Plus, 100 million pounds of produce.
 
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Today’s Forecast

92º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:37 a.m. | Sunset 8:11 p.m.
 

☀️ What’s the cost of solar, really?

What’s the cost of solar, really?
Presented by a LALtoday Partner
a modern two story house with solar panels on the roof
Solar can be more affordable than you think, saving you thousands in the long run and sparing you from ever-increasing energy bills. | Photo provided by Freedom Solar Power
Feeling the pain of rising electricity bills? Same. While most Lakelanders know energy costs are on the rise (and fast), many don’t know that the cost of going solar is dropping. In fact, installing a system has decreased by 50% in the last 10 years.

While the math works in your favor, we know going solar is still a big decision. That’s why we called in the experts at Freedom Solar Power to answer these reader-submitted solar questions:

How much do I typically save on energy costs?

Homeowners save an average of $30,000 over a 25-year span. Most customers finance their system, similar to a car payment — so, you might, for example, pay $100 monthly on a financed solar system. Since the average Lakelander pays $190 per month on regular electricity, this means you can start saving in the first month.

How is power generated during cloudy or rainy days?

Solar panels work on cloudy days. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells will still generate energy even when light is partially blocked or reflected by clouds.

But the amount of energy produced on those particularly overcast days is less than normal. When it comes to maximizing sun-generating energy, Southern states are great candidates for solar.

What is the return on investment like?

Solar panels increase the value of your home. A recent study by the University of Michigan found that for the hottest cities in the South, solar investments today will increase in valuation by up to 20% within 25 years due to climate change.

Will solar panels cause roof leaks?

Solar panels aren’t bad for your roof. When installed properly, multiple protections, like sealants + flashing, are taken to ensure your panels are waterproofed. (Freedom Solar also provides a 25-year workmanship warranty which ensures the panels are installed as intended and covers all of the steps to ensure no roof leaks.)

Keep reading to see four more questions. Ready to go solar? Calculate your savings + get a free consultation.
Cost, hurricanes + more
Asked

What would most tempt you to go solar?

A. Not stressing about rising energy costs
B. Saving thousands in the long run
C. Energy independence
D. Helping the environment
E. Other
En-light-en us
 
Events
Thursday, May 16
  • The Aquarian Market | Thursday, May 16 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Shop vegan food + goods at the market’s farewell event.
  • Farm Yard Yoga | Thursday, May 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $25 | Meet adoptable pigs while working through a guided yoga practice — all proceeds go to Rescue Pets of Florida.
Friday, May 17
  • Barre Fitness | Friday, May 17 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $5 | Strengthen your lower body, core, and upper body through this ballet-inspired class.
  • Brett Foster Band w/ Tito’s Latin Cuisine | Friday, May 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Start the weekend off with good brews, food truck bites, and live music.
Saturday, May 18
  • Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K | Saturday, May 18 | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. | Lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $45 | Run this race around Three Parks Trail to raise funds for the Lakeland Police Foundation.
  • Docent-Led Tour | Saturday, May 18 | 1-2 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Learn the stories behind the art in the museum’s featured exhibition in a guided, informative tour.
  • Make Your Own Carp Kite | Saturday, May 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Create a traditional Japanese carp kite in the Nature Center Classroom.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Outdoors
  • As Lakeland grows, so has the need for more multipurpose fields that can be used for multiple sports. The city currently has 10 — less than half of the recommended amount of fields based on its population. A new park with more fields is planned for southwest Lakeland. (LkldNow)
Number
  • 100 million. That’s how many pounds of produce Publix has donated to Feeding America since 2020 (think: enough to fill 621,360 shopping carts). Over half of that amount benefited Florida food banks, including Feeding Tampa Bay. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
  • After two years of construction, Sabrina’s Delicacies is opening its storefront this Saturday, May 18. The shop at 4610 Cleveland Heights Blvd. will be open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., serving grab + go charcuterie and tapas like melted brie cheese. Yeah, we’re drooling.
Kids
  • Have a young entrepreneur at home? Children ages 17 and under can sell their goods at the Summer Kids Market coming up on select Saturdays during the Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Apply now to sell products like slime, handmade crafts, and baked goods.
Sports
  • Own a piece of local sports history by entering a lottery to purchase two seats from the Chain of Lakes Stadium by Wednesday, May 29. ICYMI, Winter Haven’s former MLB spring training stadium is undergoing a $20 million redevelopment.
Biz
  • Pizza Daddy’s fans, meet Pizza Odyssey. That’s the new name of this pizza shop found inside the Lake Morton Market & Deli. No changes to the menu or operating hours have been announced, so you can still get your favorite pies, wings + subs.
Cause
Award
  • The Polk County Utilities Division’s Bio-Wizards team won first place + several awards at the statewide Wastewater Olympics, competing in events like safety response and maintenance. Next, they’ll head to the national competition this fall.
Eat
  • Feeling peachy? Peaches are now in season at Fancy Farms Market, along with blueberries and blackberries. Stop by to grab seasonal food items from the market, or hit the u-pick flower fields for zinnias and sunflowers.
Show
  • Local musicians Mickenzie Peisher, Joe Pascual, and Toney Rocks will band together for a night of improvisation at The Lineup. Don’t miss tonight’s free show from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Balmoral Event Center (116 Kenny Blvd., Haines City).
Seasonal
  • If you love boating season as much as we do, but are less in love with your boat coverage, set sail for your local GEICO office on South Florida Avenue + explore Marine coverage options.*
 
Answered

How do you feel about the Munn Park concept?

City commissioners approve new concept for Munn Park
A rendering showing a water feature, sculpture, palm trees, and a pavilion in Munn Park.
The first concept for Munn Park is anchored by a shaded pavilion + could include things like an interactive water feature, family play area, and more. | Image provided by City of Lakeland
After city commissioners approved a new design concept for Munn Park on Tuesday, we asked our readers + social followers what they thought of their choice — 39% said they love it, 36% like it, and 25% are hoping for something different.

Here’s what a few of our readers said:
  • “Looks incredible. The fountain and dog park will be great to have.” — @mr.international13_
  • “Since Munn Park originally was a railroad hub, maybe put some kind of theme pertaining to that era. So that part of history about the park is not forgotten.” — Reader Cindy H.
  • “Just not impressed. Nothing wrong but no wow,” — Reader Robert B.
Responses were divided on the addition of public restrooms, with some all for it and others asking the city to reconsider. Many readers also told us they’re curious to see how the city will help those experiencing homelessness that frequently use the park.
See the concept + more feedback
The Buy

The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
We’ll be sure to share more updates on Munn Park as the design is made official and renovations move forward. Until then, don’t forget that you can join city commission meetings to make your voice heard by decision makers.
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