Plus, how to enjoy time inside.
 
10.09.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

79º | 90% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:04 p.m.
 

📲 Stay connected
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 Milton was upgraded back to a Category 5 storm yesterday, and it’s predicted to make landfall in Florida later today. Forecasters expect it to maintain its status as a major hurricane, and Polk County has been placed under a state of emergency + hurricane warning. Stay up to date throughout the storm with these local and national resources.

Storm tracking

Track the storm’s progress through the National Hurricane Center, which provides top news each day, hurricane position updates, and satellite imagery. USA Today also has a storm tracker with an interactive map.

Download the FEMA app to get real-time weather alerts and locate emergency shelters.

Utilities + fuel

A Category 3 or higher hurricane can bring wind speeds of more than 129 mph. That could mean debris, damage, and downed power lines. Check Lakeland Electric’s power outage map to see what’s down near you. The utility’s smart meters mean outages are automatically reported, but you can still report them online.

Hurricanes can make tap water unsafe to drink, so keep an eye on the City of Lakeland’s current boil water notices.

If you’re looking for fuel, check GasBuddy to find a station near you with gas and see what the prices are.

Schools

Polk County Public Schools and offices will now be closed through Friday, Oct. 11. Some schools are being used as shelters. Follow the district’s social media accounts for the most recent updates on closures + reopenings.

Parents can get direct communication from their child’s school by signing up for SchoolMessenger. Opt in for automated messages about future emergency situations.
 
Asked
 

Are you staying in Lakeland?
A. I’m sheltering in place at home.
B. I’ve left town or will leave today.
C. I’m headed to a shelter or another safe spot.
 
 
Events
 
Wednesday, Oct. 9
  • Book Pumpkin Contest | Wednesday, Oct. 9-Thursday, Oct. 24 | Times vary | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Kids + teens can decorate book-inspired pumpkins while school is out, then drop off entries at the Youth Services Desk.
Friday, Oct. 11
  • Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Oct. 11 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Night Market | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers.
Saturday, Oct. 12
  • Plant Pop-Up in Munn Park | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Plant and garden vendors will sell everything you need to spruce up your own garden this season.
  • Mind, Body, Movement: Rucking with Will Power Fitness | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 8-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Bring a weighted vest or pack for a 1.7-mile ruck walk with full-body workouts placed throughout the session.
Friday, Oct. 18
  • Main Street Winter Haven’s 17th Annual Oktoberfest | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | $30 | A tasting ticket to this rescheduled event gives you samples of 40+ beers, plus German food and entertainment.
  • Charcuterie Workshop | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Graze Craze | $70 | Get expert instruction to create a board with meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts — this event is rescheduled from this week.
With Milton 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 cancelations or event updates.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
Community
  • Public, pet-friendly, and special needs shelters opened across the county yesterday, including seven in Lakeland. If you’re heading to one today, do bring medications, clothing, and comfort items for sleeping. Don’t bring alcohol, weapons, or perishable food items.
Outdoors
  • Still have yard waste that hasn’t been picked up yet? Lakeland’s Solid Waste Division advises residents to move it to a location where it can be kept safe until after Milton passes. Officials also said you should no longer cut down or trim any trees. (LkldNow)
Number
  • 100. That’s how many mutual aid linemen are staged at Tigertown with Lakeland Electric in anticipation of widespread power outages. If outages do occur, crews will first restore power to critical customers like hospitals + first responders. (Fox 13 News)
Travel
  • Lakeland International Airport closed today at 12 a.m., and those with flights planned are encouraged to reach out to Avelo for additional info. If you’re itching to fly, plan ahead for LAL’s TSA PreCheck Enrollment Event from Tuesday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Oct. 25.
Outdoors
  • Anchors await. The City of Lakeland’s Cardboard Boat Challenge, originally set for this Saturday, has been postponed until further notice. Keep an eye out for a new date to be announced and keep working on those boat designs.
Sports
  • The Friday night lights will stay dimmed this week. Polk County Public Schools will now be closed through Friday, and all athletic events set for this week have been postponed. (The Ledger)
Learn
  • Swan-dering how Lakeland takes care of its royal flock? The city’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts staff will hold a seminar where you can see a real swan up close. Join the feathered fun on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Lakeland Public Library.
Edu
  • Alumni, parents, supporters, and students are invited to Southeastern University’s Homecoming Weekend on Friday, Nov. 1 + Saturday, Nov. 2. The agenda includes campus tours, lectures, and reunions before the football game against St. Thomas University.
 
Try This
 

Explore the great indoors
A hand holding a smartphone showing a sculpture Lakeland's downtown public art trail. The real sculpture is seen in the background.
No need to leave home to explore all Lakeland has to offer. | Photo by LALtoday
Stuck at home today awaiting Milton’s arrival? Don’t get stir crazy — once you’re done with your hurricane prep, you can discover Swan City from your phone with these virtual resources.

🐊 Take a virtual hike through Se7en Wetlands. This tour will show you three miles of habitats, trails, and even some of the native wildlife, along with audio clips.

🌳 If art is more your forte, browse all the pieces found downtown with the Downtown Public Art Trail — no umbrella needed. Green thumb? You may enjoy the city’s virtual tours of its flowering + fruit tree collections in Hollis Garden and on Lake Morton.

🧶 Lakeland Public Library doesn’t just offer books for readers, it also has dozens of videos for viewers of all ages. Try crafts, read along with storybooks, or sing to tunes by Mr. Charles + his puppet friends.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
If you’re sticking around in Lakeland like me, be aware that many local spots may be closed for the next day or so. The list includes the City of Lakeland, Polk County offices + parks, PCPS, the Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, and Citrus Connection — check out the local businesses chiming in with their open hours.
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