10.11.2024

Today’s Forecast

83º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:26 a.m. | Sunset 7:02 p.m.

🌀 Doing the math on the aftermath

The Frances Langford Promenade flooded by waters from Lake Mirror.

The Frances Langford Promenade was flooded by rising waters from Lake Mirror. | Photo by @backstagexsun

Hurricane Milton swept through Lakeland as a Category 2 storm late Wednesday night. As crews work to restore power and clear debris, here’s a look at how Milton impacted Lakeland, Polk County, and beyond after making landfall.

3 million — how many Floridians lost power during the storm
194,000+ — Polk County customers left without power
85,000 — Lakeland Electric customers that lost power
400+ — crew members working to restore power, including more than 300 from other parts of Florida + out of state
120+ — tornadoes that were reported throughout Florida before Milton touched down
86% — the share of our readers who told us they were sheltering in place during the storm; another 12% evacuated out of Lakeland
60% — the percentage of city traffic signals that are out of service
16 — Lakeland intersections the Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed were flooded or blocked by downed power lines
12 — inches of rain Lakeland got in 24 hours as Milton approached

As cleanup begins, stay up to date on storm recovery efforts, and find out who to contact for debris cleanup, mental health services, and small business assistance.

Asked

What’s it like out your window?

Submit your photos of Hurricane Milton, and we may include them here in the newsletter or over on our social media pages.

Send your stormy snaps

Events

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 | 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.
Auburndale CityFest | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 4 p.m. | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale | Free+ | Grammy-winning band Diamond Rio will headline this event full of family entertainment.

Sunday, Oct. 13

Paradise Market | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | Free+ | Peruse goods from local entrepreneurs at this lively indoor market.
Lakeland Record Fair, Volume IV | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Rec Room | Free+ | Shop vinyl records + music from Jesse Carl Vinyl and other vendors — a DJ and food vendors will also be on site.
Stillness Through Sound Sunday | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Start your week on a calm note with a sound bath session on the farm.

Following Hurricane Milton, 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.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Weather

Bartow’s Peace River could reach moderate flood levels today, and then climb to major flood levels of 10.1 ft by early Sunday morning. The river’s record peak is 11.1 ft. (The Ledger)

Traffic

Polk County’s Emergency Management Division is advising drivers to stay off of roads as staff assess them for damage. Avoid driving through flood waters, and don’t forget to treat non-operating stoplights as four-way stops.

Health

PCPS is encouraging families to take advantage of its free telehealth services for students following Hurricane Milton. The program provides physical + mental health services at no charge.

Asked

How are things in your neck of the woods? We asked our Facebook followers for updates, and many chimed in with reports of downed trees or flooded neighborhoods, but high spirits. Leave your comment and continue the conversation.

Number

76. That’s the average number of days a home will spend on the market in Lakeland’s 33813 ZIP code — the lowest in the county. The average home price is $447,316 in this area, which includes the Lakeland Highlands area. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

If you’re reading our newsletter this morning, I hope that means you have power + Wi-Fi wherever you are. Our team is working with limited connection, but I’m glad to report we avoided serious damage.

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