Plus, city commission election results.
 
11.08.2023 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.
 

Raise the Bar(tow) on your next day trip

Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
A street sign reading "Bartow: City of Oaks and Azaleas" surrounded by fall leaves
Visit Bartow to get your fill of local history. | Photo by @bartowflo
Consider your fellow readers travel experts. With your help, we’re planning day trip guides to your favorite towns near Lakeland. Our next day trip takes us to the City of Oaks and Azaleas: Bartow. There’s plenty to do and see there, especially for local history buffs.

Screen Shot 2021-08-12 at 1.04.44 PM

The courthouse offers tours and ongoing exhibits.

|

Screenshot via Google Maps

What to do

There was one activity that our readers recommended more than any other: A stop at the Old Polk County Courthouse, which now serves as the Polk County History Center. Take a tour of its Greek Revival architecture every third Saturday of the month.

After your tour, stick around downtown to do some exploring. Reader Diane C. says, “Don’t miss the secondhand stores along Main Street,” and reader Jan S. loves the “quaint downtown atmosphere.”

There’s no place like home, but these historic houses are worth a visit. Add some mystery to your trip with a tour through reader Gretchen J.'s favorite, the Wonder House, or visit the L.B. Brown House Museum.

A table with four flights of beer at Front Page Brewing Co.

Take flight at Front Page Brewing Co.

|

Photo by LALtoday

What to eat

If history gets you hungry, our readers have you covered. Start the day off with a cup of coffee at Unfiltered Bartow. Sound familiar? You may have seen its Lakeland location at 801 E. Main St. For a sweet treat, reader Sophia V. recommends gluten-free baked goods at Patty’s Crumbs.

For lunch, reader Diane C. recommends Sweet Magnolia’s Café, where you can’t go wrong with a salad and sandwich combo. When dinner time rolls around, several readers have one spot in mind: Zest Bar and Grill. This new spot specializes in American food and cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails, there are plenty of places to grab a drink. Stop by Front Page Brewing Co. for beer, cocktails, ciders, and other drinks. Want something a little quieter? Head to The Wine Library for a nightcap of wine or sangria to end your Bartow trip.
Asked

Which city should we feature next?
Help us plan our next quick trip guide by filling out our 60-second survey of your favorite things to do, see, and eat there.
Don't trip, help us plan a getaway
 
Events
Wednesday, Nov. 8
  • SPCA Florida’s 7 Days of Giving | Wednesday, Nov. 8-Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Locations vary | Price of donation | Donate dog and cat food at any Lakeland Fire Station to help the SPCA reach its goal of 7,000 pounds of food.
  • Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 10-11 a.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 — locations vary by day.
Thursday, Nov. 9
  • Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Head downtown for live music and bites from 15 of your favorite local food trucks.
  • Lakeland Swan Sunset | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$41 | Paint a pair of swans solo, or sign up to paint them as a couple’s set.
Friday, Nov. 10
  • Adventure Day | Friday, Nov. 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Watch bubble shows at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., or try bubble-free play from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Nature Center.
  • Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off & Tree Lighting | Friday, Nov. 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Bring the whole family for live music, an address from Sheriff Grady Judd, stilt walkers, and the inaugural tree lighting by Santa Claus himself.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Development

A new hotspot for local Lakeland businesses
A render of retail space featuring local businesses and lots of foot traffic
This upcoming community-driven retail space offers something for everyone. | Photo via Carter USA
Are you a local business looking for a location upgrade?

The Shops at Lake Wire — Lakeland’s newest shopping plaza arriving in 2024 — will offer prime retail locations ranging from 1,338 to 3,062 sqft + pristine spaces for dining, retail, coffee, outdoor areas, and more.

Neighbored by 300 Lake Wire apartments, and managed by Lakeland local Century Retail, this mixed-use development sits near the heart of Downtown and aims to bring new and exciting concepts to the area.
Look into leasing options
News Notes
Civic
  • City commissioners are considering changing downtown parking rates to incentivize visitors to use all open spots, including those in lots and garages. The commission discussed eliminating free street parking, simplifying signage, and raising parking garage rates. If approved, new policies would likely go into effect in February. (The Ledger)
Development
  • Phase 1 of construction at the Lakeland Family YMCA has begun. The first phase includes the addition of 161 parking spots and new access points. Pro tip: The original parking lot and front entrance are still fully accessible. See what’s coming in future phases.
Ranked
  • No. 22. That’s what Lakeland ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 list of the Best Places to Retire in the US. Rankings were based on happiness, housing affordability, healthcare quality, and more. (U.S. News & World Report)
Award
  • Florida Polytechnic University is home to three researchers on Stanford University’s list of the top 2% of scientists in the world. The list includes Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, Dr. Muhammad Rashid, and Dr. Patrick Zhang, who are experts in nanotechnology, electrical engineering, and phosphate mining, respectively.
Health
  • Lakeland Regional Health’s new Kathleen Road campus brings its current number of outpatient facilities to 11. LRH is also currently constructing an ER at the corner of South Florida Avenue and County Road 540A, with plans to open in 2025. (LkldNow)
Closed
  • Chamberlin’s Natural Foods’ Grove Park location has closed after 25+ years in operation. Shoppers can still visit the north Lakeland location at 4001 US Hwy. 98 N. in the Target plaza. (The Ledger)
Number
  • 1,200. That’s how many turkeys Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. and The Freedom Tour are giving away before Thanksgiving. Pick up a free turkey and box of food at these three locations on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Edu
  • Roberts Academy, a school for students with dyslexia located on Florida Southern College’s campus, may expand to Tennessee. Vanderbilt University is considering a partnership to start a similar school of its own. The 183-student transitional school is the first of its kind in Florida. (WFTS)
Eat
Biz
  • Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — Nov. 25, to be exact. What local businesses will you be supporting + which local deals should we check out? Let us know and we may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter.
Family
  • Attention parents with aspiring aviators: Looking for a way to inspire your student to succeed in school? The Aerospace Center for Excellence ACEs High academic achievement program offers free + exciting rewards to Polk County students ages 11-17. Think: A free flight in an airplane (yes, you read that right).*
Eat
  • Need an excuse to clean out your fridge? Next Wednesday, Nov. 15 is National Clean Your Fridge Out Day (think: Just in time for Thanksgiving). Check out these five ingredient-happy recipes to help you use up those items you thought you forgot about.*
 
Civic

And the winners are...

2023 Lakeland municipal election results
Interior of Lakeland City Hall Commission Chamber
Lakelanders voted for two City Commission seats. | Photo by the City of Lakeland
Did you vote? Election day was Tuesday, Nov. 7, and the votes are in. Lakelanders made their voices heard by voting on two City Commission positions. Official election results are yet to be announced, but the Polk Supervisor of Elections has released the unofficial results.

Incumbent Chad McLeod earned 57.4% of votes, securing another term as the At Large Seat 2 commissioner.

Interim Commissioner Samuel Simmons received 30.89% of votes, and Guy LaLonde Jr. received 47.97%. Because neither received 50% of votes, these candidates for the District A Northwest seat will head to a runoff vote on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

See the full unofficial results of the 2023 municipal elections in Lakeland, Auburndale, Fort Meade, and Winter Haven as they’re announced.
The Buy

The Buy 11.08.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
One of these gifts. All under $25, all adorable.
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’re more into Thanksgiving desserts than dinner, we’ve got you covered there, too. I brought Born & Bread’s brown butter apple pie to dinner last year and it was a big hit.
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