Plus, help us cast a "Triple D" episode.
 
06.24.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

91º | 64% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. | Sunset 8:27 p.m.
 

We’re anything but artificial, baby

Here’s what AI has to say about Lakeland
A sunset over Lake Mirror with the downtown Lakeland skyline in the background
Artificial intelligence uses programs to learn from inputs and perform human-like tasks. | Photo by LALtoday
It seems like everywhere we look nowadays, there’s a new feature utilizing artificial intelligence — from social media to search engines.

While there’s no true replacement for human connections + recommendations (something we’re pretty good at, if we do say so ourselves), all this increased chatter got us thinking: What would one of these programs say if asked about Lakeland? Let’s put it to the test with these three questions.

Important note: We used ChatGPT 3.5 for this experiment — anything written by it will be in italics below for clarity.

A building is shown with "Greetings from Denton" printed on the side.

According to artificial intelligence, Denton, TX is the city most comparable to Lakeland. What do you think?

|

Photo by City of Denton

What US city is most comparable to Lakeland?

Denton, Texas is most comparable to Lakeland due to its mid-sized population, strategic location, vibrant historic downtown, and strong community feel. Both cities are centrally located between larger metropolitan areas — Denton between Dallas and Fort Worth (howdy, DALtoday + FTWtoday), and Lakeland between Tampa and Orlando — providing residents with access to urban amenities while maintaining a distinct local identity... Additionally, both cities offer numerous parks and nearby lakes, enhancing the quality of life with abundant recreational opportunities.

Our pro tips: Use our New to Lakeland guides to help you live, work, and experience your best life in Lakeland — you didn’t think we’d miss having guides to our parks + lakes did you?

A pathway shaded by trees on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, FL

With views like these, no wonder artificial intelligence says Lake Hollingsworth is an ideal neighborhood.

|

Photo by LALtoday

What is the best neighborhood in Lakeland?

One of the best neighborhoods in Lakeland is Lake Hollingsworth. Known for its scenic beauty and historic charm, it offers picturesque views around the lake, tree-lined streets, and beautiful homes. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like walking and biking along Lake Hollingsworth Drive and benefit from proximity to Florida Southern College and downtown Lakeland.

Our pro tips: Learn the stories behind each of Lakeland’s historic districts — then see which one is written in your stars.

Describe Lakeland in 10 words or less.

Central Florida charm with lakes, history, and a vibrant community.

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
 
Events
Monday, June 24
  • Free Coworking Day | Monday, June 24 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Non-members will have access to the coworking space all day, no passes needed.
  • Monday Swing Workshop | Monday, June 24 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Etoile Dancewear, 121 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $15 | Learn or level up your Lindy Hop — beginner lessons start at 6:30 and advanced dancers can join in at 7:30.
  • BOGO Bingo | Monday, June 24 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | CRAVE Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Enjoy BOGO chocolate chip cookies + glasses of wine while you compete for five-in-a-row.
Tuesday, June 25
  • Lakeland Linder International Airport Public Meeting | Tuesday, June 25 | 4-7 p.m. | Lakeland Linder International Airport, 3900 Don Emerson Dr., Lakeland | Free | The City of Lakeland will host this meeting about new aircraft maintenance and medevac helicopter facility developments.
  • Creative Writing Workshop | Tuesday, June 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | Connect with fellow writers to swap stories for feedback.
Wednesday, June 26
  • Lake Mirror Wine & Culinary Experience | Wednesday, June 26 | 6 p.m. | Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | $128 | Dine in the intimate Lake Mirror room with a specially curated menu and wine pairings.
Thursday, June 27
  • Polk at Nite | Thursday, June 27 | 5-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $15 | Take in the museum’s newest exhibits after hours along with music, food, and drinks.
  • “Wings, Wonders & Wonderscapes” Opening Reception | Thursday, June 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Mulberry Cultural Center, 103 E. Canal St., Mulberry | Free | Get a first look at photographer Andy Glogower’s exhibit — it’s open June 27-Aug. 9.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Seasonal

5 festive finds for the Fourth of July
Six pairs of wacky red, white, and blue sunglasses
Fourth of July party sunglasses, $20.99 via Amazon. | Graphic by 6AM City
Bring a party mood to any barbecue, pool party, or holiday gathering this Fourth of July with these festive finds:
More finds for the Fourth
News Notes
Community
  • Need help with navigating downtown? Just look for a yellow shirt. Four brightly clothed ambassadors will soon be seen downtown to assist visitors and keep the area clean as part of a new pilot program through the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. (The Ledger)
Closed
  • Simpson Park Pool will stay closed for at least three more weeks due to a separated vinyl lining. In the meantime, all classes will be moved to Gandy Pool and city officials are considering using buses to help transport swimmers to the new location. (LkldNow)
Development
  • Polk County commissioners approved a land code change last week that could allow homes on quarter acre lots. If greenlit by the Florida Commerce Department, the change could bring 425 single-family homes to 140 acres near the former Greenlefe resort. (The Ledger)
Edu
  • Here they grow again. Florida Poly is planning to add doctoral degrees in engineering fields within the next few years. Currently, the STEM-focused school offers 11 degrees total — nine undergrad and two graduate. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Watch
  • Teenagers with Lakeland AeroClub will soar to new heights this July when they become the first high school club from the US to compete in the Junior World Gliding Championships in Poland. Tune in to the club’s YouTube channel for vids of the competition. (Bay News 9)
Number
  • $1.49 million. That’s how much SEU’s Link Program received in grant funding from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. Funding will not only be used to maintain the two-year program, but will also help create an optional third-year extension + add a fourth staff member.
Show
  • Come for the drinks and stay for the magic with Cocktails and Card Tricks at Lugo’s Distillery this Friday, June 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 — get a sneak peek of what to expect.
Asked
  • Calling all parents — we want to know your best recommendations for daycares for children ages 0-4 in Lakeland. Give us the scoop in our quick two-minute poll.
Feel Good
  • What started as a mask-making mother-daughter duo has turned into a thriving t-shirt biz. Teresa + Jasmine Lewis of Winter Haven amplify women through personalized t-shirts and gift boxes — they even have a monthly subscription service. (Fox 13 News)
Try This
  • A fresa con crema over a tres leches cake. The two-desserts-in-one concept was masterminded by Lizbeth Ramirez Trejo, owner of gluten-free bakery Patty’s Crumbs in Bartow. Want the recipe? You got it. (Bay News 9)
Job
  • Are you an RN with less than a year of experience or a nursing student graduating soon? Lakeland Regional Health’s comprehensive + learner-centered, one-year Nurse Residency Program might be just for you. Apply to attend LRH’s hiring event on Saturday, July 13 from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the LRH Mulaney Auditorium.*
Holiday
  • Is your pet not too fond of fireworks? Calming pet treats from SUNMED Your CBD Store can help keep tails wagging all weekend long come 4th of July. Use code “Pet B2G3Free” to get your third item free after snagging your first two.*
 
Asked

It’s Connor + Amelia, and we’re rollin’ out

Answered: Where you’d film a Lakeland episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Help us make our case for why the Mayor of Flavortown should visit Lakeland. | Photo by Michael J. Bowen Photography
Looking for Lakeland’s greatest diners, drive-ins, and dives. If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (also called “Triple D,” for those of us in the know).

It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country searching for casual spots with delicious food. And while the self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavortown has visited numerous spots in Florida, not once has he stopped in Lakeland. His loss.

In our bid to get Fieri and his team to get a taste of Swan City, help us design a Lakeland-based episode of “Triple D” by taking our poll + we’ll share the results in an upcoming newsletter.

Let the road trip begin.
Take us to Flavortown
The Buy

The Buy 6.24.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Colorful margarita glasses that are shatterproof — aka, perfect for outdoor pool parties.
 
The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
This newsletter was brought to you by Concord Coffee’s seasonal horchata latte. I personally recommend getting it iced with whole milk + extra cinnamon. Shout out to barista Kai for masterminding this creation for me. Check out our review of the shop’s full seasonal line-up.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

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.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY