Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line. Bonus points for including the type of device and software/platform you’re reading our newsletter on.
Let’s have some RP (Fun)ding Center
Big names + locals alike have brought their shows to the RP Funding Center. | Photo by @lakelandgov
Lakeland Center, Lakeland Civic Center, RP Funding Center — our city’s largest event venue has gone by many names since opening in November 1974. Before it celebrates 50 years in business, look back at its biggest acts + events of the last five decades.
1970s The King must have really liked Lakeland. Elvis Presley first performed at the Polk Theatre in 1956, then returned to the Lakeland Civic Center in 1975 + 1976.
1980s Prince recorded the music video for “Little Red Corvette” onstage during tour rehearsals in 1983, opting not to drive around a lake in an actual Corvette. What a shame.
1990s Many rock bands performed at the Civic Center during the 90s, from Nirvana to U2, but it was Slayer who recorded part of their live album “Decade of Aggression” there before it was renamed “the Lakeland Center” in 1994.
2000s The Rocket Man himself, Elton John, rang in the new decade with a show in 2000, performing an encore of “Candle in the Wind.” Disney on Ice soon followed with a flurry of frosty performances, debuting “Toy Story 2" in the Jenkins Arena in 2001.
2010s Sports took over in the last 10 years. The Florida Tropics played a few seasons at the RP Funding Center starting in 2016, and the Orlando Magic moved their D-League team there in 2017. Both teams left Lakeland in 2023.
2020s What’s next? Check out the RP Funding Center’s upcoming events, including Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Free Play Florida, and “The Nutcracker.” Plus, it’s currently home to an “insurance village” to help those in need connect with their providers after Hurricane Milton.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 17
Little Learners of Lakeland Fall Series | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 3-4 p.m. | Kid Cafe | $35+ | Kids ages 2-4 will grow their language skills through tree-themed sensory play + activities.
Backyard Night Market | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 4-7 p.m. | The Green House Garden Store | Free+ | Find food trucks, local vendors, and photo ops in the backyard each month.
Friday, Oct. 18
Family Movie | Friday, Oct. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Watch “Hocus Pocus 2" over popcorn + candy — just don’t light the Black Flame Candle.
Lake Mirror Classic Concours and Car Show | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Lakeland will turn into a car-lover’s paradise with a weekend full of events from downtown to Lake Mirror.
Main Street Winter Haven’s 17th Annual Oktoberfest | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | $30+ | A tasting ticket gets you samples of 40+ beers, plus German food and entertainment.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Sip & Sprout Plant Festival | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Metals and Nature, Plant City | Free+ | Stroll through the garden to shop for greenery while sipping coffee, tea, or wine from local vendors.
Polk County History Center Architectural Tour | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free | Gain new insights into local history through a guided tour of the former courthouse.
Haunted Illusions | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $36+ | You won’t believe your eyes as illusionist David Caserta of “America’s Got Talent” bends reality.
Get to know the story behind the feathered friends who gave Lakeland the Swan City nickname. | Photo by Triforce Pictures
Did you know swans have been around Lakeland since 1923 — the same year as Time Magazine’s first issue?
In the next episode of WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series, learn from librarian and historian LuAnn Mims and “The Swan Mother” Samantha Drew as they swan dive into the story of our city’s beloved birds.
Stream anytime or catch the episode live at 8:30 p.m. tonight.
Tolls on some highways throughout Central Florida remain suspended, including the Polk Parkway. FDOT has not yet announced when tolls will be reinstated. (WTSP)
Festival
Bonnet Springs Park remains closed while crews clean up hurricane damage, and the park announced yesterday that this weekend’s Central Florida Food Fest is canceled. Ticket holders will be refunded, and the festival is set for next year instead.
State
Waiting on roof repairs? Polk residents can now apply for Operation Blue Roof, a state program offering free industrial roof coverings to homeowners + renters who experienced storm damage. Apply online through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Number
5 million. That’s how many gallons of wastewater spilled from Lakeland’s Glendale Wastewater Reclamation Facility due to Hurricane Milton, in addition to at least six more spills. The city is working to contain them, but use caution around waterways that may have been affected. (LkldNow)
Closed
Speaking of wastewater, West Campbell Road will be closed for up to two weeks while crews repair a county sanitary sewer lift station. The station and the road surrounding it were damaged after taking on too much water + debris.
Sports
This weekend’s 86th Annual Orange Cup Regatta has been canceled due to the effects of Hurricane Milton. The powerboat race competition will return to Lake Hollingsworth on Oct. 18-19, 2025.
Environment
The City of Lakeland is taking inventory of the pipes in its drinking water service lines to see if any contain lead, as required by the EPA. Lakeland’s lead levels are below regulatory requirements, but if you think you may have a lead service line, contact Water Utilities.
Health
Dispose of drugs safely during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Head to the Lakeland Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 to drop off prescription + over-the-counter medications, as well as e-cigarette devices.
Pets
Missing your pet after the storm? Polk County Sheriff’s Office found 44 dogs and 32 cats last week. Head to the Animal Control Shelter in Winter Haven to see if your pet was one of the 76 found.
Feel Good
Animals weren’t the only ones being rescued by PCSO last week. Deputies got a call in the midst of Milton that a pregnant woman was going into labor. With ambulances unable to travel, the deputies transported the parents to Lakeland Regional Hospital where baby Jade was safely delivered. (The Ledger)
Finance
During times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. Here’s how they work (hint: 18 months with 0% interest, plus 2% cash back) and why experts recommend this specific card.*
Cause
Coming Soon
New kids on the block
The former Unfiltered coffee shop will soon become Grievous Angel. | Photo by LALtoday
Every time we look around, it seems like something new is popping up in Lakeland. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to dinner destination or a new park to stretch your legs, we’re rounding up a few things coming soon to the Swan City area.
Grievous Angel, 801 E. Main St. | Opening late 2024 | Burgers, hotdogs, and fries in a honky-tonk setting created by the owner of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
On Dog Time, 145 N. Lake Ave. | Opening 2024 | An enclosed park for large and small dogs across the street from Lakeland Fire Station 1
Prose Lakeside, 1320 Caprice Dr. | Opening late 2024 | Apartments + townhomes with up to three bedrooms located across the Polk Parkway from Lakeside Village
Anyone else enjoy that brief taste of fall weather yesterday? Our team took it as an opportunity to grab an apple pie chai from Black & Brew, light a cinnamon candle while writing today’s newsletter, and break out our favorite sweaters.