Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. 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.
Top Stories
In photos: Hurricane Milton’s impact on Polk County | After Milton touched down, Lakeland suddenly saw thousands without power, flooded lakes, and pile after pile of hurricane debris. Our readers sent in pictures of what it looked like right outside their doors.
The history of Publix’s Cake Tower | The hydrocake has been a roadside attraction for generations of Lakelanders, but what’s the story behind the 2.25 million-pound tower? Blow out the candles + take a slice of local business history.
“Insurance village” now open to help Lakelanders | 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. Here’s what to bring if you go.
Asked
Asked
What Lakeland spots do you think could be haunted?
A. The loggia at Lake Mirror B. Circle B Bar Reserve C. Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College D. Somewhere else
Harvest Days | Saturday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Celebrate fall with hay rides, a corn maze, camel rides, a pumpkin patch, and seasonal drink releases — parking is now free.
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.
Breast Cancer Forum: From Care to Community | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center | Free | Join the morning session for healthcare professionals, or the afternoon session for the community to learn about breast cancer care.
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.
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | Listeso String Quartet will perform Vivaldi’s best-known work surrounded by candlelight.
Plan Ahead
Self-Watering Systems for Plants | Monday, Oct. 21 | 5:30-6:50 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Never forget to water your plants again after learning tips from Lakeland Water Utilities.
Flower Workshop | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Create a floral arrangement in a ceramic pumpkin vase to decorate your home with this fall.
Howdyween Party | Friday, Oct. 25 | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | Wear your most country costume for a night of drinks + dancing with band Whiskey Whisper.
Bonnet Springs Park remains closed while crews clean up hurricane damage, and today’s Central Florida Food Fest is canceled until next year. Help the park get back in order by volunteering today, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Number
700,000. That’s how many cubic yards of debris county officials are expected to collect from Hurricane Milton, with a projected cost of at least $20 million. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, the county spent $42 million to remove 1.2 million cubic yards of debris. (The Ledger)
Development
FDOT will conduct a study of Memorial Boulevard to explore traffic improvements + street enhancements. With all these developments in Lakeland, read up on the cost of planting some roots in Swan City.
Weather
Was it a little cooler this week or was it just us? Regardless if you’re a fall-lover or not, you may be curious about what’s in store for Lakeland this season. Check out our fall weather outlook for predictions on what may be headed our way.
Travel
Want to make sure your next vacation takes off without a hitch? Check out our guide to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a full food rundown and to know just how early you should arrive to get through security. Bon voyage.
City Guide
City Guide
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
Find AC Fashion House in the historic Clonts Building downtown. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
Weekends were made for exploring new things in your city. Good thing we’ve rounded up the newest spots you should check out next.
Hong Hot Pot, 5125 S. Florida Ave. | Plan a date night over all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue or hotpot cooked at your table.
Kelly Recreation Complex e-library, 404 Imperial Blvd. | Planning a quiet weekend in? The library is closed, but you can grab a new read from the book vending machine.
The Melting Spot, 4289 S. Florida Ave. | This personalized candle workshop space offers four sessions this weekend, perfect for a friend’s day out.
AC Fashion House, 228 E. Pine St. | After you hit the farmers market, visit this downtown spot to treat yourself to a salon treatment at Abbey Caroline, or shop men’s apparel + accessories.
