Plus, new Launch Pitch Night finalists announced.
 
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Today’s Forecast

86º | 59% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. | Sunset 7:18 p.m.

 

This storm’s a-brewin’

Preparing for hurricane season in Lakeland
Palm trees blowing in hard wind in the foreground, with a dark cloudy sky and the Summit Building in downtown Lakeland in the background.
Stay safe and stay connected. | Photo by LALtoday
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall today as a strong Category 3 storm near Florida’s Big Bend region, approximately 250 miles northwest of Lakeland. Here’s what Lakelanders need to know about the impending storm:
  • Polk County is not in the direct path of the storm, but is under a tropical storm warning, meaning heavy rain, wind, and flood conditions are likely over the next few days.
  • Sixty-one counties, including Polk, are now under a state of emergency. This means that local governments can coordinate emergency services and actions with a bit more ease.
  • Polk Clerk of Courts + Tax Collector offices will be closed today, but the City of Lakeland’s offices will remain open.
  • Trash collection services for both Lakeland and Polk County are planned to continue as scheduled.
  • Polk County Public Schools are closed today + Friday, though officials shared that schools have not been activated as shelters. After-school activities, like sports games, have been moved to alternate dates or, in some cases, canceled altogether.
  • Citrus Connection services, including bus transportation and The Squeeze shuttle, have suspended operations for the day. See what other spots will be closed.
More preparedness pro tips
 
Events
Thursday, Sept. 26
  • Little Learners of Lakeland Fall Series | Thursday, Sept. 26-Thursday, Oct. 24 | 3-4 p.m. | Kid Cafe | $35+ | Kids ages 2-4 will build their language skills through sensory play + activities — this week is farm-themed.
  • Clay Class - Hoot-ful Owl Coil Pot | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $40 | This clay hand building class is sure to be a hoot.
Friday, Sept. 27
  • 100 Years of Broadway Class | Friday, Sept. 27 | 1-3 p.m. | Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center | $60 | Older adults can learn the history of Broadway from actors who performed on its iconic stages.
  • Honky Tonk | Friday, Sept. 27 | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free entry | Jump in a line dance, try your skills on the mechanical bull, and enjoy country music all night long.
  • Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | Times vary | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Plant City | $27+ | Test your courage on opening weekend with three outdoor haunted trails, a haunted hayride, escape games, and axe throwing.
Saturday, Sept. 28
  • Pure Barre Pop-up Class | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8-9 a.m. | Andrew’s Coffee | Free | Stretch + strengthen with a class taught by Pure Barre on the patio.
  • 4th Annual Rally & Ride Out of the Darkness | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $0+ | Join an escorted motorcycle ride to raise awareness for mental health, ending at a community rally with food + entertainment.
  • UthMpact’s 2024 Project Homecoming Shopping Days | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Teens can shop for free homecoming dresses + suits by signing a pledge to celebrate safely.
  • Play for a Purpose | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 5-11 p.m. | The Black Swan Venue | $50+ | Raise money for healthcare scholarships at this high-end, casino-themed event.
With Helene on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancellations or event updates.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Festival

Add to cal: Central Florida’s inaugural food festival
A photo showing several plates of food including chips and guacamole, noodles, eggs and biscuits and a sandwich.
Vendors will serve BBQ, ramen, seafood, southern classics, and more. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida
Ready to embark on a culinary journey, LAL?

The Central Florida Food Fest takes over Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s what to expect from the inaugural event:
  • Exclusive dishes from 25+ Polk County restaurants with curated drink pairings
  • Live music from local musicians
  • A marketplace to shop from local artisans
Hungry to make a difference? Proceeds from the event benefit Bonnet Springs Park. Attendees must be 21+.
Reserve your spot
News Notes
Traffic
  • Frequent travelers of Lakeland Hills Boulevard might want to consider alternate routes soon. On Monday, Oct. 7, the FDOT will begin a two-year transformation between Parkview Place and Granada Street, reducing the road down to one lane in each direction during days + nights. (The Ledger)
Biz
  • A new batch of businesses is getting ready to enter Lakeland’s very own “Shark Tank.” Catapult has announced the five finalists that will compete in this fall’s Launch Pitch Night on Thursday, Oct. 10 for up to $10,000 in funding. See who made the cut.
Number
  • $198. That’s how much it’ll cost you if you pass a stopped Polk County school bus now that the grace period for drivers is over. As of this summer, all of Polk’s school buses are equipped with cameras similar to those on traffic lights to keep students safe. (WFTS)
Coming Soon
  • Pastors Jason and Lis Burns of Access Church have announced that the church will open a new location in Bartow in the spring. The 13,600-sqft space previously held Bartow First Assembly of God. The church also operates sites in north and south Lakeland. (The Ledger)
Environment
Travel
  • Amtrak is launching a new temporary route from Chicago to Miami with stops in several Florida cities, including Lakeland. Learn more about traveling out of Swan City’s Amtrak station before the inaugural trip on Sunday, Nov. 10. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Award
  • The Lakeland division of national contractor Total Wrecking & Environmental is a finalist for the 2024 World Demolition Awards for its work demolishing Lakeland’s CD McIntosh Power Station. Winners will be announced in a November ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.
Travel
  • Skip the date night fancy fare and buy a plane ticket instead. Yep, you can snag a flight out of Orlando International Airport with deals as low as $48.*
Finance
  • Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*
Beauty
 
Community

Lakelanders to the rescue

How to give back and volunteer in Lakeland
volunteers with shovels and vests at Bonnet Springs Park
Many hands make light work — bring a group to volunteer with. | Photo by @bonnetspringspark
If you’re looking for ways to get out + give back to the greater Lakeland community following Hurricane Helene, start by checking out these organizations.
  • SPCA Florida | This shelter is seeking foster homes after bringing in evacuated animals from the Panhandle.
  • OneBlood | Have O negative or O positive blood? They’re in high demand right now.
  • Rebuilding Together of Tampa Bay | Transform the homes of those in need with this organization — it’s on standby to help locals with disaster recovery.
38 more ways to serve
The Buy

The Buy 9.26.24 (Affiliate)
A set of glass cups with bamboo lids and straws. These fan-favorite drinking cups are great for ciders, mocktails, and cocktails, plus they’re perfect for year-round iced coffee fans (we know you’re out there).
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
These City Editors are thankful that Helene’s impact will likely be minimal here in Lakeland, but our thoughts are with our neighbors further north who make experience more severe damage. Stay safe + smart out there, Lakelanders.
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