05.10.2024

Today’s Forecast

91º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. | Sunset 8:07 p.m.

A Message From Our Team

A thermometer graphic showing how close we are to our fundraising goal + a city skyline.

Graphic by 6AM City

We can’t thank our readers enough for contributing to our fundraising goal. We’re ~$1,500 away from our goal of $6,000 — and our fundraising campaign ends tonight. Help us by giving today and supporting our free, unbiased approach to local journalism. We promise, this is the last time this year we’ll bother you about donations.

Help make our goal happen

🌸 Let’s hear it for the moms

A Mother’s Day event for every type of mom in Lakeland

A photographer takes a photo of a mother and child in front of a Mother's Day photo backdrop at Lakeside Village

Celebrate the moms who make everyone smile. | Photo by @shoplakesidevillage + @thelagrones

How do you celebrate the person who has it all? By joining mom at one of these local Mother’s Day events. Here’s where we would take every type of mother figure in our lives on Saturday, May 11 + Sunday, May 12.

For moms that are a work of art

Head to Lake Morton for Mayfaire by-the-Lake, the annual art festival that takes place every Mother’s Day weekend. Spend the day perusing the booths together and picking out a piece to take home.

If your mother is a maker at heart, Painting with a Twist is offering Mommy and Me classes for all ages this weekend, and PicassoZ Art Cafe will be open for walk-ins during its Mother’s Day weekend event. Pop in Saturday + Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m to paint pottery and create mosaics together.

Three iced coffee and energy drinks from Andrew's Coffee with rubber ducks on straws — You can also add a flower duck to your straw this Sunday at Andrew’s Coffee.
|
Photo by Andrew’s Coffee

For moms whose love language is food

Plan a casual celebration at Ax-Caliber to enjoy charcuterie boards on Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., or mimosa buckets + brunch at Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ on Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dressed to the nines? Make a reservation for Mother’s Day Brunch at Eala’s Speakeasy on Sunday — seatings are available at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m.

Pro tip: Swing by Andrew’s Coffee after brunch for free extra espresso shots for mom all day Sunday.

A pink flower on a bush in front of Bok Tower in the background — Take a family walk through Bok Tower Gardens this weekend.
|
Photo by @boktowergardens

For moms who always told you to go outside

Shop together in the sunshine at the Second Sunday Market at Lakeside Village on Mother’s Day, 12-5 p.m. Browse goods from artisan vendors and take portraits together at the photo op.

Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission for all mothers this weekend. Hear carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m., and grab lunch at the Blue Palmetto Cafe.

Events

Friday, May 10

Barre Fitness | Friday, May 10 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $5 | All ages can strengthen their lower body, core, and upper body through this ballet-inspired class.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, May 10 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
Damon Fowler Album Release Show | Friday, May 10 | Music Ranch, 1920 Banana Rd., Lakeland | $25 | This singer, guitarist, and songwriter will play his new album, “Barnyard Smile.”

Saturday, May 11

Make and Takes | Saturday, May 11 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, 1702 Hwy. 17 S., Bartow | $15 | Take a crafting set to go at the reopening of the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County outdoor classroom.
Swap Til You Drop: Spring Pop-Up | Saturday, May 11 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Studio Suites, 5925 Imperial Pkwy., Mulberry | Price of purchase | Register for a free ticket to shop donated clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Kids Museum Day | Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Take advantage of free museum admission to check out galleries, aircraft, and hands-on activities.
Pink Pig Painting with the Baileys | Saturday, May 11 | 2-4 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | $40 | Learn to paint an adorable pig while enjoying drinks on Crave’s patio.

Sunday, May 12

Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show | Saturday, May 11-Sunday, May 12 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $5-$15 | Find everything you need for reptile pets, and see live animal encounters — parking is $10.
Keith Robinette w/ The One Stop Food Truck | Sunday, May 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy bottomless mimosas + sangrias until 3 p.m., along with live music and lunch.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

✈️ Southwest goes international out of MCO

an overhead shot of a beach with crystal blue waters and palm trees and umbrellas below

These new destinations nearly double the number of Southwest’s international flights out of MCO. | Photo via Unsplash/Hugh Whyte

Dreaming of a tropical escape? Good news: You can stop dreaming, because increased flights via Southwest to the Caribbean, Bahamas + more are now a reality.

