Plus, Blinky's big return.
 
10.03.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.
 

The evolution of Florida Poly

Florida Polytechnic University to add another academic building
A rendering of the exterior of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building at Florida Polytechnic University
Students and faculty will soon have a new place to study and research. | Rendering provided by Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is in for some big changes. It was announced yesterday that the school would construct a third academic building. Construction on the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building is slated to start in the spring of 2024 and last until the summer of 2025.

With a price tag of $15 million, the 40,000-sqft building will include research + development labs, faculty offices, conference and collaboration spaces, as well as an exterior courtyard.

A rendering of the interior of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building at Florida Polytechnic University

Take a look inside at the building’s modern design.

|

Rendering provided by Florida Polytechnic University

The courtyard will connect the building to the Barnett Applied Research Center, which was recently renamed for the Barnett family’s contributions. The new engineering building itself derives its name from Gary C. Wendt, who has been on the Board of Trustees since 2017 and contributed $2 million last year for student initiatives.

Florida Poly has seen much growth since its founding in 2012, and there’s more to come soon. One of the biggest changes is coming to the faculty office. The school is seeking a new president after Dr. Randy K. Avent announced his plans to retire at the end of the academic year.

Renderings of what the Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University will look like

The Citrus Innovation Center is set to open in the spring.

|

Rendering provided by Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Aside from the new academic center, Florida Poly is currently building another residence hall to accommodate more students. The Citrus Innovation Center is expected to open this spring, where students can learn alongside International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. on citrus research.

All these updates seem to be changing the school for the better — U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the university as the No. 1 public college in the Southeast for the third year in a row.
Southeastern University
 
Events
Tuesday, Oct. 3
  • Fun Run, Music Bingo & Quit Smackin’ | Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Join a Fleet Feet fun run before digging in to food truck grub and locally brewed beers.
  • Tacos, Margaritas + BINGO! At The Back Nine | Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.
Wednesday, Oct. 4
  • Free Child Development Screenings | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Children aged birth to five years old can be screened by professionals at no charge — sessions are 15-20 minutes per child.
  • A Song Around the World, Volume I | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | FSC Chamber Singers will perform songs that connect cultures together.
Thursday, Oct. 5
  • Holiday Market Sip & Shop | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Banquet61, 105 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Get a head start on holiday shopping at this market with 10+ vendors and themed cocktails by Nineteen61.
Friday, Oct. 6
  • “Honk! Jr.” | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | See Lakeland’s young actors perform this heartwarming reimagining of “The Ugly Duckling” story.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Wellness

3 hair thinning FAQs (and how Nutrafol can help)
Rotating images of women, Nutrafol hair growth supplement bottles
In a clinical study, 90% of women saw overall improvement in their hair after six months of taking Nutrafol Womens Hair Growth Supplement. | Photos provided by Nutrafol
Q: Does menopause affect hair?
A: As menopause begins, estrogen and progesterone decline, potentially contributing to thinning.

Q: Does hair change as you age?
A: Yes. Root causes of thinning change over time, so Nutrafol created multiple formulas for different life stages.

Q: Will Nutrafol work on my hair type?
A: Nutrafol was formulated to promote hair growth for all hair types.
Learn more about Nutrafol hair growth supplements
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
News Notes
Holiday
  • The Lakeland Christmas Parade may have a new route around Lake Morton this year, but some rules will stay the same. Umbrellas and tents aren’t allowed, and chairs can only be set out on the day of the parade, Dec. 7. Pro tip: Don’t feed the swans, either. (The Ledger)
Community
  • Applications are open for GiveWell Community Foundation’s Impact Polk grant program. Public nonprofits serving Polk County can apply by Monday, Oct. 16 to be considered.
Civic
  • This year’s elections will include two Winter Haven City Commission seats up for election. Candidates have filed to run for Seat 1 and Seat 5, but Commissioners Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. and Brian Yates are unopposed. (The Ledger)
Lakelander
  • Keep an eye out for new art on your next visit to the Lakeland Tax Collector’s Office. A painting by local artist Danielle Douglin featuring the office’s iconic neon lighting and an antique car — the same one she got her license in — will soon be on display.
Family
  • Blinky is back. The Florida Children’s Museum’s Front Yard Gallery has reopened after receiving some upgrades, and kids can now slide down the tail of the 100-ft Blinky the Alligator jungle gym.
Pets
  • Adoption fees at SPCA Florida will be discounted through Sunday, Oct. 15 to “Empty the Shelters” as part of the Bissell Pet Foundation’s national initiative. The fee for dogs over two years old is $50, and cats over two years can be adopted for $30. (Fox 13 News)
Sports
  • The George Jenkins High School football team is celebrating a 4-0 start to the season. Quarterback Cam Turner, who is the starter this year after an injury derailed his 2022 season, credits the team’s family culture for its success. (The Ledger)
Talk
  • Learn about land conservation from an expert at Florida Southern College’s next Florida Lecture Series talk. Author Clay Henderson will share about his book “Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation” on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Branscomb Auditorium. (The Ledger)
Arts
  • The next 4 Squared Makers art show opens Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Mulberry Cultural Arts Center. Visit through Wednesday, Nov. 22 to see paintings, 3D art, photography, and more created on four 4-in squares.
Health
  • We know finding a primary care provider is no small decision (your primary care physician provides much of the medical care for you + your family, after all). If you’re on the hunt for a new provider, check out Lakeland Regional Health’s 320+ providers in more than 40 specialties and 18 locations.*
Featured Home
  • Experience luxury living in a tranquil environment with Grasslands West, a high-end single family gated rental community that caters to your every need. The community is pet-friendly, and boasts lawn maintenance, pest control + internet services all included. Take your pick from three different floor plans.*
Wellness
  • Make this fall a season of personal growth and warmth. Nearly 5 million people get professional online therapy with BetterHelp — try it for 25% off today.*
 
Travel

⚡️ Plug in and charge up

Charge up at these electric vehicle charging stations
A map showing electric vehicle charging station locations around Lakeland, FL.
The map shows 51,000+ charging stations across the country, including nine in LAL. | Map created by US Department of Energy
Earlier this year, we asked you if you would consider buying or have already purchased an electric vehicle (EV), and nearly 60% of respondents said yes. As these cars rise in popularity, save this guide to finding a charging station around Lakeland.

The US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center has an online map of EV charging stations. Select your location, charger type, or connector to see a list of public stations to fuel up. Pro tip: Use your zip code as your location for the most accurate results.

We tried out the map and found nine chargers in Lakeland. Here are a few to bookmark:
  • Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd. | Available 24/7
  • Kohl’s, 1401 Town Center Dr. NW | Available 24/7
  • Lakeland Harley-Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Available 24/7
  • Publix GreenWise Market, 4747 S. Florida Ave. | Available during store hours
  • Springhill Suites, 511 W. Lime St. | Available 24/7
Share LALtoday
 

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_15}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_15}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
If you love a good map, you’re in luck. We’ve got plenty of community maps to help you find a new restaurant, local park, or — my favorite — a swan statue near you. If you see a spot we’re missing, you can add it to the map yourself.
Missed our previous newsletter?    
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY