Plus, tell us what you're thankful for.
 
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77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.
 

Taylor-made in Lakeland

10 questions with artist Ahmad H. Taylor
A portrait of artist Ahmad H. Taylor
Meet artist Ahmad H. Taylor, also known as the Atlanta Illustrator. | Photo provided by Ahmad H. Taylor
We’ve heard it countless times in our Q+As: Lakeland has a way of calling you back home. That magic is at work again in the life of artist Ahmad H. Taylor. While this Lakeland native now lives in Atlanta, you can see his fingerprints all over town — including in a new exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art.

Q: What inspired you to become an artist?
A: My mother says that I have been drawing since I was two, and I can’t think back to a time when I wasn’t creating. From coloring pages, cartoons, and flip books, my youth in the 1980s was full of wide-eyed wonder.

A hand holds a copy of "El's Mirror" with real mirrors in the background

Flip through “El’s Mirror” when you visit the exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art.

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Photo by LALtoday

Q: One of your latest projects is the book you illustrated. How did the book grow from an idea to a finished product?
A: “El’s Mirror” is a wonderful story about an inquisitive, vibrant young child named El who manages to overcome a few school-age trials with the help of some noteworthy historical figures. This was a collaboration project with a visionary author [Bavu Blakes] from Texas who, with the help of his own son Ellison, created an enduring story that is relatable to all.

An wall from the "Illustrations from the Mirror" art exhibit featuring Ahmad's drawings

Get a look inside Ahmad’s creative process in his new exhibit.

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Photo by LALtoday

Q: Where can Lakelanders view your work?
A: My work is currently on exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art. “Illustrations From The Mirror: The Art of Ahmad Taylor” is an illustrated journey into the effort behind my children’s picture book collaboration, “El’s Mirror.” Not only can you read the actual story, but you can begin to uncover the process and brainstorming that it takes to bring such a masterpiece to life, all the way down to my sticky notes! The exhibition will be open until Feb. 4, 2024, so be sure and stop by for a visit.

Keep reading for more on Taylor’s local roots and how this city keeps drawing him back.
7 more questions with Ahmad
 
Events
Tuesday, Nov. 14
  • Author Spotlight Night | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free entry | Join a meet and greet, Q+A panel, and book signing with local authors Chris Wendel and Barbara Meyers.
  • An Evening of Chamber Music | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $0-$10 | Listen to performances from chamber singers and orchestra members — admission is free for FSC faculty and students.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
  • Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. 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.
  • Green Drinks Lakeland | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Join this networking group to meet other Lakelanders with an interest in sustainability.
Thursday, Nov. 16
  • Women United’s Gents & Bourbon | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 4:30-7 p.m. | CJB United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Tour the Children’s Resource Center, meet Campaign Chair Desmond Clark, and sample specialty cocktails in the Rooftop Garden Bar.
  • Jukebox Bingo & The Aquarian (Vegan) Market | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Listen for the songs on your bingo card to win a discount on your tab and shop the vegan market.
Friday, Nov. 17
  • Plant City Pig Jam | Friday, Nov. 17-Saturday, Nov. 18 | Times vary | Gordon Food Service, 1401 Gordon Food Service Dr., Plant City | Free entry | Try food from amateur and professional teams competing to bring the best barbecue — bring $10 in cash for parking.
Saturday, Nov. 18
  • 36th Annual Margarita Ball | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 8-11 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | $45-$65 | Bring an unwrapped toy and enjoy live music, snacks, margaritas, and more — this event benefits local charity organizations, must be 21+ to attend.
100+ more events
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News Notes
Announced
  • The performer lineup for the Florida Strawberry Festival is here, and The Beach Boys, Black Eyed Peas, The Commodores, Jo Dee Messina, and others will take the stage. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. for the festival + concerts taking place Feb. 29-March 10, 2024. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
  • The School Choice Application Window for Polk County Public Schools will be open Jan. 8-Feb. 16, 2024. Mark your calendar for PCPS’ four School Choice Showcases, and learn more about the county’s public education options in our guide.
Opening
  • It’s time to let the dogs out. Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue will open on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2250 Griffin Rd. The grand opening festivities begin at 11 a.m., and the first 100 customers will receive a free hot dog.
Civic
  • Polk County commissioners agreed to sell the county-owned Rohr Home in Bartow to nonprofit private entities for $5 million. Buyer Millennial Property Investments Corp., which is based in Bartow, plans to keep the nursing home facility as is and add more staff. (The Ledger)
Arts
  • Harrison School for the Arts is hosting an 8th Grade Invitational Art Exhibit on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will include works by middle school students submitted by art teachers around the county. Stay after the event to learn about applying to Harrison.
Open
  • Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille reopened yesterday after being closed for renovations. Stop by the downtown spot to sea what’s new today, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Health
  • New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church recently held its 10th annual breast health awareness seminar, growing from fewer than 30 guests in its first year to 230 this year. Panelists and breast cancer survivors urged listeners to self-examine, get regular mammograms, and share their stories. (The Ledger)
Development
  • Construction on a 700,000-sqft pipe manufacturing plant in Lake Wales could be complete in early 2025, pending the purchase of 100 acres of land. Advanced Drainage Systems says it will add around 200 jobs when the plant opens. (The Ledger)
Holiday
  • Keeping it vegan this Thanksgiving? Preorder entrees, sides, and desserts from Vegetation Plant Food by Monday, Nov. 20. The menu includes Wellington, Mac & Cheeze, apple muffins, and more vegan-friendly items.
Seasonal
  • Celebrate the season at Bok Tower Gardens’ Holidays in the Highlands events, happening Nov. 25-Jan. 8. Don’t miss tours, concerts, fitness classes, and craft activities for the whole family — see the full schedule.
Shop
  • Lugo’s Craft Distillery will turn into a winter wonderland at its Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 16. Shop for unique goods from local vendors under twinkling lights. Tickets include food and a Christmas-themed cocktail.
Services
  • Does your AC need a little TLC? Preventative maintenance can keep your unit running efficiently and help extend its life, and a Payne Protection Program can save you $$ every step of the way. Learn about discounts, priority service calls, no overtime rates + other perks this way.*
Trending
  • It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list, just in time for the holidays. We’re seeing: Luxury flaky sea salt, all-weather boots, fleece robes, and a baked brie board.*
 
Asked

What are you thankful for this year?

What Lakelanders are thankful for this year
A pecan pie sits on a red kitchen towel.
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a fresh pecan pie. | Photo via @honeycombbread
You’re sure to hear this question a lot soon, so start working on your answer. Thankfully, there’s plenty to be grateful for in Lakeland, from hidden gem businesses you found this year, to the work our local organizations are doing, to your favorite Christmas parade viewing spot.

If you know exactly what you’re thankful for, share it with us in our survey. We’ll include the answers in one of our upcoming newsletters so we can keep the thanks train rolling.

We’ll go first. City Editor Connor is grateful to have a new cat lounge to hang out in, and City Editor Rilee appreciates the events Downtown Lakeland puts on, especially the Holiday Night Market.
Give us what you're grateful for
The Buy

The Buy 11.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Something to make sure you don’t forget yourself this holiday season. Here’s a little self-care gift just for you.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Here’s another thing I’m thaknful for: Getting to talk with Ahmad for this Q+A and learning about his Lakeland roots. Be sure to pick up a copy of “El’s Mirror” — it would make a great holiday gift for a young reader.
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