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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.

 

Your Saturday shopping is written in the stars

Lakeland farmers market routes for every zodiac sign

Downtown Lakeland filled with vendors and shoppers at the farmers market
A Saturday in Lakeland isn’t complete without a stop at the farmers market. | Photo by LALtoday
Is there anything more enchanting than a Saturday morning spent at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market? Whether you have your route down to a science or you’re looking for some ethereal inspiration, keep reading for 15+ market stops you can’t miss, inspired by each zodiac sign.

We consulted with our zodiac-minded readers and followers — here are a few of their suggestions.

Gemini | May 21-June 20

Geminis are represented by twins and known for their dual nature, so it makes perfect sense for these star signs to stop by some of Lakeland’s duo-run businesses like Bandidas and Husband and Wife Spices of Life.

A woman gives a massage.

Kathy Patterson uses the Trager Approach, a gentle therapy technique.

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Image via Downtown Farmers Curb Market

Leo | July 23-Aug. 22

This fire sign likes to have the best of the best. Treat someone you care about to a meaningful gift, per reader Fran W.'s recommendation, or treat yourself to a massage at reader Mike L.'s favorite booth: Bee Good To You Massage and Body Work.

Virgo | Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Reader Jan S. gave us the breakdown on Virgos, who, according to her, are “earthy and environmentally conscious.” Virgos can most likely be found perusing handcrafted, handmade goods like those made by Craft Nana Creations, East of These, and Pixie Suds.

LAL-Pochos-Mango-Farmers-Market-Nov-2023

Grab a natural fruit juice or seasoned fruit bowl from Pocho’s Mango.

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Photo by @allieseaay

Sagittarius | Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Reader Cristina B. claims that “variety is the spice of life for a Sagittarius,” so it’s no surprise that fellow Sagittarius Neva M.'s perfect market route ranges from Aqua Organics to Pocho’s Mango and, of course, petting people’s dogs.

Capricorn | Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Follower @lily_dan.512 is representing the foodie Capricorns — “ANY of the food vendors.” Since Capricorns often like to stick to their favorites, we recommend branching out and trying something new like Omusubee, which you can typically find near Munn Park.

Not much of a stargazer? Don’t worry — you can peruse the market vendors online to find your new favorite.
7 more signs
Asked

How many shoppers does the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market draw each Saturday?


A. 1,200-2,400
B. 3,000-4,000
C. 3,500-5,500
D. 4,250-6,000
Local experts weigh in
 
Events
Thursday, Nov. 9
  • Exploration Station: Bricks 4 Kids | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 2-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Kids can test their building skills and create LEGO mosaics inspired by nature.
  • New Product Launch Party | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Try the new cupcakes from Mike & Mike’s Desserts at this tasting party.
Friday, Nov. 10
  • Lakeside Village Cruise-In Nights | Friday, Nov. 10 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Head to the parking lot near Gaskins Barbecue and Lobster to view classic + modern cars, meet other car enthusiasts, and rev up your weekend.
Saturday, Nov. 11
  • Veterans Day Celebration | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. | Veteran’s Memorial Park, Lake Beulah Drive, Lakeland | Free | Honor veterans with a ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a parade from the RP Funding Center to Munn Park at 11 a.m.
  • Goats & Brews | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $45 | There’s no experience needed for this goat yoga class — tickets include a free drink.
Sunday, Nov. 12
  • Lakeside Second Sunday Market | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from 80+ local makers and enjoy live music from Robin Brooke on The Lawn.
Monday, Nov. 13
  • Auditions: “The Fantasticks” | Monday, Nov. 13 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Try out for this community production set for January 2024.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Real Estate

Gated luxury in Lakeland: Single-family rental community now open

Luxury community brings gated single-family rental homes to Lakeland.
Enjoy maintenance-free, luxury living at Grasslands West, Lakeland’s first gated, single-family rental community. | Photo by Marissa Romack and Sydney Szanyi Jenkins
Conveniently located near the many shopping and dining amenities of Lakeside Village (read: Publix is across the street), Grasslands West now offers three-and-four bedroom custom homes available for rent.

Featuring unobstructed views of the waterfront or nearby golf course, each pet-friendly property includes a spacious two-car garage and access to the community pool, playground, and dog park.

