Industrial Revolution, the International Ocean Telegraph Company constructed the first telegraph wire through Polk County in 1867. The wire skirted around the shoreline of Israel’s Dish, giving Lake Wire its new name.

There’s no public access boating ramp, but residents can fish from the shoreline or visit the Lake Wire Palm Collection, which showcases multiple species of palm trees.

Lake Parker at sunset with clouds and trees reflecting on the water

Lake Parker Park gives the reflections at Lake Mirror a run for their money.

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Photo via @lizleon

Lake Parker

Lake Parker is Lakeland’s largest lake, holding roughly 5.4 billion gallons of water. Access Lake Parker at three different public-use boat ramps to take a boat ride or cast a line.

There’s even more to do on dry land. Head to Lake Parker Park for jogging paths, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, soccer, shuffleboard, and lawn bowling. Children can play on the Rotary Playground, and picnic pavilions are available.

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Lake Bonny under a cotton candy sky. | Photo via @_annarie

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Photo via @_annarie

Lake Bonny

After visiting Swan City’s largest lake, we’re drifting over to Lake Boney.

Yes, you read that right. While it’s now known as Lake Bonny, the 249-acre lake was originally named after David J.W. Boney, who settled in Lakeland in May 1845.

Find a public boat ramp on the lake’s northeast side for boating, fishing, or kayaking. You can also visit Fletcher Park (800 US Hwy. 98 S.) to walk along the boardwalk or hang a hammock.

It’s time to put our study guide to use. Read through our full lakes guide, then put yourself to the test by taking our quiz about Lakeland’s lakes.
4 more lakes to know
Asked

How large is Lakeland’s largest lake?
A. 576 acres
B. 1,980 acres
C. 2,108 acres
Test your water wisdom
Orlando International Airport
 
Events
Monday, Aug. 28
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Aug. 28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older.
  • Eras Night | Monday, Aug. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $29 | Create a mirrorball painting step by step at this discounted class.
Tuesday, Aug. 29
  • Lego Club | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 4-5 p.m. | Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | Free | Kids ages 6-12 are invited to let their imaginations run wild at this weekly event — building blocks are provided.
  • Music Bingo, Fun Run & The One Stop Food Shop | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Get moving with a quick run before enjoying music bingo on the patio.
Wednesday, Aug. 30
  • Author Talk with Jeff Selingo | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 2-3 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Spend an hour with the bestselling author of “A Year Inside College Admissions,” a book about how colleges select their freshman classes.
  • Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Learn line dances from a teacher, enjoy drink specials, and catch karaoke with DJ Kep at 8 p.m.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Grasslands West Investments LLC
 
Active

🏃 4 local races to run in the last 4 months of 2023
two women and a man in running gear stand side by side at a race
Registering for a run is a great way to make fitness fun while having a goal to work toward. | Photo provided by Publix
Four months, four races. If getting more active was on your New Year’s resolution list, good news — there’s still time.

Here are four chances before the year is up to participate in a run, walk, or race (all sponsored by Publix):

September
  • PB&J Run | Saturday, Sept. 23, St. Petersburg | Participate in this 5K, 10K, or 15K, and chow down on unlimited PB&J sandwiches at the finish line.
October
  • Publix Rock ‘n’ Roll Clearwater | Saturday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 8, Clearwater | Enjoy a beachfront 5K or half marathon and a rockin’ coastal after-party with live music, bevs, and food.
November
  • The Florida Run | Saturday, Nov. 11, Clermont | This 5K, 10K, or half marathon trail run through Lake Louisa State Park offers amazing beauty and lake views.
December
Bonus: Publix is also sponsoring the Red Ribbon Run + Florida Turkey Trot.
Already registered? Now, start training
News Notes
Weather
  • The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. A state of emergency was declared for 33 counties, including Polk County. Idalia is expected to become a hurricane early this week. (The Ledger)
Open
  • La Granja opened its first Lakeland location on Saturday, Aug. 26. Visit the restaurant at 3919 S. Florida Ave. to try Peruvian-inspired chicken, steak, and seafood.
Biz
  • You don’t have to say goodbye to Dissent Craft Brewing. The brewery announced that it will not close as planned after its downtown building was purchased. Celebrate with a party on Sunday, Sept. 3.
Development
  • Lakeland Community and Economic Development has revealed more of its vision for the Downtown West Action Plan. The redevelopment will connect Bonnet Springs Park with neighborhoods across George Jenkins Boulevard and add more residential options.
Listen
  • Lakeland musician Van Plating will release her third album, “Orange Blossom Child,” on Friday, Sept. 15. The album draws inspiration from her Central Florida roots. Get a taste of the record with her latest single from the album, “The Hard Way.” (The Ledger)
Feel Good
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Polk County was in for a treat last week when nonprofit Can’d Aid donated 100 new bikes. The bicycles were built the day before by volunteers at Swan Brewing. (The Ledger)
Cause
  • The Lakeland Rotary Club will host its 6th Annual Golf Championship and awards dinner on Friday, Oct. 20 at the Club at Eaglebrooke. This year’s event will benefit Flight to Honor mission 9, which flies local veterans to Washington, DC to visit memorials in their honor.
Edu
  • What does the academic experience really look like at Indiana University? Students get everything they need to rock the real world, from attention in the classroom and opportunities to do groundbreaking research from day one, to resume-building volunteer work in the community. Learn more about IU.*
Wastewater
 
Seasonal

Are you prepared for a storm?

Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
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Always be prepared for a hurricane to hit Florida. | Photo via Pexels
The second statewide disaster preparedness tax holiday has begun, and runs through Friday, Sept. 8. If you haven’t put together your hurricane prep kit, now’s a great time to get started while taking advantage of deals.

Here are some of the essentials that you can now get tax-free:
  • Generators, portable chargers, and batteries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Pet and service animal evacuation supplies
  • Reusable ice and coolers
  • Candles, flashlights, and lanterns
  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Tarps and tie-down kits
  • Portable radios
Get a full list of everything eligible during the tax holiday.
More hurricane kit supplies
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
As we wait to see how Florida will be impacted by Idalia, it’s best to stay alert and prepared. Sign up for Alert Polk to get free text updates on severe weather, evacuations, hurricane developments, and more.
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