05.02.2024

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90º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. | Sunset 8:03 p.m.

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Here’s how you can support free, unbiased local journalism in Lakeland

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We’re dedicated to delivering you impactful, relevant, and positive local news. | Graphic by 6AM City

Hey there. It’s Connor and Amelia, the local City Editors you know and love. Allow us to pass the mic to 126 of our coworkers. (Yes, that’s right — an entire team is behind each day’s newsletter, and we couldn’t do it without them.)

We are 6AM City, the parent company of LALtoday. We’re the people on a mission to engage communities by aggregating the most positive, impactful local news and events into a free, daily email newsletter. Maybe you caught the magic word in there — free. We’re proud that our product comes at no cost for subscribers, and we intend to keep it that way.

This week, we’re asking for support

We get hundreds of thank you emails every week, and we couldn’t be more grateful that we impact your lives. Several of you have asked how you can support us. We have a goal to raise $6,000 over the next 10 days, and we’re calling on you to join in.

You may have gotten something out of reading LALtoday, like finding that life-changing concert in our Events section, or using our recommendations on the perfect way to spend the day with grandkids. If that was you, we’re calling on you now to support our mission.

A collage of photos of our staff out enjoying their cities. — We’ve got immense pride in our readership, our colleagues, and the cities we live in.
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Graphic by 6AM City

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Fun fact: We’ve turned down more than a million dollars in political ads since we first started — we’re that serious about our brand promise. In election years like 2024, advertisers move their money around, and those fluctuations impact businesses like ours who don’t accept political ad dollars.

This year, your contribution will go incredibly far to support our staff, back an unbiased approach to local and participatory journalism, and keep our product free for the whole community.

Choose your gift + support us today

Asked

How many Lakelanders read LALtoday?

A. 13,000+
B. 18,000+
C. 24,000+
D. 39,000+

See if you're right

Events

Thursday, May 2

Night Market | Thursday, May 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Visit this monthly night market to shop local vendors while you pour your own drinks.
Game Show Night | Thursday, May 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeland Manor, 3020 Crews Lake Dr., Lakeland | $15-$25 | Enjoy a “Family Feud"-style game night to benefit READ Lakeland’s annual Kiss the Pig fundraiser.
“Star Wars” Trivia | Thursday, May 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | May the force be with you and your team during this themed trivia night.

Friday, May 3

Polk Wellness Professionals Annual Showcase | Friday, May 3 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Heartland for Children, 1239 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Learn about Polk Wellness Professionals and network with local health providers.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, May 3 | Times vary | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with this comedy team’s family show at 7:30 p.m. or check out the 21+ “Star Wars” show at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4

Caffeine & Gasoline | Saturday, May 4 | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Browse or showcase your exotic, classic, luxury, and hot rod cars, then grab coffee + breakfast.
Free Comic Book Day | Saturday, May 4 | 10 a.m. | Intergalactic Plastic, 5367 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy sales and giveaways on toys and comics all day long, as well as a meet + greet with artist Aaron Conley.
Mint Juleps & Margaritas Derby Celebration | Saturday, May 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | $0-$5 | See who wins the Kentucky Derby at this family-friendly watch party — food + drinks will be available for purchase.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

🤝 A collaborative approach to business banking

Trey Barnett and Dawn Ward stand side-by-side in front of a red door. The same two sit next to one another at a table in front of bookshelves.

Trey Barnett, Relationship Manager at Bank of Central Florida, and Dawn Ward, owner of Innovation Title. | Photos provided by Bank of Central Florida, Member FDIC

It’s hard to overstate the power of personal relationships in business banking.

Just ask Dawn Ward, owner of Innovation Title. The local real estate transaction company continues to reach new heights thanks to a strong partnership with Bank of Central Florida + Relationship Manager Trey Barnett.

Barnett’s collaborative role extends far beyond account management. From navigating cash flow to tackling complex transactions, his expertise, proactive approach + personalized insights have helped Ward streamline processes and foster long-term growth.

See her success story

News Notes

Real Estate

Lakeland’s build-to-rent housing market is booming. A new study ranked the city a top emerging market in the US. Nearly 500 of these homes, which are intended for long-term renters, were built from 2019 to 2023. Another 317 are in progress now. (Business Observer)

Environment

Algae harvesting will begin this month in Lake Bonnet and will feature new cleaning technology. The $1.7 million project will use scrubbing tech to collect harmful algae blooms for reuse as fertilizer, then return clean water back into the lake. (Fox 13 News)

Arts

Polk State art students got insight + inspiration from Lakeland painter Gillian Fazio, who stopped into classes to teach them about her craft. You can find Fazio’s latest local mural near the Lake Mirror Tower Apartments downtown.

Community

The Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service takes place today at Veterans Memorial Park. Head to the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial at 10 a.m. to join the service to honor officers who have died in the line of duty.

Film

The Polk Theatre is the place to be for Star Wars Day. Visit this Saturday, May 4 to see the original trilogy. It starts with “A New Hope” at 2 p.m., “The Empire Strikes Back” at 5 p.m., and “Return of the Jedi” at 8 p.m.

Watch

Lakeland Linder welcomed home Mission 9 of Flight to Honor on Tuesday night. Flight to Honor is a program through the Polk County Veterans Council that flies veterans to Washington, D.C. to see memorials in their honor — watch the homecoming.

Concert

Hear the works of Vivaldi at “Gloria,” the Lakeland Choral Society’s spring concert. The performance takes place at City Central Church (310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way) this Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $10.

Older Adults

Break out your Hawaiian shirts. Polk County Parks and Recreation is hosting a Senior Social Luau next Friday, May 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Medulla Community Center (1049 Parker Rd.). This free event for ages 55+ will include lunch, music, and games.

Biz

📣 Your small business shoutouts

Lakeland’s favorite small businesses, as chosen by Lakelanders

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We love grabbing breakfast at Fat Jack’s. | Photo via @kamalasu

With National Small Business Week taking place now through Saturday, May 4, we looked to you to help us celebrate the ones you love most in Lakeland. After 200+ responses, here are a few of the small bizzes you shouted out:

Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot | “Very very customer friendly and very unique.” — Reader Warren K.

Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub | “Great family atmosphere, fairly priced and great food. I’ve been going there for over 38 years!” — Reader Robert L.

Lake Morton Market and Deli | “I love this neighborhood store! Everyone is super friendly. They have a great pizza shop, Pizza Daddy’s, inside that is amazing.” — Reader Maegan N.

Satnam Wellness | “Their various mindfulness practices and community gatherings bring peace, comfort and encourage communal support for happy, healthy living.” — Reader Naomi P.

Z’s Teas | “I love this business because of the sense of belonging and community they’re building.” — Anonymous reader

Explore 50+ more

The Buy

The Buy 5.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A most-loved mother’s day gift so you’re prepared once Sunday, May 12 rolls around. Shop gifts great for mother figures, yourself, or anyone who deserves a little something.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

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