Best of all: Grasslands West provides complimentary lawn, pool + pest maintenance for all residents year-round. (Never squish a bug again.)
Get started today
News Notes
Civic
  • The unofficial results of Polk’s Nov. 7 municipal elections are in. In Lakeland, Chad McLeod maintained his seat in At-Large Seat 2, guaranteeing him another four-year term. Guy LaLonde and incumbent Samuel Simmons will head to a run-off election on Dec. 5 to see who claims the District A Northwest seat. (The Ledger + LkldNow)
Outdoors
  • Smoking and vaping in public Polk County parks are now banned following a unanimous vote by the Polk County Commission. Parking lots remain allowable smoking areas. (The Ledger)
Number
  • $4.2 million. That’s what the city is paying for Lakeland’s first microgrid community. Each of the 77 homes will cost the city $55,000. Lakeland Electric plans to apply for up to $1.1 million in federal tax incentives, bringing the city’s remaining balance down to $3.1 million. (The Ledger)
Open
  • Publix at Oakbridge Centre is reopening today after 14 months of demolition, rebuilding, and training. Stop by to shop your favorite BOGOs, Pub Subs, and City Editor Rilee’s favorite: Publix Bakery Key lime pie.
Real Estate
  • Compared to October 2022, Polk’s average home listing in October 2023 is nearly $5,000 lower. Between September and October of 2023, the median home price dropped 1.1%. On average, Polk homes are staying on the market for 54 days. (The Leger)
Ranked
  • Speaking of real estate — Lakeland ranked No. 6 in Florida Atlantic University’s study of the nation’s most overpriced housing markets. Lakeland’s home prices are reportedly 41% higher than the home values. Florida cities make up seven of the top 10 markets listed. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Edu
  • PCPS has released its graduation schedule for 2024 graduates this spring. The first Swan City grads to walk the stage will be those from Lakeland Senior High, Harrison School for the Arts, and Lake Gibson Senior High, all with commencements on Friday, May 17.
Eat
  • Florida Black Restaurant Week takes place from Nov. 10 to Nov. 19. To celebrate, My Plates On Deck is offering a 20% pop-up discount. Place your pre-order to try the business’ signature eclectic soul food at the Dixieland Night Market on Nov. 10 or at Catapult Lakeland on Nov. 12.
Festival
  • The Florida Strawberry Festival is just around the corner. Ready to see who’s taking the stage? The festival is teasing headlining acts on its Instagram page. See if you can guess correctly before the full lineup is announced on Nov. 13.
Concert
  • The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra is performing at the Polk Theatre on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Tickets for the Toast to the Holidays event are on sale now. Attend to hear classic holiday music and guest vocalists from Harrison School for the Arts.
Holiday
  • Need some Thanksgiving sides? Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q is selling half and full gallons of BBQ beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and more. Turkeys have sold out, but you can also get whole chickens or chopped pork.
Try This
  • Donate a used book to Pressed Lakeland’s Used Book section during the month of November to get a free drink. Check out the seasonal specials — the “Fall at Hogwarts” inspired menu includes a salted caramel apple butter latte, cold brew with brown sugar and pumpkin cold foam, and more.
Shop
  • Our online shop (Six & Main) now features Broth Bomb, a Lakeland business that offers fizzy seasoning mixes perfect for stews and soups. This tasty creation was discovered when business owner, Andrew, was looking for ways to share his delicious easy one-pot recipes. Shop now.
Wellness
  • This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. Even better? Our readers get 30% off.*
 
Drink

National Happy Hour Day is Sunday, Nov. 12

Don’t worry, be happy: Our favorite Lakeland happy hour deals

Grab a bite with your beer at The Brass Tap — we recommend the baked pretzels. | Photo by LALtoday
We’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best happy hours in Lakeland. Drink up at these 26 places.

Beer lovers

The Brass Tap | Monday-Friday, 12-7 p.m. | There’s always something hoppening at The Brass Tap — try $5 select draft beer and pints, along with food specials.

Brew Hub | Friday, all day | Sample this craft brewery’s wide selection with a beer flight. Pro tip: Thursdays mean discounted growlers.

Keeping spirits up

Lugo’s Craft Distillery | Thursday-Friday, 5-7 p.m. | Enjoy 20% off select cocktails in this distillery’s newly renovated lounge and cocktail bar — the rum is made in-house.

Fun in the sun

The Yard on Mass | Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m. | With food trucks and outdoor games, this is the backyard party we all need. Treat yourself to two-for-one drafts and glasses of wine.
22 more sip-worthy specials
The Buy

The Buy 11.09.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The secret ingredient we need for all holiday party cocktails.
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The Wrap
 
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor
Don’t forget we have a whole list of Veterans Day events taking place this weekend, ranging from breakfasts and parades to stand-up comedy.
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