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Get ready to rock the vote, Lakeland
Make your voice heard, Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday
At LALtoday, we aim to cover local elections in a way that educates and activates our community with unbiased information to encourage individual voter participation. (I.e. vote for whoever + whatever you want to, just make sure to vote.) To learn more, check out our Editorial Ethics Policy.
Election Day is just around the corner on Tuesday, Nov. 5. To make this election as easy as possible, we’ve curated the need-to-know information about how and where to vote.
Am I registered?
First things first, make sure you’re eligible + registered to vote. Then, check your voter registration to identify your voting district. Voter registration for the general election closed on Oct. 7, but you can still submit an application for future elections
Where’s my polling location?
Polk County polling places will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. If you’re unsure where to go, you can request voter information that provides your registration status + polling location.
Early walk-in voting is available from Monday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 3 at these locations. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your photo ID and signature identification.
Voting absentee or by mail? Completed ballots must be requested by Thursday, Oct. 24 and received by Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. to be counted.
What are we voting on?
According to the sample ballot, Polk County voters will be voting for these local seats in the general election, in addition to national + state offices:
County commissioner in District 1
Sheriff
Supervisor of Elections
And more
Note: Some races, like those for property appraiser and the District 5 county commissioner, were decided in the primary earlier this year.
Who are the candidates?
Candidates spoke before voters at various events like Politics in the Park earlier this year. If you couldn’t attend the event hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, read up on what candidates shared about their platforms.
Events
Events
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
Muffins with Moms Playdate | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 9 a.m. | Ax-Caliber | $6+ | Mother figures can find community with freshly brewed coffee, muffins, and inflatable axe throwing for the kids.
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.
Haunted Jail Tour | Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Lawrence W. Crow, Jr. Building, Bartow | $5+ | It’s the final year of this PCSO fundraiser for United Way of Central Florida featuring family fun + frights.
Saturday, Oct. 19
We Let the Dogs Out | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Treat your pup to games, vendors, and a costume contest — or find a new one with adoptable dogs on site.
Lakeland United FC vs. Naples City FC | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 5:30 p.m. | Bryant Stadium | Free | Cheer the Swans on to a win in this semi-professional game.
Thursday, Oct. 24
“Mary Poppins” Musical | Thursday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 26 | Times vary | Lakeland Christian School | $11+ | Don’t miss one of four opportunities to see the beloved musical “Mary Poppins,” presented live by the Lakeland Christian School Fine Arts Department.*
Celebrate 100 years with special menus + a hidden speakeasy
Presented by a LALtoday Partner
This is the month to visit the historic restaurant and hotel. | Photos provided by Naples Hotel Group
The Terrace Hotel is celebrating 100 years — and the Terrace Grille is puttin’ on the Ritz to mark the occasion.
Party like it’s 1924 by dining at the Grille this October as the restaurant (and hotel) travels to a bygone era with 1920s-themed events + experiences, including:
Special menu items at the Terrace Grille | Now-Nov. 4
A hidden speakeasy (psst: see the required password) | Friday + Saturdays, Oct. 4-Nov. 2
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland will host a food + water distribution drive-through at 90 Lake Morton Dr. tomorrow, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. Polk County’s distribution site at 1035 Walker Rd. will open for the final time today at 8 a.m.
Outdoors
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton has caused water in the Peace River watershed to rise to emergency levels — and it’s expected to keep rising. Polk, Bartow, and Southwest Florida Water Management District officials are closely monitoring the watershed to mitigate potential flooding and reduce downstream impacts.
Cause
If you lost clothes due to damage from Milton, local organizations are here to help. Shop Hidden Gem Consignment’s storage units by appointment only, or head to New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church tonight from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to receive items from the church’s Clothes Closet. (LkldNow)
Closed
While a large portion of Polk’s 100+ county-operated parks and boat ramps are reopening this week, several are staying closed while staff continue clean-up efforts. See which Lakeland parks need more time before opening back up.
Opening
Lakeland’s newest wedding venue, Uliana Estate, will hold a grand opening tonight. Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m., then stay for food, drinks, and a tour of the space from 5 to 8 p.m. Looking for more rentable spaces? We’ve got you.
State
Fill it up. State officials shared that the majority of Florida fuel stations, including those in Polk, should be back to normal supply this morning after experiencing a significant shortage due to port closures from Hurricane Milton. (The Ledger)
Family
The Florida Children’s Museum is hitting the road. While Bonnet Springs Park is closed, museum staff are bringing interactive learning opportunities to locations around Lakeland. Find them at the Coleman-Bush building today through Friday, Oct. 18, and at Kelly Recreation Complex on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Show
Swan City Improv is getting ready to enter a new era — a new location era, that is. The local comedy troupe will hold its last shows in Rec Room on Friday, Nov. 1 before transitioning to its new, TBA venue. Grab your tickets.
Real Estate
Did someone say free rent? Prospect Lake Wire Apartments is now leasing all available units, and is giving applicants four weeks of free rent when they sign a new lease. Take a peek inside the units.
Home
The real scare this Halloween season? Cooking oil down drains. That’s why the city recently launched an oil + grease recycling initiative, letting residents drop off jars of cooled oil at dedicated stations around Lakeland. Find the drop-off nearest you.*
Health
Imagine sitting in a busy cafe surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With this revolutionary hearing aid, background noise fades, and the voices you care about come through with perfect clarity.*
Number
$125. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 6001 printer for a limited time. Bonus: A two-year supply of ink is included with your purchase.*
Category
Civic
It takes an (insurance) village
Need help filing insurance claims after Hurricanes Helene or Milton? The insurance village is here to help. | Photo by @lmboza
If your property experienced any kind of damage during Hurricanes Helene or Milton, the process of getting help from your insurance company is likely a daunting thought. Enter: The insurance village.
Now open in the RP Funding Center, the insurance village gives Polk County residents the opportunity to speak face-to-face with representatives from their insurance companies and get assistance in filing claims for property damage and/or loss.
The village will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. If you’re planning to stop by, Polk County recommends bringing as much documentation as you can to assist in the process, including:
A driver’s license or other form of photo identification
Insurance cards and policy information/documentation
Pictures or documentation of property damage and/or loss due to Hurricanes Helene or Milton
Repair estimates
Any additional insurance-related information
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Amelia
If you’re needing a break from storm clean-up and are a fan of espresso martinis like me, you need to walkrun to The Back Nine to get its seasonal version. The added salted caramel syrup and house-made salted caramel cold foam put the perfect fall twist on the classic drink. Don’t skip the butter cake either — you’ll thank me later.
