06.12.2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 93% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:30 a.m. | Sunset 8:24 p.m.

✈️ Grab your boarding pass, it’s time for takeoff

What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport

An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.

LAL, we are cleared for takeoff — here’s what you need to know before you take flight out of Lakeland Linder International Airport. | Photo by LALtoday

ICYMI, commercial passenger service is now available at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) through Avelo Airlines. Taking advantage of LAL’s first commercial passenger service in more than a decade? Save this guide covering everything from gates and parking to how to board the new nonstop flights to New Haven, CT.

Security

The TSA screening area at Lakeland Linder International Airport. — Both general and TSA PreCheck customers will use the same line for security screenings.
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Photo by LALtoday

As soon as guests walk through the airport doors, TSA checkpoints will be straight ahead and to the right. While security may not take as long as at larger airports, Avelo still recommends arriving two hours prior to your flight’s boarding time.

Currently, there is no separate lane for passengers with TSA PreCheck — those with the designation will be handed an identification card that they will show to agents for expedited screening. Reminder: Starting May 7, 2025 flyers will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.

Food and drink

While LAL searches for a new full-service restaurant at the airport, passengers can snag pre-packaged concessions (and even some merch) just beyond security in the gate area at the MarketplACE.

Fun fact: Proceeds from sales at the MarketplACE will help fund programs at the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE).

Boarding your flight

A gate area of an airport. — The spacious gate area in LAL offers passengers plenty of room to kick up their legs while they wait to board their flights — plus, complimentary charging stations are available.
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Photo by LALtoday

Avelo will operate primarily out of two gates that share a waiting area just beyond the TSA checkpoint. In line with other smaller airports like St. Pete-Clearwater International, travelers will exit the airport into a secure outside area on the tarmac to board the plane via covered ramps. Remember, Florida weather can be finicky, so it might not be a bad idea to have a rain jacket on hand during the summer months in particular.

If you have questions about your flight, you can head to the Avelo counter before you go through TSA or ask one of the gate agents before you board.

What about the parking sitch?

Events

Wednesday, June 12

Salsa y Bachata Class Plus Dancing at the Park | Wednesday, June 12 | 6:15-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn basic salsa + bachata moves before a social dance at Munn Park.
Polk Pride 2024: Pride for Youth | Wednesday, June 12 | 6:30-9 p.m. | United Women’s Club of Lakeland, 1515 Williamsburg Sq., Lakeland | Free | This chaperoned celebration is for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-17.

Thursday, June 13

Mindful Bouquet Workshop | Thursday, June 13 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $45 | Soothe your mind + ignite your creativity in a peaceful flower arranging class from the experts at Flower Crown Kombucha.
Lady Whistledown’s Watch Party | Thursday, June 13 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Lakeland Manor House, 3020 Crews Lake Dr., Lakeland | $55 | Watch the newest episode of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” while partaking in cocktails + hors d’oeuvres — Regency-era attire is encouraged.

Friday, June 14

Dixieland Night Market | Friday, June 14 | 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.
“Mean Girls Jr.” | Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 23 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Young actors will perform this fetch musical that was recently made into a feature film.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Seasonal

☀️ Say ‘see you never’ to greasy, streaky, chemical sunscreens

Roskin is committed to providing safe, sustainable, highly effective skincare products. | Photo provided by Roskin

Snag a win for your skin this summer with Roskin’s medical-grade mineral matte face sunscreen.

Founded by a local businesswoman seeking more from her sunscreen, this lightweight, tint-free formula was designed to blend seamlessly with a wide range of skin tones and types, meaning even sun-goers with darker or acne-prone skin can wear it without regret.

The sunscreen offers 33 SPF and additional blue light protection — and even includes restorative moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin soft and silky all summer long.

Here’s what else sets this unique brand apart:

No nanoparticles
Non-tinted zinc oxide formula
Includes niacinamide to help strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier
Free from fragrances, SLS, silicone + paraben
Vegan and cruelty-free
Dermatologist tested and approved
Made right here in the US

Check out the glowing reviews for yourself, or get answers to common questions about ingredients, sustainability (hint: it’s fully biodegradable), and more.

Shop safe sunscreen

News Notes

Traffic

Good news, Yates Road travelers — the planned road closure has been delayed until Wednesday, June 19 due to heavy rains in the forecast. The closure is still expected to last for 60 days while crews complete work pertaining to the West Pipkin Road widening project. (The Ledger)

Development

Lighthouse Ministries broke ground last week on five townhome-style transitional housing apartments for those who have completed its programs + are employed. The two- and three-bedroom units will be located next to the Lighthouse complex on Tennessee Avenue.

