Plus, a new video game lounge coming soon.
 
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Today’s Forecast

73º | 62% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 7:40 p.m.

LAL_High Tower Roofing_Weather Sponsorship_7.1.2023-6.30.2025

 
Entering our new mayoral era... in 2025
The Lakeland City Commission Chamber as seen from the audience seats. It features a large semicircular desk with name placards for commission members, and a podium with a microphone for speakers. Behind the desk are a US flag, State of Florida flag, and the City of Lakeland logo on the wall.
The City Commission meets here in City Hall. | Photo provided by the City of Lakeland
After leading the Lakeland City Commission since 2018, Mayor Bill Mutz has announced he will not run for reelection when his current term concludes in December 2025.

Over the last six years, Mayor Mutz has co-led several initiatives alongside the City Commission and other community agencies, including:
  • Creating LkldArts.org, a comprehensive guide to Lakeland’s art scene sponsored by the Mayor’s Council of the Arts
  • Launching “Lift Lakeland,” an initiative with aims to increase economic, educational, and civic involvement + improve community-centered relationships through various programs
  • Leading negotiations with city staff to add passenger flights at Lakeland Linder International Airport
In an interview with LkldNow, Mutz stated that he feels confident about the city’s future thanks to the leadership within the City Commission, but he still plans to keep a boots-on-the-ground approach through the end of his term.

The election for Mayor Mutz’s replacement will be held in November 2025. Interested candidates must file before the period ends in September 2025, though official dates have not yet been announced. Get to know more about Lakeland’s government system and how you can get involved.
 
Asked
 
What other information do you want to know about Lakeland’s government?
A. How to run for open positions
B. When and where I can vote
C. What the different positions do
D. Something else
 
 
Events
 
Friday, March 22
  • Cruel Curses and Marrison | Friday, March 22 | 7-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Two local rock bands will take the stage at this 18+ concert.
  • FSC|Dance: Perpetual Motion | Friday, March 22-Sunday, March 24 | Times vary | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Catch the spring dance performance featuring students and guest artists.
Saturday, March 23
  • Charity Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament | Saturday, March 23 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Cheer on teams competing in this tournament to benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
  • Stories and Stones Historic Cemetery Tour | Saturday, March 23 | 9-10:15 a.m. | Roselawn Cemetery, 713 N. Ingraham Ave., Lakeland | Free | Take a walking tour to learn about Lakeland’s past residents and the meanings behind their headstones.
  • Women’s Self-Defense Class | Saturday, March 23 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Enhance personal safety, elevate confidence, and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 15 and up.
  • The Collingsworth Family Concert | Saturday, March 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $35 | This southern gospel family band will perform a concert of their greatest hits.
Sunday, March 24
  • Mini Tarot Readings | Sunday, March 24 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Crystal Gaze in the Flow, 213 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland | $25 | Meet a local Tarot reader and get your own mini reading.
  • March Sip N Paint | Sunday, March 24 | 1-5 p.m. | Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Rd. S., Lakeland | $35 | Get into the spirit of spring through an Easter-themed painting event.
Monday, March 25
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, March 25 | 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.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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5 deep discounts in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
"Big Spring Sale" is written by a rotating gif of a tablet, Instant Pot, and electric toothbrush.
Shop savings through Monday, March 25. | Graphic by 6AM City
It’s Amazon’s first ever Big Spring Sale. Shop some of the best discounts we’ve seen:
 
News Notes
 
Traffic
  • A new traffic signal at the intersection of Medulla Road and West Pipkin Road is now fully operational. Polk County hopes the signal will enhance safety on the high-traffic streets that lead to SUN ‘n FUN, Central Florida Aerospace Academy, and the Riverstone subdivision.
Coming Soon
  • Sim Boss, a new gaming and racing simulation lounge, will open in April in the plaza behind Miller’s Ale House on South Florida Avenue. The lounge will be the first of its kind in south Lakeland.
Cause
  • New Bethel AME Church (2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.) will hold a “Community Day of Caring” tomorrow, March 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The free community event will offer food, clothes, showers, and other services to help those experiencing homelessness. (The Ledger)
Listen
  • The founders of Bandidas Bake Shop were recently featured on an episode of “The Future of Food is You” podcast. In their chat, Gabi and Gio Favilli-Vigoreaux discuss their baked goods, opening a small business, and more. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Feel Good
  • “Vivian’s Pets Pantry,” a free community pet pantry created by 14-year-old Lakeland High School student Vivian Oquendo, is accepting donations. The pantry is located next to the LKLD Free Fridge at 1319 Hartsell Ave. Current needs include cat litter and reptile food. (LkldNow)
Family
  • Registration is now open for Kitty Cat Lounge’s Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 31. Participants can hunt for eggs to win prizes, including free kitty time for a year.
Concert
  • Are you ready to (punk) rock? Bands have been announced for Punk Rock Flea Market Vol. 8, happening this Sunday, March 27 from 12 to 6 p.m at Swan Brewing. This volume’s lineup includes bands from St. Petersburg to Miami, with two from right here in Lakeland.
Edu
  • Polk State’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education will be available at its Winter Haven campus starting in August. Polk State is the only public postsecondary institution in the county to offer state-approved teacher education programs.
Pets
  • Don’t let the dogs out yet. “Bark in the Park,” the 18th annual dog adoption event in downtown Winter Haven, has been rescheduled due to a high chance of thunderstorms. It will now be held next Friday, March 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Central Park. (WTSP)
Sports
  • Bartow High School cheerleading coach, Lori Joliff, is hanging up her pom-poms after 21 years. As coach, she led the Yellow Jackets cheerleading squad to six national and 11 state titles. A new coach will be announced in two weeks. (The Ledger)
Finance
  • If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine, it might be time for a balance transfer. For that, The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges on qualifying balance transfers.)*
 
 
Eat
 
🍧 We’re feelin’ snacky
Photo of the traditional Japanese snack onigiri.
For a more savory bite, try the traditional Japanese snack onigiri from Omusubee. | Photo courtesy of @omusubeefl
Picture this: It’s mid-afternoon and you’re starting to feel like you could use a snack. But what should you get? Have no fear — we’ve rounded up recommendations from our team + readers for where you can get your snack on.

Mimi’s Italian Ice | 3120 S. Florida Ave.
Follower @madison.decicco praised this family-owned shop as having “the BEST gluten & dairy free snack.” Notable flavors include coffee, lavender cheesecake, and butter pecan. Plus, there are also several vegan options.

Andrew Logans Chocolates | Locations vary
Satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade, small-batch chocolates and confections from this maker who frequents the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Reader Catherine W. personally recommends the PB&J chocolate.

Omusubee | Locations vary
Regarded as “the snack for all occasions,” this farmers market staple puts a twist on traditional Japanese onigiri. Its newest flavor, Scorpion Curry, combines chicken curry with scorpion pepper, Carolina Reaper pepper, and other spicy peppers. Is anyone else sweating?
 
The Buy
 
Coffee and tea. Shop our beverage selection to help avoid your mid-day slump.
 
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The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
I recently cleaned out my closet for some necessary spring tidying and loved my experience donating clothes to Top Buttons. I was in and out in minutes and they even provided me a tax receipt. Plus, I love knowing that clothes I no longer wear will benefit someone else as they start a new chapter.
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