Plus, visit Mars without leaving the county.
 
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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.

 

City

Stay connected during Hurricane Milton

Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
Stay safe and stay connected. | Photo by LALtoday
Hurricane Idalia is predicted to make landfall in Florida early today, Aug. 30. Forecasters expect it to become a Category 3 hurricane, and Polk County has been placed under a state of emergency. Stay up to date with these local, statewide, and national resources.

Storm tracking

Track the storm’s progress through the National Hurricane Center, which provides top news each day, hurricane position updates, and satellite imagery. USA Today also has a storm tracker with an interactive map.

Download the FEMA app to get real-time weather alerts, send notifications to friends + family, and locate emergency shelters.

Wondering what it all means? Use our guide to spaghetti models and hurricane categories.

Utilities

Lakeland may not be in the direct path of the storm, but a Category 3 hurricane can bring wind speeds of up to 129 mph. That could mean debris, damage, and downed power lines.

Check Lakeland Electric’s power outage map and report outages or downed lines by calling the automated number at (863) 834-4248. Hurricanes can make tap water unsafe to drink, so keep an eye on the City of Lakeland’s current boil water notices.

Schools

Polk County Public Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 30-Thursday, Aug. 31. Some schools will be used as shelters. Visit PCPS’ storm information site or follow the district’s social media accounts for the most recent updates on closures and reopenings.

Parents can get direct communication from their child’s school by signing up for SchoolMessenger. Opt in for automated messages about future emergency situations.
 
Events
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.
Thursday, Aug. 31
  • Jukebox Bingo & Heifers Be Trippin’ | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 5-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab comfort food from the on-site food truck and listen out for your favorite songs as you play Jukebox Bingo for $10 off your tab.
  • Summer Cool Down Yoga | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 6-7 p.m. | The Hidden Gem Wellness Space, 6645 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 4, Lakeland | Free entry | Join this donation-based class designed to calm the nervous system and mind.
Friday, Sept. 1
  • The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Sept. 1 | 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.
  • First Friday: College Night | Friday, Sept. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of September with activities like a rock wall, mechanical bull, food trucks, and discounts for college students.
With Hurricane Idalia on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancelations or event updates.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
History
  • Join the city’s 15th Biennial Historic Home Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Florida Southern College to learn from nine guest speakers. Owners of historic homes and those interested in home preservation can attend at no cost.
Outdoors
  • Lake Hollingsworth will become a race track when the Cardboard Boat Challenge and Lakes Festival returns on Saturday, Oct. 14. Teams of adults, teens, and kids can register now to build their boats on-site during the event or bring a pre-built boat. (The Ledger)
Arts
  • Keep an eye out for a new mini mural project in Midtown Lakeland. The Lakeland CRA shared a photo of one of the colorful works of art in progress. Find it near The Well at 114 E. Parker St.
Kids
  • Little Lakelanders can bust a move at the Kid’s Dance Party at The Boathouse in Bonnet Springs Park. Pro dancers from Local Motive Dance will get kids of all ages into the groove on Monday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Try This
  • College students can enjoy deals at Ax-Caliber on Friday, Sept. 1, 6-11 p.m. Walk in and show a student ID for BOGO coffee and shakes, plus free time in the virtual range.
Travel
  • You’ll soon be able to travel to Mars from right here in Polk County. Extreme Getaway Homes is building a Mission to Mars Resort in Davenport. Plans for the estate include a mobile rover for guests and a simulated take-off. (Fox 13 News)
Health
  • If you’re a new or expectant mother, you’ve probably heard that breast milk is good for your baby. But did you know that breastfeeding has health benefits for you, too? See nine benefits of breastfeeding according to Watson Clinic’s OB-GYN department.*
Weather
  • As Idalia makes landfall, you probably have a lot of questions. For example: “What should I do if my roof sustains storm damage?” Here’s the answer from locally-based High Tower Roofing. Stay safe out there, LAL.*
Home
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.*
 
Weather

Last minute storm tips

Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready

Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
It’s not too late to start your hurricane preparations. | Photo by @skymaro_009
Whether you’ve spent this week making a hurricane preparation list or are still wondering how serious the storm will really be, here are a few extra pro tips.

Remember your neighbor

From a simple exchange of phone numbers + information to grouping your resources for a community hurricane ride-out, working with others can help keep everyone safe.

Take care of your mental health

Hurricanes can bring out a lot of emotions. Stress, fear, and anxiety are very common. If you need to talk to someone, call Peace River’s 24/7 hotline (863-519-3744) for emotional support.

Have safety smarts

When running generators, propane tanks, or camping stoves, make sure to use proper safety precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

Not sure if you’re entirely prepared for the storm? Take a look at our checklist for more pro tips.
More top tips
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Shop 8.30.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Eat
  • Fall into the season of baking with Adams Apple Co biscuit mixes. You’ll have all the ingredients you’ll need to create a delicious apple-based treat.
Drink
  • Hosting a dinner party this fall? Treat your guests to one-of-a-kind laser-etched glasses from CEB Studio. Find your city’s design here.
Wellness
  • The best thing to scoop into your coffee (or tea, or smoothies) daily? Collagen that’s grass-fed, pasture-raised, and has 18 grams of protein per serving. Enter: NativePath’s Collagen Peptides.
Outdoors
  • Pro tip: Use a propane-powered fire pit for an easy, smokeless burn. This Amazon Basics gas fire pit makes a great home patio addition or camping buddy.
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
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor
Stay safe out there today, Lakeland. For more on Hurricane Idalia, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we’ll be sharing local updates.
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