Health

Bartow Regional Medical Center will undergo a $110 million expansion to increase its capacity + services. Construction is set to begin later this year to add 18 new beds, 27 emergency room exam areas, and two new operating rooms — just to name a few improvements. (The Ledger)

Arts

Lakelander Ashley Gibson Barnett has been appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture that advises the Secretary of State on culture matters statewide. Gibson Barnett owns Barnett Creative LLC and serves on numerous other advisory boards across Lakeland. (The Ledger)

Open

The Jerry Holland Destination: Aviation Playground is now open outside of the Florida Air Museum (4075 James C. Ray Dr.). Guests can enjoy shaded swings, spring riders, an atom spinner, and incorporated STEM activities with museum admission.

Cause

Nonprofit Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is helping to save lives countywide by increasing access to defibrillators. Since 2020, the foundation has donated 42 defibrillators to businesses across Polk County, with its most recent going to Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven. (WFTS)

History

Avelo flights aren’t the only things flying into Lakeland this week. A World War II-era Fairchild PT-19 aircraft will be displayed this Saturday, June 15 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Built in 1943, the aircraft was the last of the open-cockpit style for the US Army Air Forces. (Suncoast News)

Number

150. That’s how many hours it took seven Polk State students to complete an 81-by-14-ft mural at BayCare Winter Haven Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center. Designed by student Abigail Estamponi, the mural will be used by patients as a form of art therapy.

Shop

Let’s go, girls. Downtown Lakeland will host a Girls Night Out event on Friday, June 20, 6-9 p.m. Shop ‘til you drop at downtown retailers + vendors while enjoying special cocktails. Pro tip: VIP packages are available for an extra-pampered experience.

Try This

Celebrate the beginning of summer with an evening Under the Midsummer Moon at Bonnet Springs Park. From 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 21, guests can view the Strawberry Full Moon with high-powered telescopes, shop local vendors, and enjoy free arts activities + refreshments.

Health

Preventative + whole-family care that stands at the forefront of every health decision — yep, that’s why choosing a good primary care doctor is so important. See how Lakeland Regional Health’s 50+ primary care providers partners with you for all your healthcare needs, and schedule a checkup for you or your family.*

Plan Ahead

Did somebody say free ice cream on Flag Day? Lakeland’s local GEICO office on South Florida Avenue is giving away free ice cream treats while supplies last to anyone who stops by for a quote on Friday, June 14, wearing red, white, and blue. No purchase required.*

Correction

Sorry, Spanish learners — looks like we spoke too soon. Yesterday, we shared that the Institute of Spanish Communication was holding language lessons, but these are currently on pause. Thanks to Reader Tom H. for pointing this out.

History

Water parks, circuses + lionesses — oh my

Defunct theme parks around Central Florida

Hundreds of people in a pool circa 1980s

Forget Aquatica — back in the late 1980s, Water Mania was where it was at. | Photo via Florida Memory

While Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld are a few of the biggest theme parks that call Central Florida home nowadays, there used to be several others among their ranks — all of which were within one hour of Lakeland.

Water Mania, Kissimmee

Situated off US Hwy. 192, Water Mania originally opened as the first-of-its-kind park in the area. After its demise, the park sat abandoned for about a year before a Golden Corral and mini-golf course took its place.

Circus World, Haines City

Originally pitched by the then-owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Circus World was tossed from owner to owner until it was replaced with another amusement park that would also go defunct.

Jungleland Zoo, Kissimmee

Once boasting a large variety of exotic animals + big cat shows, Jungleland Zoo closed in 2002 due to numerous facility issues — including the time a 450-lb lioness who escaped her cage + went missing for two days before being found.

5 more defunct theme parks

Asked

Can you match the defunct theme park to its correct photo?

Before clicking above, take this quiz to test your knowledge.

Show what you know

The Buy

Strut your stuff this summer with accessories from Designed For Joy. The Birdie purse comes in various colorways and features a scarf detail on the handle – perfect for a summer date night.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I’ve already got dessert for my upcoming wedding locked down — but if I were still searching, you best believe I’d be hitting up Funnel Feasts. The popular family-owned food truck is now offering a build-your-own funnel cake bar for private events. Maybe I’ll sneak them in for my rehearsal dinner.

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