09.07.2024

Today’s Forecast

91º | 58% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 7:41 p.m.

Editor’s Note

Hey, Lakelanders — kind of different to read on a Saturday, huh? We’re excited to now be sending six days a week, sharing the biggest news and events to help you plan your weekend, and even more of the LALtoday content you know and love.

Top Stories

The exterior entrance of S&L Restaurant in Lakeland. Signs painted on the building read, "Warning! Our burgers are habit forming!"

Eat down the street: Combee Road restaurants | Discover a new favorite restaurant or revisit one you already love. We’re checking out highly-rated restaurants on this east side road, thanks to reviews and feedback from locals.

The exterior of a white and black building on North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. A sign reads "The Yard on Mass."

What should come next to the former Yard on Mass space? | The City of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is on the hunt for a new tenant to fill in this 10,800-sqft space on North Massachusetts Avenue. So far, two proposals have been completed, but we wanted to know what you think should move in.

Answering the most common questions about Lakeland life | Do you know the basics of life in Lakeland? We took a look at some of Swan City’s frequently asked questions — and gave you the answers, of course.

Asked

June 4, 1985, was Lakeland’s hottest day in history. What did the thermometer read?

This does not consider the heat index. Need help? We wrote about Lakeland’s hottest day.

A. 101°
B. 105°
C. 109°
D. 121°

What's your hot take?

Events

This Weekend

“Between the Lines” | Saturday, Sept. 7 + Sunday, Sept. 8 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $26-$30 | Watch as a teenager struggling to fit in brings her favorite fairytale to life in this musical performed by local actors.
Author Literacy Book Festival | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 3-7 p.m. | Kathleen High School Media Center | Free | Meet + learn from Central Florida authors in this inaugural festival hosted by the African American History Museum of Lakeland, Inc.
Sip + Shop | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms | Free | Shop local vendors + artisans at this monthly night market while sipping on your favorite Keel & Curley beverages.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | Saturday, Sept. 7 + Sunday, Sept. 8 | Times vary | Joker Marchant Stadium | $8-$35 | Swing by for the minor league team’s final games of the season.
Paint Your Own Pumpkin | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Tea Largo | $21 | Fall into the season by painting a ceramic pumpkin while sampling four teas and baked goods.
Second Sunday Market | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Celebrate the start of fall with 100+ local vendors, live music, treats, and a fall-themed photo op.

Plan Ahead

Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
Stargazing at the Rooftop | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 8-10 p.m. | Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Rooftop Bar | Free | Stare into space with the Sidewalk Science Center while sipping cocktails at this telescope event.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Night Market | Free | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.

Make more plans

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

The City of Lakeland opened its inaugural Business Resource Office on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Located at City Hall, the office serves as a one-stop-shop resource for local business owners throughout the development process — think: site evaluations + building permits.

Development

The Lakeland City Commission heard AdventHealth’s proposal to add a 10-story, 400-bed hospital in South Lakeland. The development will also include a 250-unit apartment complex and retail space. The proposal’s next step is to address zoning changes at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (LkldNow)

Plan Ahead

The SUN ‘n FUN 2025 expo is headed back to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus from Tuesday, April 1 to Sunday, April 6. The educational airshow promises to bring high-flying fun, but attendees can now score low prices by getting early bird tickets.

Open

LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken is now open for business and spicing up Winter Haven. 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. (The Ledger)

Jobs

At LALtoday, we love that we get to make the whole city of Lakeland our office. If you’re looking for your next dream job, check out our guide to the top employers and industries, or explore more places to work.

Legacy

It takes a village, as they say. As proud Lakelanders, we’re inspired by the contributions of our most tenured community members. Please join us in celebrating the legacies of those who have recently died. (The Ledger)

City Guide

♍️ Your sign to shop

Lakeland farmers market routes for every zodiac sign

Downtown Lakeland filled with vendors and shoppers at the farmers market

A Saturday in Lakeland isn’t complete without a stop at the farmers market. | Photo by LALtoday

Is there anything more enchanting than a Saturday morning spent at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market? Whether you have your route down to a science or you’re looking for some ethereal inspiration, we’re exploring 15+ market stops you can’t miss, inspired by each zodiac sign.

Since it’s officially Virgo season, let’s take a peek at the perfect route for the sign.

Virgo | Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Reader Jan S. gave us the breakdown on Virgos, who, according to her, are “earthy and environmentally conscious.” Virgos can most likely be found perusing handcrafted, handmade goods like those made by Craft Nana Creations, East of These, and Pixie Suds.

Not a Virgo? Don’t worry — there’s a route for you.

Explore your astrological route

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.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY