06.28.2024

Today’s Forecast

91º | 48% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. | Sunset 8:27 p.m.

🧸 LAL’s declassified daycare survival guide

Get the tykes taken care of at these Lakeland preschools

Adults hold children on coffee shop couches as one plays a sound bowl.

If you’re looking for recommendations on where to send your little ones, consider these suggestions from our readers. | Photo by Elisa Rose Vividor

When it comes to finding childcare, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed — especially considering that Polk County alone has 351 registered providers to choose from. To help break things down, we recently asked our readers for their daycare recommendations for young children in Lakeland.

Pro tip: Availability for providers may vary — follow up directly to ensure there are openings in your child’s age group.

🧸 Little Sprouts Preschool, 926 S. Tennessee Ave.

Reader Gabrielle D. praised this provider for its “safety, gentle and caring staff, affordability, attentiveness, [and] activities for kids.” It accepts children as young as eight weeks and as old as age 5.

🧸 Precious Children in the Highlands Preschool, 1010 Lake Miriam Dr.

Opened in 2007, this school accepts children ages six weeks to 5 years of age, and also offers after-school care for elementary-aged children. Readers chose this school for its “teachers that really care.”

🧸 Small Wonders Child Development Center, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd.

This full-time, year-round program primarily serves children from eight weeks to pre-kindergarten age, though one reader noted that it also offers the “ability to stay through VPK and then on to the after care program until 5th grade.”

🧸 Covenant Child Development Center, 210 Poppell Dr.

While this center doesn’t start serving children until they’re at least 2 years of age, Reader Katie D. shared that the “amazing teachers, beautiful facility, and convenient working hours for parents, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.” make it worth the wait.

🧸 Beacon Hill Preschool, 801 W. Beacon Rd.

A Lakeland staple for more than 50 years, this center was named the January 2024 Small Business of the Month by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Owner John Griffin noted that students “love their teachers and they develop a passion to learn.”

Are there other daycares we should know about? Send them our way to be included in future updates.

Events

Friday, June 28

90s Trivia Night | Friday, June 28 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Sunmed Your CBD Store, 3145 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Call to reserve your spot at this 21+ trivia night all about the 1990s.
Ladies Night: Salsa, Sips & Succulents | Friday, June 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | $65 | Learn how to pot + plant succulents while enjoying a taco bar.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | Friday, June 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $8-$11 | Cheer on the Flying Tigers in this weeklong series against the Blue Jays.

Saturday, June 29

StampFest | Saturday, June 29-Sunday, June 30 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $15 | Stampers, scrapbookers + paper crafters alike are welcome to take classes and shop vendors — parking is free.
Summer Naturalist | Saturday, June 29 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the Nature Center to create a nature-inspired watercolor painting.
St. Paul Family Summer Nights: Adventure Night | Saturday, June 29 | 5-8 p.m. | St. Paul Lutheran School Athletic Center, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $10 | Enjoy an evening of camping-themed fun, food + games.
Sip & Paint | Saturday, June 29 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E. Orange St., Lakeland | $30 | Paint, sip, and snack with the felines in this guided class.

Sunday, June 30

Pilates in the Beer Garden | Sunday, June 30 | 11 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $20 | Improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and posture in this class for all levels.
Arts & Crafts Show | Sunday, June 30 | 2-5 p.m. | Deborah Lynn Hair Artistry, 1022 Walt Williams Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | Peruse various paintings and crafts available for purchase.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Holiday

👀 When’s the last time you reviewed your insurance?

Reviewing your insurance annually is the most reliable way to ensure you aren’t overpaying for policies. | Photo via Pexels

National Insurance Awareness Day may not be as immediately gratifying as, say, National Ice Cream Day, but it plays an important role in your long-term financial health — reminding you to review your policies and see if your needs have changed.

For example, is your home’s current replacement cost up-to-date with inflation?

You can find policy gaps for free at your Local GEICO Office on South Florida Avenue. James Boley + team can help uncover potential savings and opportunities to bundle.

Meet with James for a free review

News Notes

Cause

Lakeland non-profit kidsPACK is seeking additional sponsors to help serve children facing food insecurity due to rising costs. More than 4,000 students rely on kidsPACK’s assistance each week, including during the summer. (WFTS)

Coming Soon

Lifestyle brand East of These and florist Bloom Shakalaka are opening a collaborative storefront. While the location is still TBA, Bloom Shakalaka shared that Wednesday, July 3 will be its last day operating in The Joinery.

Ranked

In a new SmartAsset study, Lakeland ranked No. 166 on a list of the country’s best 343 job markets. Rankings were based on factors ranging from unemployment rates and median income to housing affordability and percentage of remote workers.

Quoted

“I think that we have a lot to be really proud of here.” As Dr. Randy K. Avent prepares to hang up his cap as Florida Poly’s inaugural president, he reflects on his 10 years of service to establish Florida’s newest public university. (The Ledger)

Number

4,000+. That’s how many pieces Legoland’s Master Model Builders used to replicate the Florida Panthers hockey team. Found in the theme park’s Miniland USA section, the display honors the team’s triumph over the Edmonton Oilers to win their first Stanley Cup. (The Ledger)

Health

Publix is partnering with Tampa-based telehealth provider WellSync to provide virtual-first medical care. Patients 18 and over can use the service for common health conditions + to refill certain prescriptions after a brief questionnaire. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

La Gran Muralla is now open at 2810 Lakeland Highlands Rd. Guests can expect a fusion of Latin + Asian flavors on the menu when dining at the restaurant, which also serves as Lakeland’s first speakeasy.

Biz

Creative Contractors, one of the largest locally owned construction firms, opened its new office in Lakeland yesterday. Located on East Main Street, the office is located on the second floor of the historic building next to the downtown Black & Brew location.

Finance

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Pro Tip

Insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Your local GEICO office can help you make the most of your auto, home, or boat coverage with a few easy expert hacks. Chat with a fellow Lakelander at 863-400-7460 about your options.*

Answered

🏎️ That’s it for this road trip

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

We’re making our case for why the Mayor of Flavortown should visit Lakeland. | Photo by Michael J. Bowen Photography

Earlier this week, we asked you to help us design a Lakeland-based episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (also called “Triple D” ). Now, the results are in for the top three places you’d send Guy Fieri’s iconic red camaro.

🏎️ Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli and Bagels, 6955 Old Rd. 37

More than 50% of our respondents made sure to call this deli out as a must-visit spot, most notably for its New York-style bagels + eggplant parmesan.

🏎️ S&L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd.

This cash-only eatery got called out numerous times for its burgers, with reader Angie B. even saying they’re “the best burgers you will ever eat.”

🏎️ Fat Jack’s Deli and Pub, 2940 S. Florida Ave.

Readers nominated this spot for its history as a Lakeland staple — and its variety of affordable comfort food, particularly the Reuben sandwich, didn’t hurt either.

Have more recs? Add them here.

The Buy

The Buy 6.28.24 (Affiliate)

A Prime membership — because Amazon Prime Day is coming Tuesday, July 16 + Wednesday, July 17. You need a membership to be eligible for the sale prices (which are usually pretty great).

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

TGIF, Lakeland. If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend, don’t forget that Delectable Delights in Winter Haven is hosting its Stuff Your Stanley event today, 12-10 p.m., and tomorrow, the Publix ice cream truck will be parked at Common Ground Playground from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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