September 20, 2024

Today’s Forecast

90º | 13% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 7:26 p.m.

✈️ Catch flights, not feelings

A drone shot of the Rochester, NY skyline.

Pack your bags (and your coats) — we’re heading to Rochester. | Photo via City of Rochester

As Avelo gears up to fly to seven additional locations out of LAL this fall, we’re preparing you for takeoff by covering the must-dos for each of these destinations.

Next up, we’re heading to one of the destinations our readers shared they’re most excited about: Rochester, NY.

✈️ Fast facts

Flying into: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Flight time: 2 hours 53 minutes
Est. cost: $56+
Est. population of Rochester: 211,328
Avg. high in October: 60º

Three children gather around a kinetic sand pit at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. — The Strong National Museum of Play completed a $75 million expansion project in 2023, making it one of the largest history museums in the US.
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Photo via City of Rochester

🗺️ Things to do

Outdoors enthusiasts will feel right at home in Rochester. Readers Myron C. and Robbie D. recommended trekking to explore the rest of the Finger Lakes Region or Niagara Falls — both of which are less than 90 minutes from ROC. There are also 50+ state parks within a 2-hour drive of the city.

Bringing the whole family along on the trip? Check out The Strong National Museum of Play, recommended by Reader Caroline K. Pro tip: From Sept. 21 to Jan. 5, a new exhibit will be on display that delves into the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

The exterior of a brick building. On it is a sign that says "Nick Tahou, parking by rear of building." — Eat like the Rochester locals and venture to try a “Garbage Plate” — *if you dare.*
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Screenshot via Google Maps

🍽️ Where to eat + drink

You won’t find this on the menu at Nineteen61. For a truly authentic Rochester dining experience, you’re going to have to try the city’s signature dish, “The Garbage Plate.” While the dish can be found at restaurants all across town, it originated at local diner Nick Tahou Hots. Traditionally, the plate includes:

Choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, white or red hot dogs, Italian sausage, chicken, or grilled cheese
Served on top of any combination of home fries, french fries, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad
Finished off with a Rochester-style meat “hot sauce” (and optional mustard, onions + ketchup)
And you can’t forget the side of buttered bread

More to do, dine, and dwell

Events

Friday, Sept. 20

Exploration Station | Friday, Sept. 20 | 2-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Latino Conservation Week comes to the park with bilingual learning experiences at the Nature Center.
Night Market | Friday, Sept. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free entry | Happy hour lasts all night, so grab a drink while shopping from local vendors.
Sunset Guided Hike | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Mulberry | Free | Hike three miles as the sun sets over the wetlands.

Saturday, Sept. 21

Dog Days | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park | Free entry | Bring your furry friend to shop from pet-related vendors and support animal rescues during the farmers market.
Wetlands Walk | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Head to the Blanton Family Lagoon to explore wetland habitats through a guided walk + learning stations.
Polk County History Center Architectural Tour | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 11 a.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free | Gain new insights into Polk County history through a guided architectural tour.

Sunday, Sept. 22

Pilates in the Beer Garden | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 11 a.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $20 | Improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and posture in this class for all levels.
Banned Book Party | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $20 | Join a book exchange and enjoy beverages, snacks, and time in the cat room.

Monday, Sept. 23

Disney-Themed Music Bingo | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ | Free entry | Add some magic to your Monday by listening out for your favorite Disney songs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

26,365. That’s how many red-light camera violations the City of Lakeland issued over one year from July 2023 to June 2024. With repeat offenses down by more than 80%, city officials plan to discuss adding more cameras at a workshop on Friday, Nov. 15. (Fox 13 News)

Development

Well butter our biscuits. Polk County could be the next site of Bojangles, a restaurant franchise known for its Carolina-inspired cuisine. Earlier this year, developers filed a site plan for the restaurant along US 27 in Haines City, but a formal building permit has yet to be requested. (The Ledger)

Stat

925%. That’s how much of an increase the Tax Collector for Polk County expects to see in driver’s license and ID renewals alone by the end of 2024. Officials are encouraging those who need to renew to skip the lobbies and use alternative options like the online MyDMV portal.

Legacy

Sarah McKay, a pioneering Lakeland civic leader and philanthropist, died on Tuesday at the age of 98. A lifelong resident of Swan City, McKay served as the first female head for the boards of Lakeland Regional Health, Florida Southern College, and Polk Museum of Art. (LkldNow)

Watch

Lakeland is getting its moment in the spotlight in the first episode of the newest season of WUCF’s “Florida Road Trip” series. Hosted by award-winning storyteller Scott Fais, the episode dives into the history of local landmarks like Joker Marchant Stadium and the Florida Air Museum.

Plan Ahead

The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced “The Stage is Set” as the theme for the 2025 event, set to be held Feb. 27 through March 9. The theme aligns with festival organizers’ plans to bring in a new performance stage, attractions, and vendors — just to name a few.

Try This

Need a new read? Pressed is holding a book swap on Saturday, Oct. 12. Bring your favorite book wrapped up with a short description and exchange it with one from another reader from 9 to 11 a.m. Sounds like the best kind of blind date if you ask us.

Announced

Introducing Jobs, our new virtual bulletin board featuring local job openings in all industries. It’s simple: Post your listing (it’s free for a limited time), and watch those applications roll in.

Travel

Been eyeing Canada, eh? Fall is the perfect time to travel. See these flight deals to Montreal, Toronto, Nova Scotia + more.*

Finance

Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*

Correction

Yesterday, we shared that three vendors had been announced for Mulberry’s forthcoming food hall, The Depot 303. However, we’ve learned that vendors are still in the works. Don’t worry foodies — we’re reaching out for confirmation and will be sure to share when the full list of eateries is set.

Edu

More training space for the Mocs

A rendering of the Adams Family Athletic Performance Center at Florida Southern College

Get to know the new facility that the Mocs will call home for their athletic training. | Rendering provided by Florida Southern College

Florida Southern’s 500+ athletes got a serious upgrade to their training when the college unveiled the nearly completed Adams Athletic Performance Center this week.

Named after Bob, Ginny, and Joel Adams, the 15,000-sqft, three-story facility sits off of South Ingraham Avenue and overlooks Lake Hollingsworth on the former site of the L.N. Pipkin Bandshell. In the new $8.2 million center, athletes can now enjoy amenities such as:

A private athlete recovery pool
5,000-sqft weight room
Offices for all basketball + lacrosse teams
Locker room for the women’s lacrosse team
40-seat team film room

Historically, FSC’s athletes trained in the Gilbert Gymnasium, but with more than 200 new athletes added to the college’s roster over the last decade, the 22+ sports teams had outgrown the space. Mind if we swing by for a workout?

The Buy

This lightweight, breathable men’s pullover —it’s a great basic slim fit and offers soft elasticity for wrinkle free wear.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

Earlier this week, we asked what should be the No. 1 unwritten rule of Lakeland. In true Swan City citizen fashion, 47% answered “Don’t feed the swans, or other birds, any bread.” What are some other things every Lakelander — new or seasoned — needs to know? Sound off.

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