08.09.2024

Today’s Forecast

93º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. | Sunset 8:10 p.m.

☀️ Here comes the sun(set)

Readers’ picks for the best spots to take in a Swan City sunrise or sunset

Lake Mirror at dusk with the Lakeland skyline in the background.

A walk at dusk around Lake Mirror? Sign us up. | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.

Is there anything better than a Florida sunrise or sunset? We know that Lakeland has no shortage of spots where you can take in these natural wonders, but we wanted to hear from our readers — and as always, you delivered. Check out their recommendations below, along with a few of our own.

A bold and vibrant sunset overlooking Lake Wire in Lakeland. — Who knew the patio of a local brewery could set the stage for a vibrant view like this?
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Photo submitted by Reader Dan T.

Reader picks

When it came to the spots our readers chose for taking in the sunrise or sunset, one common thread wove through the responses: lakes. Not surprising, considering there are 38 to choose from and the word is quite literally in the name of our city.

Reader Mike S. called out Lake Hunter Drive as the ideal sunrise + sunset spot for its vibrant colors and how they reflect off of Lake Hunter, while Reader Bob K. gave Lake Mirror a shout-out for how the clouds and wildlife create a picturesque scene.

Lastly, Reader Dan T. gave a nod to Lake Wire, specifically sharing how Swan Brewing’s patio makes a great spot for taking in the view — plus, you can sip on a local brew while you’re at it.

A sunset over Lake Bonny in Lakeland, FL with a palm tree silhouette in the foreground — Next time you’re driving down Longfellow Boulevard, take a moment to stop and watch the sunset over Lake Bonny.
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Photo by LALtoday

City Editor picks

Continuing on with the lake theme, Connor’s ideal spot for sunrise and sunset viewing is Lake Bonny, specifically the Lake Bonny boat ramp and the area abutting Southeastern University for its places to sit.

Breaking the mold a little bit, Amelia’s new favorite spot for chasing the sun is in the Lakeland Highlands area, specifically on the stretch of Clubhouse Road between Highway 98 and Lakeland Highlands Road. There’s just something about a sunset drive that makes you feel at peace.

Did we miss your favorite sunrise or sunset spot? Give us the scoop + share your photos — after all, you can never have too many pictures of the sky, right?

Asked

Do you prefer to watch the sunrise or sunset?

A. Sunrise — the early bird gets the worm.
B. Sunset — the perfect way to end the day.
C. Both — because why not?
D. Neither — just not my thing.

Walk on sunshine over to this poll

Events

Friday, Aug. 9

Gallery Perspectives | Friday, Aug. 9 | 12-1 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Join Executive Director Dr. Alex Rich and artist Mally Khorasantchi for a conversation about her work on exhibit at the AGB.
Funky Friends at the DNM | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6-7 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Kids of all ages can boogie in a dance class at the start of the Dixieland Night Market.
Date Night Challenge - Paint Your Partner | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | $50 | Grab your partner or your bestie to try out this viral TikTok trend.
First Friday: Back to School | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss out on family activities + later hours at downtown businesses at this rescheduled community event.

Saturday, Aug. 10

Backyard Market | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Green House Garden Store | Free entry | Shop from this week’s vendors, including Lemonicious Drink Co., Lava Ice Shop, and The Bedford Beverage Co.
Nuts About Nature | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Kids can learn about alligators and even meet an alligator ambassador in the Nature Center.
Back to School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Andrew’s Coffee | Free entry | Celebrate the new school year with drink specials, Italian ice, and activities for the kids.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Paradise Market | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville Auburndale | Free entry | Peruse goods from local entrepreneurs at this lively indoor market.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Around 230 voters participated in a straw poll after hearing from candidates at the Chamber of Commerce’s Politics in the Park event on Tuesday. Check the results and cast your official vote on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (LkldNow)

Job

Avelo is hiring flight attendants to help support its Dual-City Operation at LAL and MCO. If you’re interested in taking your career to new heights — say, 30,000 ft — apply online or stop by one of the airline’s in-person hiring events at LAL next week.

Sports

You’ve heard of Swan City, but what about Swansea City? The Welsh football club recently extended its destination partnership with Visit Central Florida, meaning the club will be sporting VCF’s name on the sleeve of its uniforms for the 2024-2025 season.

Cause

Taylor Morrison, the builder for the next season of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” is holding an online silent auction to assist home recipients with moving costs. Submit your bid by Sept. 20 for prizes like kitchen appliances, household goods, and even vacations. (The Ledger)

Plan Ahead

SUN ‘n FUN will host its inaugural Flightoberfest event on Saturday, Oct. 12. The day-long outdoor festival will combine aviation displays + seasonal craft beers from Florida breweries following the second annual Pumpkin Dash 5K. Admission is $5.

Feel Good

Doodle on this. YouTuber and barber Travis Doodles is using his platform to help those experiencing homelessness around Lakeland. Doodles offers free haircuts, clothes, and rides to job interviews through his nonprofit Worth and Purpose. (Fox 13 News)

Try This

Put on your fancy pants for Nineteen61’s special gourmet dinner event on Friday, Aug. 30 featuring wine pairings from Silver Oak Wines. The four-course menu will include items like wagyu beef cheeks + goat cheese panna cotta. Get your tickets.

Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France wrap up this weekend. Today’s events include sport climbing, breaking + rhythmic gymnastics, starting at 9 a.m. EST. Get to know a few of LAL’s Olympians that competed this year before the closing ceremony on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST.

Seasonal

Here’s a resource worth sharing with your neighbors. Lakeland Electric’s free 2024 Hurricane Guide is filled with up-to-date evacuation routes, pet tips, downed power line contact info + more. Not a bad guide to have handy.*

Finance

We’re beyond the halfway point of 2024 — aka a good time to make sure you’re maximizing your money. Personal finance experts have reviewed hundreds of credit cards to present you with the four very best bonus cards of the year.*

Listen

We like our sound quality how we like our Fat Jack’s bacon — extra crispy. While most hearing aids have one processor, this device has two, which process speech + noise separately. The result: Clear, crisp, effortless listening and conversations. (Plus, it’s tiny.)*

Civic

💵 Money talks

Lakeland City Commission begins 2025 budget talks

Lakeland City Commissioners and city staff sit at desks arranged in a semi-circle in a budget workshop. Each has a name placard and a microphone at their seat.

Be in the room where it happens or join in virtually. | Screenshot via City of Lakeland

City Hall is abuzz with activity as Lakeland’s staff have dedicated meetings to review the major task ahead: setting the city’s next budget before the 2025 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

At the first budget workshop in July, the City Commission informally voted 6-1 to raise the maximum advertised property tax rate from 5.4323 to 6.0529 mills per every $1,000 of appraised property value. They also held general discussions about the operational budget. The second workshop will be held on Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at Lakeland Electric.

The budget workshops are open to all, but public comments won’t be taken just yet. Mark your calendar for the formal budget hearings on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. to share your thoughts with commissioners. You can also watch the budget workshop live online.

The Buy

The Buy 8.09.24 (Affiliate)

The summer’s trending + No. 1 bestselling ice cream maker — the Ninja Creami. Snag it and turn almost anything into frozen, scoopable ice cream (hello, healthy protein treats).

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I have something to confess — up until a few days ago, I had absolutely no idea what a “brat summer” was. Thankfully, Connor got me up to speed with this handy guide so now I can embrace my inner “brat” for the last 44 days of the season.

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