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✈️ Can we finally take flight from Lakeland?

Lakeland Linder International Airport will offer commercial passenger flights
An Avelo Aircraft sits on the tarmac with the word "Avelo" painted on its side
You could soon take off on a plane without having to leave Lakeland. | Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
Start planning those summer getaways. Officials at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) have reached an agreement with Avelo Airlines. The City Commission unanimously approved the deal on Monday, Dec. 18, meaning the airport and the airline will enter into a 15-year, non-exclusive agreement starting May 1, 2024.

The decision comes with a $3.4 million price tag to install security screening areas, add additional parking areas for customers, and build a maintenance bay for Avelo’s planes. The airport will save on the upgrades by not adding traditional gates — instead, passengers will board via covered, wheelchair-accessible ramps.

LAL requested the city to cover the costs with a loan and plans to complete the upgrades by mid-May 2024. That means you might be able to take flight by June.

An exterior view of the loading ramp for an Avelo plane

No gates, no problem — here’s what boarding an Avelo plane looks like.

|

Photo by Avelo Airlines

Here’s the million-dollar question: Where will these flights go? The destinations are yet to be announced, but Avelo currently has 40+ destinations across the US. The low-cost airline (think: Less than $60 for some one-way fares) typically flies into smaller airports near larger cities. Here are a few of its current destinations that we would love to visit:
  • Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and other Florida cities
  • Bozeman, MT where you can live out your “Yellowstone” dreams
  • Nashville, TN, the capital of country music and bachelorette parties
  • Sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico, the airline’s only current destination outside of the continental United States
How do you feel about the announcement? Where are you hoping Avelo will fly to from Lakeland? Here are the top 10 locations our readers are hoping will be on the flight plan:
  • Greenville, SC
  • New Haven, CT
  • Asheville, NC
  • Columbus, OH
  • Wilmington, DE
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Key West, FL
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • Nashville, TN
If you chose Greenville, New Haven, Wilmington, Philadelphia, or Nashville, you might be in luck — these are already some of Avelo’s current destinations.
Asked

Which destinations do you hope are offered?
Share your thoughts and let us know how excited you are about this announcement.
Share your dream destinations
Events
Thursday, Dec. 14
  • Red Bag Holiday Giveaway | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Christ Memorial Baptist Church, 2929 Hardin-Combee Rd., Lakeland | Free | Drive through for free health + wellness info, clothing, and household supplies for older adults provided by Advent Home Care Alliance.
  • After Hours at the Museum | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 4-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Walk through the museum after dark and join a free Curator Tour at 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 15
  • ART/ifact Studios Resident Artist Show | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | ART/ifact Studios, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 2, Lakeland | Free | Browse the works of 18 local artists and donate upon entry to support ART/ifact.
  • Light Up BSP | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the season with free nightly holiday-themed events, including live music concerts, visits with Santa, seasonal food + drinks, family-friendly activities, and so much more.*
Saturday, Dec. 16
  • Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch astounding stunts by this team that’s been water skiing for over 100 years.
  • Christmas Market at Lugo’s Craft Distillery | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 5-11 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery, 2500 Drane Field Rd., Ste. 208, Lakeland | $20 | Tickets to this event include a themed cocktail, food, and access to local vendor booths.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Sports

🏀 Snag tix to this first-ever match up happening tonight
LAL-Visit Central Flordia Kugel_Riley-12.14.23.jpg
See top scorers — like the Florida Gator’s Riley Kugel — play at their prime tonight. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida/by Catherine McCarthy
Here’s a first-ever basketball match up you don’t want to miss.

It’s University of Florida vs. East Carolina University as the two teams square off for the Visit Central Florida Tip-Off, happening tonight, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the RP Funding Center.

The exciting game pits the top-winning Florida Gators against the standout East Carolina Pirates, who just scored their highest winning season since 2013-14.

Snag tickets ($25-110) + see why this is a game worth attending.
Get tix + peep the schedule
News Notes
Ranked
  • No. 56. That’s what PCPS ranked out of Florida’s 64 school districts in this year’s grades from the Florida Department of Education. Superintendent Fred Heid and school board members discussed the scores in Tuesday’s work session — watch the video. (LkldNow)
Edu
  • Florida Polytechnic University’s presidential search committee has received approval for the criteria to use in its search. The committee is seeking a new president to replace Dr. Randy K. Avent after he steps down in 2024. Keep up with the search as it begins.
Coming Soon
  • Bezos Academy Lakeland is expected to open in 2025 in partnership with PCPS. The tuition-free preschool will operate out of Oscar J. Pope Elementary School, offering Montessori-style learning for students ages 3-5. Bezos Academy will pay all operating costs.
Open
  • There’s a new noodle spot in town. Tsaocaa Tea & Michi Ramen held its soft opening this week at 4238 US Hwy. 98 N., near Fire Hotpot. Stop by to try the extensive menu including ramen, boba tea, Korean-style fried chicken, and more.
Holiday
  • Celebrate the Hmong New Year this Saturday, Dec. 16 with a free community event hosted by Florida Hmong Community, Inc. Head to the Tigertown complex from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to join Hmong traditions, then get tickets to the afterparty at the RP Funding Center at 6 p.m. (LkldNow)
Travel
  • Winter Haven has opened its first downtown hotel in 100 years to keep up with its rising population and tourism. Staybridge Suites is now open at 305 5th St. NW, conveniently located for your next trip to the Chain of Lakes City. (WFTS)
Try This
  • All eyes will be on the sky at the 50th SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in April 2024. Airshow acts have been announced, including the USAF Thunderbirds and TITAN Aerobatic Team, plus opening performances by Trace Adkins and Sara Evans. Get tickets so you don’t miss a moment.
Development
  • Winter Haven’s Willowbrook Golf Course is in for a big upgrade over the next two years thanks to $2.6 million from the city. The municipal-owned course will get improved greens, irrigation, and drainage, plus clubhouse updates. (The Ledger)
Watch
  • Need a movie night suggestion? “Fly Like a Girl,” a documentary by Lakeland studio Indie Atlantic Films, was featured on a list of the five best documentaries streaming on Hulu. Watch it tonight with a Hulu subscription. (Tom’s Guide)
Learn
Wellness
 
Eat

👋 Goodbye gluten

Goodbye gluten: Lakeland restaurants with gluten-free options
zuppina
Just ask the Cafe Zuppina staff for a GF recommendation. | Photo by Tina Sargeant Photography
If you’re looking to eat gluten-free these days, navigating a menu on the spur of the moment can be tricky. That’s why we asked our readers for their favorite gluten-free restaurants and menu items to try.

Cafe Zuppina, 4417 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Joan M. sent in this pro tip: Ask the helpful staff here to accommodate your dietary needs, and try the veggie plate or lamb dishes.

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Our Instagram follower @michelle_maracz praised Frescos’ clearly marked breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus.

New Moon Sushi, 4231 S. Florida Ave.
According to Reader April T., “They bend over backwards to make sure you have a gluten-free and enjoyable meal. They even have gluten-free soy sauce and not all sushi places do.”

Saigon Bistro, 1554 Town Center Dr. W.
Reader April T. also recommends the shrimp stir fry at this Vietnamese restaurant.
20 more ways to go gluten-free
The Buy

The Buy 12.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A tried-and-true gift recommended by our editors. Think: cozy slippers, cordless vacuums, and weighted blankets.
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The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Tomorrow is National Cupcake Day, and I’ll be celebrating by picking up a pack of cupcakes by Mike & Mike’s Desserts at any Publix store. That’s right, these are available around the country — maybe I’ll even book a flight for my future cupcake runs next year.
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