10.14.2024

Today’s Forecast

87º | 12% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 6:58 p.m.

Moving on from Milton

Lake Mirror got just a little bit larger when it flooded the Frances Langford Promenade following Hurricane Milton. | Photo by Tahnee Thon

It’s been five days since Hurricane Milton passed through Lakeland as a Category 2 storm. Here’s what to know about the city’s + county’s restoration efforts:

Debris pickup is in progress across the community. Polk County customers with questions can call the Residential Debris Hotline at 833-843-1920. City of Lakeland customers can call 863-834-8773.
Make sure to follow these guidelines for organizing your debris. If you need help cleaning up debris at your home, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1396.
Normal residential trash pickup resumed for Polk County customers on Friday, and will resume for City of Lakeland customers today.
Officials are urging residents to keep roads clear when possible + avoid driving through flooded areas to prevent further damage. If you see a traffic signal that’s not operating, make sure to treat it as a four-way stop.

Learn more about Milton’s impact on Lakeland, and utilize these resources as cleanup continues.

A picture is worth 1,000 words

Last week, we asked our readers + followers to share the views outside their windows with us immediately following the storm. We appreciate everyone who shared their photos with us and are so thankful everyone is safe.

See the full gallery

Events

Monday, Oct. 14

Hollingsworth Winds Fall Concert | Monday, Oct. 14 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium at Florida Southern College | Free | This local wind ensemble will perform a lively program of “Fiestas, Dances, and Celebrations.”

Tuesday, Oct. 15

T-R-I-V-I-A | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Answer Halloween-themed questions while enjoying an extended happy hour at the bar.

Wednesday, Oct. 16

Line Dance Lesson & Bar Night | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | $8 | Cut loose with a line dancing lesson and drink of your choice, then stick around for open floor dancing + beverage deals.

Thursday, Oct. 17

Sip & Shop | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 1833 Historic Venue Space | Free+ | Kick off your holiday shopping by perusing wares from local vendors while sipping on seasonal beverages.

Friday, Oct. 18

Swantoberfest | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Savor German flavors with food truck bites, seasonal drafts, and themed games — prizes will be on the line.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a federally recognized day honoring Native peoples and commemorating their histories and cultures + Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic on Oct. 12, 1492.

Civic

Restoration efforts continue in Polk County from Hurricane Milton’s impact last week, and officials are asking for residents’ patience as workers navigate the hazardous conditions left behind. Have questions? Reach out to the Citizen’s Information Line. (Fox 13 News)

Announced

Several food + water distribution sites are available countywide to those affected by Hurricane Milton. Stop by the two in Lakeland at Walker Road Park and Gator Creek Preserve from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — they’ll be open daily until power is restored.

Closing

If you parked your car in one of the city’s public parking garages during Hurricane Milton, today is the last day to pick it up. City officials are asking that all vehicles be moved from the Main Street and South Iowa Avenue garages by 8 a.m.

Community

More than 600 workers from nine states have gathered in Lakeland to help return power to customers. Even with five times the normal workforce, Lakeland Electric is estimating full restoration to take at least one week due to the severe wind + flood damage.

Traffic

Deen Still Road will be closed until further notice from State Road 33 to Moore Road due to flooding caused by Hurricane Milton. A detour along Old Polk City Road has been put in place, and truck restrictions have been lifted.

Number

6,500. That’s how many individuals stayed in Polk County’s 20 shelters during Hurricane Milton. The majority of shelters closed after the storm passed on Thursday. In Lakeland, Tenoroc High School + McKeel Academy remained open through Friday to house residents without a safe place to stay. (The Ledger)

Weather

Lakeland experienced up to 12 inches of rain last week from Milton, flooding several parts of the city. Off of New Tampa Highway, Polk County Sheriff’s Office broke out its airboat to rescue residents confined to their homes by the high water levels. (The Ledger)

State

Farmers and ranchers whose livestock and animals were affected following Hurricane Milton can request critical assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Priority will be given to animals who are in urgent need of care within 48 hours.

Plan Ahead

Get fired up, LAL: SEU’s Homecoming Weekend is happening Friday, Nov. 1-Saturday, Nov. 2. Alumni, prospective students + fellow Lakelanders are invited to enjoy two packed days of events, including campus tours, sporting events, a parade, and, of course, the much-anticipated homecoming football game + fireworks show on Saturday.*

Stat

22%. That’s how much car insurance prices are expected to increase by the end of the year. The average premium is expected to reach $2,469. Are you prepared? View Money’s “Best Car Insurance” list to shop around + see if you could save.*

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I have to give a shout out to all the individuals who have been working to restore power to all us Lakelanders following Hurricane Milton. According to yesterday afternoon’s update from Lakeland Electric, teams have restored power to 77,000 of the 85,000 customers who lost electricity since Wednesday.

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