Starting June 4, Southwest will be newly-offering non-stop flights out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) to:

Cancun, Mexico
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Nassau, Bahamas
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
San Jose, Costa Rica

Think: You’re just a few hours away from crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and sun-kissed ocean breezes.

Plan your summer getaway

News Notes

Number

$4 million. That’s how much Polk County commissioners approved to spend on the purchase and renovation of a new community health center in Mulberry. The center at 1010 N. Church Ave. will increase capacity for indigent healthcare patients as need grows in south Lakeland.

Edu

It’s official — the Florida Board of Governors confirmed Dr. Devin Stephenson as Florida Poly’s next president. He’ll take on the role starting Sunday, July 7.

Closed

Building 2 of the Lakeland VA clinic is temporarily closed as crews clear mold from air ducts. The new, state-of-the-art clinic off of Lakeland Highlands Road is set to open soon, increasing capacity from the existing hospital. (WFLA)

Opening

The Rose Dynasty Center, Polk County’s first LGBTQ+ center, will celebrate its grand opening at 1253 W. Memorial Blvd. with an open house on Sunday, June 9. Stop by from 2 to 5 p.m. to enjoy performances and get community resources.

Featured

Architectural Digest has the Wright idea. The publication featured Florida Southern College as one of the “64 Prettiest College Campuses in America,” noting its status as a National Historic Landmark and collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings.

Sports

With years of experience playing on and coaching local teams, Kenny Strong is now the area recruiter for Southeastern University’s football program. Next season, the team will include nine players Strong recruited from Polk schools. (The Ledger)

Arts

Did you know that art from Lakeland can be found abroad in one of our sister cities? In 2010, Platform Art, artist Polly Zoom, and local students worked together to create a 16-ft mural that’s now on display in Japan’s Imabari City Library.

Development

New apartments are coming to downtown Winter Haven. Crews broke ground on Breeze at 265 Ave. E SW this week, which will offer a pool, cafe lounge, bar, and fitness center for residents. It’s scheduled for completion next spring.

Family

Seeking alternative education options for next school year? WonderHere has limited openings available in the Minis class for 4 year olds and the Bridge class for 7 to 8 year olds. Apply online.

Wellness

Match with a licensed therapist on Betterhelp and talk anytime, anywhere — phone, video, or text. Get 25% off your first month.*

Open

Tour Watson Clinic’s new orthopaedic location at this Open House

the front of Watson Clinic's new orthopaedic clinic in winter haven

The new Clinic will give Winter Haven residents and the surrounding communities increased access to orthopaedic care. | Photo provided by Watson Clinic

Does your body go snap, crackle, pop? Joint and bone treatments are just one of many orthopaedic services offered at the newly-opened Watson Clinic Orthopaedics at Winter Haven.

With a comprehensive roster of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine services at the new facility located at 100 Ave I NE, area residents now have quick access to:

General orthopaedic and sports medicine care
Arthritis treatment
Adult reconstruction
Injury-related treatments for the hand, legs, knees, hips, shoulder, elbow, foot, and ankle
Pre- and post-surgical consultations and swift surgical referrals

🎉 Open House celebration

Celebrate the new location + get a tour at the Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony next Wednesday, May 15 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, and includes guided tours of the facility, light snacks and refreshments, special giveaways, and the opportunity to meet the location’s stand-out team of physicians and providers.

See new location + Open House details

The Buy

The Buy 5.10.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This bestselling cordless table lamp. No cord means it’s ideal for outdoor lounge areas and patios — the rechargeable battery lasts up to 48 hours per full charge. Snag it in black, antique brass, or brushed nickel.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our rockstar mom readers. When mine visits Lakeland, she loves to stay at the Terrace, find a good thrift store, and grab dinner at Palace Pizza. Sounds like a great last minute plan if you need one for your own mom.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY