Warmer weather is on its way — it’s time to enjoy the fresh air and prep for spring + summer gatherings, both indoor and outdoor. | Photos provided by Wayfair
Recently moved or using spring cleaning as an excuse to finally finish off that one room you just haven’t gotten around to? If either of these are you, or you’ve just had your eye on a big piece of furniture or new kitchen appliance for a while, your time has come.
Benally Iron Hanging Planter Set: If you’re a green thumb who always leaves the farmers market with new plants, show them off in these plant holders.
Aluminum Patio Gazebo: When the Florida sun gets to be too much in the summer, cool off under this gazebo that turns any yard into an oasis.
Shop and save up to 80% on everything from faucets to furniture, plus cookware and bakeware, mattresses, outdoor furniture, and more with thousands of sitewide discounts, limited-time flash deals, and — our favorite perk — free shipping on everything.
The deets on discounts
Shopping for a specific category? With savings ranging, here’s a breakdown of some of the discounted categories we’re pulling from to spruce up our space:
A. Outdoor furniture B. Kitchen products and appliances (think: Le Creuset, Cuisinart, and KitchenAid) C. Table + drinkware for entertaining D. Home décor
The Generators | Monday, May 6 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Register to join this genealogy discussion group before it takes its summer break.
Tuesday, May 7
B-I-N-G-O | Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy specials on craft brews, wine, house spirits, and classic drinks while you compete for five in a row.
Wednesday, May 8
Piano/Keyboard Class | Wednesday, May 8 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $30 | Pianists ages 6+ can learn techniques by playing popular and classical songs together.
Thursday, May 9
Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, May 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
Friday, May 10
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, May 10 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Night Market, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
Pro tip: Bake with a friend or family member — or share your treats with a crowd. | Photo provided by Publix
World Baking Day is next Sunday, May 19 — a perfect excuse to fill your home (or apartment or trailer) with the smell of home-baked goodness. Need some baking inspo? Give these a try:
LALtoday staff here. We’ve got a goal to raise $6,000 by the end of this week to support our staff and operations. 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.
This election year, we promise to keep your morning news read unbiased, stress-free, and focused on the thing you care about: knowing what’s going on in our city. That means no political ads. Help support our approach to local journalism and give to our fundraising campaign today.
City commissioners will vote today on whether to install parking guidance systems in downtown Lakeland’s Main Street and Heritage Plaza parking garages. The goal of the systems is to create an easier parking experience for downtown visitors. If approved, the project is expected to cost $299,888. (The Ledger)
Lakelander
Florida Poly celebrated graduates yesterday with a final address from retiring president Dr. Randy K. Avent. He shared about what’s changed at Florida Poly over the last 10 years and what’s next for both him and the school in a Q+A with Fox 13 News.
Job
PCPS is hiring teachers, counselors, and other school staff for the next school year. Learn how to become a certified teacher in a webinar tomorrow, May 7 at 5 p.m. Then join a virtual job fair on Thursday, May 16, 4-6 p.m., for all positions.
Community
Polk law enforcement and family members gathered at last week’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Service to honor 37 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1886. You can visit the memorial in Veteran’s Memorial Park on Lake Beulah. (LkldNow)
Learn
All rise. Incoming juniors + seniors can get hands-on judicial experience at the Polk County Courthouse in this summer’s Youth Mock Trial program. Send an application to the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit to join the program June 17-20.
Holiday
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar released the menu for its Mother’s Day buffet brunch in Eala’s Speakeasy on Sunday, May 12. If mom would love an omelette station, lamb chops, a dessert bar, and cocktails, call to reserve your spot.
Answered
Last week, we asked you to guess how many Lakelanders like you start their mornings with LALtoday. The answer was 39,000+ — that’s about 30% of Lakeland’s population. We’re glad you’re here.
Edu
Launch your career in construction as a foreman, project engineer, assistant superintendent, and more. The SEU Trades program’s BS in Construction Technology offers hands-on, earn-while-you-learn coursework in one of the nation’s most in-demand industries. Get details + apply.*
Date night with award-winning atmosphere? Cheers to that. | Photo by LALtoday
Ok, maybe it’s just the high pollen count, but it’s still high time for a date night with your significant other. Plan one this week with these 20+ ideas for those who want a night out on the town.
For those who want to feel a little fancy, enjoy a white tablecloth and candlelit dinner at Nineteen61, which just won the Best Atmosphere in Lakeland award from Restaurant Guru.
Step up your classic dinner and a movie by seeing a film at the historic Polk Theatre (you can even see “Casablanca” this Friday) or getting cozy at the Silvermoon Drive-In.
Challenge your partner to a game of mini golf or arcade games at Family Fun Center. This also makes for a great double date — see which couple wins the most tickets, and the other buys dinner for the group.
Lume Acidified Body Wash, which is supposed to remove odor better than soap thanks to its key ingredient: mandelic acid. Choose from scents like clean tangerine or go unscented for sensitive skin types.
On Friday, Amelia and I joined Pace Center for Girls Polk on top of the Lakeland Electric building for the Ten Story Challenge. Brave community members rappelled down the side of the building to show support for local girls, and we got some great views of downtown Lakeland.
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.