Plus, weekend events and a new pizza biz.
 
09.14.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

89º | 57% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 7:33 p.m.
 

Editor’s Note
Earlier this week, we asked what you think the biggest trends of fall will be, and the most popular answer was pumpkin spice everything. As we work on planning our local guide to all things fall-flavored, give us the scoop on your favorite autumn treat that isn’t to be missed.
 
Top Stories
A rendering of an indoor/outdoor venue with large windowed walls, green space, and walkways

Lakeland CRA proposes new developments for the Mass Market area | The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently shared plans with its advisory board for updates to nine blocks of the Midtown district, including proposals from architecture firm Straughn Trout.

Sunrise over palm trees and swimming lanes lined with blue and yellow pennant flags Gandy Pool in Lakeland, FL

Remembering the hottest day on record in Lakeland, FL | We might be getting closer to fall, but that doesn’t mean it feels like it temperature-wise. To beat the heat, we’re staying inside and looking back at some of the headlines on the hottest days we’ve had here in Swan City.

An exterior view of the Polk County Administration Building. A sign sits outside the front walkway, along with flagpoles and small trees.

Lower property tax rates are on the horizon for Polk County residents | Polk County leaders expect to spend $2.99 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. One thing Polk’s residents won’t see in the budget? Increased property tax rates.
 
Asked

How many acres does the Midtown redevelopment district cover?
A. 72
B. 555
C. 1,874
D. 4,463
Go big or go home
Events
This Weekend
  • Bartow Antiques & Collectibles Market | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free entry | Shop vintage + retro collectibles at this monthly market.
  • Kid’s Fishing Clinic | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Kids under the age of 15 will learn the basics of fishing — adult supervision required.
  • “Between the Lines” | Saturday, Sept. 14-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $26+ | A teenager struggling to fit in brings her favorite fairy tale to life in this musical performed by local actors.
  • An Evening of Country with Hell on Heels | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | Stomp your boots along to covers of artists like Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, and Alan Jackson.
  • Pottery Classes - Pumpkin Mug & Bowl | Sunday, Sept. 15 + Sunday, Sept. 29 | 2-5 p.m. | Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio | $120 | Create your own clay pumpkin mug and bowl set in this two-part class.
Plan Ahead
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Civic
  • The Polk County Board of Commissioners will vote this Tuesday, Sept. 17 to increase the impact fee for new developments by 58% — an increase that exceeds the state’s typical law. The goal of the increase is to accommodate for public services and infrastructure. (The Ledger)
Community
  • Lakeland Electric customers are likely to see a slight increase in their electric rates starting in October. The company has reworked its fees structure and will seek city commission approval later this month. Under these changes, the average customer would see a 22-cent (or 0.16%) increase. (LkldNow)
Environment
  • With curbside recycling next month, Polk County is now sharing two new green initiatives it’s undertaking. A leachate treatment facility will begin filtering contaminated water, and a renewable gas plant will help create natural gas to power waste collection trucks. (WFLA)
Coming Soon
  • Get a slice of this. Catapult food biz By the Chef Pizza is opening a restaurant in the former Biscuits and Benedicts space off of South Florida Avenue. The eatery is targeting an early December opening.
Ranked
  • Enrollment is on fire at Southeastern University. The school currently has a record-breaking 11,763 students, and it ranked No. 2 on the Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of private, doctoral-level colleges thanks to a 272% enrollment increase over the last decade.
Open
  • La Gran Muralla, Lakeland’s newest speakeasy, is now serving up Latin-Asian fusion fare behind an unassuming Coca-Cola vending machine in Highlands Plaza. 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.
 
City Guide

These date ideas are a match made in heaven

Date night ideas for every type of Lakelander
LAL-lake-mirror-picnic-date-FEB2020
Any place in Lakeland can be romantic with a little creativity. | Photo by @carlycashman3
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to LALtoday.

Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but we digress. Whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 20+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
  • Looking for a swanky evening? Stop by Lakeland Loft for live jazz every Friday and Saturday night + premier cigars, hand-crafted drinks, and elevated views of historic Munn Park.
  • Wine aficionados and lovers of Italian cuisine will feel right at home at Scarpa’s Italian Restaurant.
  • Sit beside one of Swan City’s iconic lakes and impress your date with its history.
  • Nothing sets a date apart like some friendly competition — test each other’s wits with a game of trivia around town.
    16 more dates worth a swipe right
    The Buy

    The Buy 9.14.24 (Affiliate)
    This suede leather car coat — it’s the perfect fall transition piece for weekend outings as we head into the new season.
    More worth The Buy
     
    The Wrap
     
    Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
    Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
    Advertise with us to stand out.     ›
    Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
     
     

    Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

    Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

    Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

    P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

    ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY