Plus, a local-favorite Mexican eatery goes south.
 
September 28, 2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

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6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

87º | 57% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. | Sunset 7:16 p.m.

 

Editor’s Note
It might still be nearly 90º in September here in Lakeland, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend like it’s a true fall. Catch us sipping + munching on all the pumpkin spice treats as we count down the days to cooler weather.
 
Top Stories
 
A drone shot of the Rochester, NY skyline.

A Lakelander’s travel guide to Rochester, NY | Before Avelo begins its new flights this fall, we’re sharing the must-dos for this upstate destination. Spoiler alert: You won’t find its signature dish anywhere on the Nineteen61 menu, that’s for sure.

Runners take off at a starting line in a road race.

Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs | Whether you’re training for a distance race or prefer to socialize while you exercise, find community at these local groups.

A photo of a boutique wall. It has "The Modern Pearl" on a black and clear sign, and then has three bags hanging on the wall next to it with different sayings.

Shop ‘til you drop at these new Lakeland boutiques | If there’s one thing we know about Lakelanders, it’s that they love shopping local — and these newly opened retail spots have us doing a double take.
 
 
Asked
 

What type of fall activity has you booking a ticket?
A. Give me all the haunts, scares, and thrills like Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail
B. Hay rides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches like Harvest Holler, please
C. Why not both?
 
Events
 
This Weekend
  • Downtown Cars + Coffee | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | Show off your ride or browse other cars with a coffee in hand.
  • 3rd Annual Romp in the Hay Event | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Doggie Bag: A Pet Boutique | $5 | Dogs can jump in a haystack in search of treats, and humans can enjoy raffles + freebies.
  • Open Mic Night | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free entry | Creatives of all kinds can share their talents at this cat cafe’s open mic.
  • National Coffee Day Celebration | Sunday, Sept. 29-Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | Snag a coupon for a free coffee from Tea Largo when you paint a coffee mug at this art studio.
  • Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market: Vol. 9 | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free entry | Rock out with live bands, plus vendors and food trucks from across Florida.
Plan Ahead
  • Terrace Hotel Lakeland Centennial Celebration | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Allen Kryger Park | Free | Party like it’s 1924 with complimentary bites + mocktails, a speakeasy, and a fireworks show over Lake Mirror.
  • First Friday: Cookie Carnival | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Get a taste of cookies from local bakers, and sign up to be chosen as a cookie judge to choose the best bake.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Traffic
  • FDOT will reconstruct Lakeland Hills Boulevard from Parkview Place to Griffin Road, starting Monday, Oct. 7. The $27.6 million project is expected to finish in late 2026 — the affected area will be reduced to one lane each way while construction is ongoing.
Development
  • City commissioners have approved a new route for the Western Trunk Line sewer pipeline, with construction beginning next spring. The route will cross Harden Boulevard south of West Beacon Street instead of the previously approved Forest Park Street, reducing the construction timeline by six months. (LkldNow)
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.
Arts
  • Emporium Art Collective is seeking artwork for its next fine art showcase starting in November, plus vendors for the Dixieland Night Market. Interested artists, artisans + makers can now apply online to be considered for upcoming events.
Open
  • A second Mega Mercado location opened this week in the former Tapatio’s location on South Florida Avenue. Want to keep up with all the most recent restaurant and bars that are opening or closing in our area? Read more on our website.
Regional
  • Have you ever made a Lakeland faux pas like driving on South Florida Avenue during rush hour? We’ve all been there. Here are all the unwritten rules Lakelanders should know about the city, according to LALtoday readers.
Travel
  • Want to make sure your next vacation takes off without a hitch? Check out our guide to Lakeland International Airport for a full rundown of what you need to know before you go. Bon voyage.
Eat
 
 
City Guide
 

🍂 It’s fall, y’all
A large tree covered in jack-o-lanterns and lit with red lighting.
We can feel the fall festivities coming. | Photo by @hauntscene
From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to de-frightful haunted attractions, save this guide featuring 40+ fall events happening between now and November.

🍂 Haunted Jail Tour
It’s the final year to enjoy PCSO’s frightful fundraiser for United Way of Central Florida on select weekends in October. Make a donation of $15 per adult and $5 per child to enter, and keep an eye out for goblins and ghouls.

🍂 44th Annual Lake Morton Swan Roundup
Watch as city staff and veterinarians round up each swan for its annual health checkup on Tuesday, Oct. 8, starting at 7 a.m. Pro tip: Have your camera ready.

🍂 Art Crawl
Explore the works of 60+ local artists while taking in food, brews, live performances, and demonstrations at Swan Brewing. You can even buy pieces from the artists to display at home. Crawl through on Sunday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
 
The Buy
 
The cutest tie-front denim jacket, for a new look on an autumn wardrobe classic that’s perfect for weekend outings.
 
 
The Wrap
 
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