Plus, your random acts of kindness stories.
 
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Today’s Forecast

90º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 7:51 p.m.

 

Coffee for a cause

Drink coffee + support foster care at ECHO Coffee House in Winter Haven
The exterior of a coffee shop is shown. In the foreground, a cup is holding an iced latte.
When you buy a drink from this shop, you’re not just getting caffeinated — you’re also giving back. | Photo by LALtoday
If there are two things we love here in Lakeland, it’s our coffee shops + giving back. So when we heard of a coffee house nearby that’s combining those two loves into one, we knew we needed to check it out. Meet ECHO Coffee House: a coffee shop that’s brewing up not just lattes and macchiatos, but good for the community.

A photo of an order counter at ECHO Coffee House.

When City Editor Amelia stopped by ECHO Coffee House, she tried the “Forever Family” latte that combines peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel.

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Photo by LALtoday

Founded by Brent Wernsing, ECHO Coffee was established to support ECHO Ministries, a Lakeland-based nonprofit that works to support children in foster care. Wernsing and his wife Christine have nine children — seven of whom are adopted — and are also foster parents.

After relocating to Polk County seven years ago, ECHO became a valued resource for their family. “I didn’t have anything like this in Pasco County,” Wernsing told us. “So I connected with ECHO’s Director and told her, ‘I want to be in your corner.’”

Initially, Wernsing supported the organization through web + graphic design. But when the church he pastors moved into a permanent location off of Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, he saw a new opportunity next door. “I walked in, and I was like, ‘this could be a coffee shop,’” he said, and just like that, ECHO Coffee was born.

A shop featuring different items.

Foster families can grab a coffee before heading up to the ECHO Shop, a free store that provides everything from clothing to school supplies to foster children.

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Photo by LALtoday

Wernsing and his staff intentionally created the menu to start conversation. You’ll find coffees like the “Reunification,” which blends hazelnut, honey, and ground cinnamon, as well as energy drinks, tea, and smoothies.

Outside of paying his employees and ordering product, Wernsing told us that every dollar ECHO Coffee earns is donated to ECHO Ministries. Community members can also drop off donations there, and foster families can shop for free clothing and other items.

“Not everyone’s called to be a foster parent,” Wernsing said, “but everyone can help in some way.”

ECHO Coffee House is open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
Events
Thursday, Aug. 29
  • Experience Keel Farms: Winery Tour | Thursday, Aug. 29 | Times vary | Keel Farms | $25 | See where your favorite wines, beers, and ciders are made — you’ll even get to taste a few.
  • Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | $0-$5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
  • Ladies Night Karaoke with DJ TALIARAE | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 8-11:59 p.m. | La La Land | Free entry | Grab a cold drink and a hot mic to sing your heart out.
Friday, Aug. 30
  • Exploration Station | Friday, Aug. 30 | 2-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Stop by after school for water play near the Blanton Family Lagoon.
  • Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Aug. 30 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
  • Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival | Friday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $10 | Grab tickets to this tribute by The Detectives to be the “Fortunate Son.”
Saturday, Aug. 31
  • Backyard Market | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Green House Garden Store | Free entry | Pick up plants, clothing, home decor, and free coffee at the final weekend of this market series.
  • “Swan City” Sip & Paint | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $30 | Unleash your inner artist as you paint a lakeside scene with a drink in hand.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • The Lunz Group shared new renderings of what Lake Ariana Park in Auburndale could look like following its transformation. Highlights of the updated park will include a 28,000-sqft civic center, a boathouse, and a new playground — see more things to do in Auburndale.
Fun Fact
  • July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing. To commemorate the occasion, a new interactive exhibit featuring 16 lamp post banners + digital displays will open in the Bartow Civic Plaza this fall. Join the dedication on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
Edu
  • Polk State recently appointed new leaders to its Board of Trustees for the 2024-2025 academic year. Cindy Hartley Ross, who has served on the board for more than two decades, will act as Chair. Ann Barnhart, a board member since 2023, will serve as Vice Chair.
Plan Ahead
  • Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center has announced the dates for its annual fundraising gala. “A Night in Tinseltown” will take place at Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 5. Previously known as “Mr. Central Florida,” this year’s event will be open to all who wish to participate. Get your tickets or support a team.
Pets
  • If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, allow us to introduce you to Chester. The 8-year-old boxer mix has been a resident of SPCA Florida for more than a year and has a reduced adoption fee through Sept. 10 for the annual Clear the Shelters event. (WFLA)
Shop
  • Celebrate the start of a new season by heading to Parkesdale Market on Saturday, Sept. 21 for an End of Summer Bash. Food trucks + local vendors will be set up around the grounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for bites and browsing.
Family
  • Break out the leg warmers and fluff that hair. Skate World Lakeland is hosting a 1980s-themed throwback night next Friday, Sept. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. Don’t stop believin’ — tickets are just $10.
Edu
  • Florida Children’s Museum has released its list of Homeschool Workshops for the new school year. Kids ages 4-10 can be dropped off at the museum on select Mondays for age-appropriate activities that align with a monthly theme — September’s is “Teamwork.”
State
  • Florida is now home to three tiny Florida panther kittens. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the endangered trio is part of the first officially documented litter of the year. They were spotted earlier this month in the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest at 22 days old. (WTSP)
Feel Good
  • Who says online dating doesn’t work? See Kayla + Tommy’s story, who met for the first time (and got married) at Orlando International Airport.*
Finance
  • Fall into savings (see what we did there?) with 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, plus no annual fee. Adding this card to our wallet feels as comfy as our favorite cardigan.*
Number
Lakeland Christian School
 
Eat

Dinner and a view? Say less, we’re in.

Dinner and a view: Where to dine outdoors in Lakeland
A sandwich, salad, and iced drink from Black and Brew
Black & Brew’s Lake Morton location has the perfect patio to catch some rays while sipping on a beverage. | Photo by @adventurethegreatwidesomewhere
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better? Well, maybe not with this heat — but you get what we mean.

Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these Lakeland patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.

Born & Bread Bakehouse | Partially shaded
Grab a cold brew + a cruffin and snag a seat out back of this Swan City staple.

Nineteen61 | Partially shaded
This fine-dining Latin-fusion eatery across from Munn Park is known for its chef-driven menu and unique touches for special events. After dinner, head up to Bar Vasco for craft cocktails while looking out over downtown.

Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe | Mostly sunny
Stop by this counter-order spot off of Edgewood Drive to order from 20+ sandwiches, including a classic Cuban.
30 more al fresco spaces
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Answered

Kindness is king here in Lakeland

Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories
A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar
The kindness of these Lakelanders shines brighter than a Swan City sunset. | Photo by LALtoday
Recently, we asked our readers if they had ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness while living here in Swan City. More than 60% responded yes and took a moment to share their stories with us. Grab your tissues — we’re about to get warm and fuzzy.

“Someone paid my family’s meal at a restaurant. It was such a nice gesture that we paid it forward several weeks later at another local, family-owned eatery.” — Reader TJ H.

“While checking out at a Publix store, the woman in front of me turned around and gave me flowers she had bought and told me to have a nice day. The cashier told me that this woman does this frequently. She made my day! Now I carry on this random act of kindness occasionally to try to make someone else’s day!” — Reader Kerry R.
3 more stories of kindness
 
The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
I loved reading all of the random acts of kindness stories that our readers submitted this past week. Connor and I attended a meeting a few days ago where numerous people commented about how nice Lakelanders are, and these stories are just further proof of that. Looking for ways to spread the love? Here are a few ideas.
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