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Today’s Forecast

94º | 60% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:35 a.m. | Sunset 8:28 p.m.

 

🌌 Find your spot in the stars

The zodiac signs as Lakeland neighborhoods

A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
We’re looking to the stars for this list. | Photo by @lisburns
One of the most loveable things about Lakeland is the distinct character found in each neighborhood, district, and corner of town. They all have their own personalities and purposes — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s take a look at how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.

Cancer: Cleveland Heights | June 21-July 22

The sentimental and gentle nature of this sign is the perfect match for Cleveland Heights. Take a scenic drive down one of Lakeland’s most iconic boulevards, enjoy a bubble tea from Tea Largo, book some tee time on the nearly 100-year-old golf course, or pop in for a walk-in crafting experience at PicassoZ DIY studio for all the homey vibes.

Leo: Paul A. Diggs | July 23-Aug. 22

The Paul A. Diggs neighborhood is a perfect fit for the welcoming and proud nature that a Leo embodies. Its sign at its entrance makes its presence known — similar to this neighborhood’s popular community assets like the Coleman-Bush Building, Rochelle School of the Arts, and Jackson Park.

A brick home with white columns and a white top tier on a green lawn.

Virgos will feel at home in a neighborhood like Lake Hollingsworth.

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Photo via Aryelle Monique Photography

Virgo: Lake Hollingsworth | Aug. 23-Sept. 22

This earth sign has very practical and grounded qualities, making the Lake Hollingsworth neighborhood a perfect fit. Between the array of annual events on the pedestrian path and water, and its long-standing position as one of Lakeland’s focal points, this spot will leave a Virgo’s busy mind feeling right at home.

Libra: Dixieland | Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Dixieland’s active yet small-town vibe is just as balanced as a Libra. With local bars like The Pink Piano, coffee spots like Concord Coffee, and unique shops like 360 Unlimited, this quirky yet calm part of Swan City is fitting for this air sign.

And don’t worry, if you’re not much of a stargazer, you can use this interactive quiz to find your perfect Swan City neighborhood.
Here's your sign
 
Events
Wednesday, July 3
  • Red, White & Extra Meow-Hours | Wednesday, July 3 | 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Enjoy extended hours and exclusive holiday drinks at this cat cafe.
  • Red, White, and Brew | Wednesday, July 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Independence Day with live music and craft beer before watching the fireworks from the patio.
  • Rockin’ Freedom Fest | Wednesday, July 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free entry | Bring a chair to watch the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team and fireworks over Lake Silver at sunset.
Thursday, July 4
  • Summer Film Fest | Thursday, July 3 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | Grab discounted tickets at the box office to see “The Secret Life of Pets.”
  • Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Tarpons | Thursday, July 4 | 5 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $9-$65 | Stay after this game for Independence Day fireworks over the field.
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Holiday
  • Plan ahead for Independence Day closures this week. Polk County Tax Collector offices will be closed on both Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 in observance of the holiday. First Lakeland Tag Agency will be open on Friday.
Community
  • Tonight’s the night — Red, White & Kaboom kicks off at 6 p.m. Nearly 94% of readers told us they’re most excited for the fireworks, and some even shared their favorite viewing spots. You’ll find Reader Caroline K. near the band, and Wendi W. by the fire station.
Award
  • Stacy Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of Court, was recognized by Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC). Butterfield won the Legislative Impact Award for her work to secure more funding for clerk’s offices as the FCCC’s legislative chair. (The Ledger)
Ranked
  • With around 1,200 members, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce ranked No. 5 on a list of the largest chambers of commerce in Tampa Bay. Learn more about how the Lakeland Chamber champions local businesses. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
  • Polk County’s Harry Linsinbigler IV won big after catching the first fish in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide TrophyCatch contest. Linsinbigler caught an 11-pound, 4-ounce bass in Lake Alfred’s Lake Rochelle, reeling in $2,000 in prizes. (WFLA)
Cause
  • Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is highlighting Hope House with fundraising events throughout July. Stop in for a meal, throw axes, or bring in household items — proceeds + donations will go towards this home for expectant mothers as it prepares to open.
Plan Ahead
  • The next Unstoppable Business Summit is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, but you can secure an early bird discount by registering before July ends. This year’s summit features speakers like Dr. Kelvin McCree and Velma Knowles.
Feel Good
  • The Laundry Love ministry run by Holy Cross Episcopal Church is helping residents by paying for loads at a Winter Haven laundromat. You can find Laundry Love at Wash World Coin Laundry on the first Monday of each month. Don’t forget your delicates. (WFTS)
 
Holiday

Lakeland, you’re a firework

Celebrate holidays safely in Swan City

A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.
We’re fire-working to keep Swan City citizens safe. | Photo by LALtoday
If you’re like us, you can’t stop singing “Firework” this week — what a great reminder to exercise caution when celebrating the holidays with them. With Polk County’s most recent burn ban lifted just days ago, make sure you follow these tips.

According to a state law passed in 2020, you can legally use fireworks on Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. That means firecrackers + Roman candles are fair game, but what does the Lakeland Fire Department recommend? Leave explosives to the experts.

LFD says to avoid one of the 18,000+ injuries caused by fireworks each year, it’s best to attend a professional display like tonight’s Red, White & Kaboom instead. Polk County also recommends using glow sticks for at-home celebrations, since even sparklers can cause injury or a brush fire.
The Buy

The Buy 7.03.24 (Affiliate)

Lightweight, keeps-you-cool basics from 32 Degrees. Stock up during the Fourth of July sale — cool technology tops start at $3.99 and bottoms start at $4.99.
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor
Amelia may be a planner who sets up her seat the morning of Red, White & Kaboom, but I’m the person who finds a fireworks viewing spot right before the show begins at 9 p.m. If you see us at tonight’s festivities, be sure to say hi. I’ll be the one in the red, white, and blue.
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