The house that Sears built | In 1908, in the midst of the mail-order catalog era, Sears issued the first “Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans” — and it turns out we may have a few readers + followers living in some.
Making over Memorial | Memorial Boulevard has been top of mind for state + local officials. See what improvements could be coming to the US 92 thoroughfare, from strategic economic developments to street enhancements.
Rock the vote | 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 in Lakeland.
Asked
Asked
Do you have a horror date story that took place around Lakeland?
Let us know your lighthearted, embarrassing date night moments or cringe memories you’ll never forget. Keep stories PG-rated and all parties anonymous — we may just share your story in an upcoming newsletter.
Trick or Treat with Sheriff Judd | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Polk State College Lakeland Campus | Free | Grab some treats without the tricks at this family-friendly Halloween event hosted by PCSO’s Safe Schools division.
Pineapple Carving + Cocktails | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | The Joinery | $45 | Reserve a spot to carve a jack-o'-lantern out of a pineapple over specialty drinks.
Business Networking Symposium | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 12-3 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | Free+ | Connect, collaborate, and grow alongside fellow business owners while learning from guest speakers + panelists.
Stillness Through Sound Sunday | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Start your week on a calm note with a sound bath session on the farm.
Plan Ahead
Adult Sewing 101 | Monday, Oct. 28-Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | You’ll be sew in the know after this three-night class about machine and hand-sewing.
Polk County Vision Workshop | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | James W. Sikes Elementary School | Free | Share your feedback to guide Polk County leaders as they create the next Comprehensive Plan.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show | Friday, Nov. 1 | Times vary | Rec Room | $10+ | Laugh along with this improvised comedy team’s final family friendly and 21+ shows before they relocate to their new venue.
The City of Lakeland announced plans to use two industrial water pumps to reduce flooding in Lake Bonny. Crews will pump water to a stormwater outflow that empties into Lake Parker. Expect indefinite road closures on East Main Street and surrounding residential roads.
Travel
Lakeland Linder International Airport will have 58 total weekly arrivals + departures between cargo and passenger flights by next month. To reduce air traffic noise, the Federal Aviation Administration has approved new air traffic routes over the Polk Parkway. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
A Taste of Ireland Co. is bringing its “A Celtic Christmas” tour to several Florida cities this winter, including a stop in Lakeland on Friday, Nov. 22 at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Memorial Auditorium. Get your tickets.
Try This
If you’ve ever dreamed of living a life like in “Little House on the Prairie,” then the Lake Wakes Pioneer Days Festival will be right up your alley. The local favorite community event returns today + tomorrow with activities for the whole family, from historical demonstrations to a community market.
Wellness
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch at Satya Life Yoga would feel. Find your flow at these Lakeland yoga studios.
Plan Ahead
It’s finally fall, meaning our calendars are packed with events like Harvest Days at Keel Farms. Find more fun near you this season with our ultimate guide to Lakeland’s top happenings. We’ll see you there.
Number
$3.11. That’s how much a gallon of gas costs in Florida right now. Read more about the cost of living in Lakeland, including the median household income, and average cost of healthcare and groceries.
City Guide
City Guide
Shop, swap, sell, and save
If you love bargain shopping too, this guide is for you. | Screenshot via Google Maps
When it comes to Lakeland’s shopping scene, we love a good treasure hunt — and a good bargain. So get in, we’re going shopping.
Lakeland Mi Pueblo Flea Market
Around 500 vendors sell produce, livestock, clothing, and gardening tools year-round at this indoor/outdoor market off of West Memorial Boulevard. Visit on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m. On-site parking is $2.
360 Unlimited
Get a new look from something old. This Dixieland store is filled wall to wall with vintage clothing and accessories. Did someone say costume party?
Lloyd’s Antiques
No trip to the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Market is complete without a trip inside Lloyd’s. We especially love its collection of vintage Lakeland postcards. Pro tip: Head upstairs to visit the resident parrot while you shop.
Consignment Garden
This is the perfect place to find accessories and fashions that your neighbors once loved.
Tru Rescue electrolyte drinks — each can features sparkling water, blackberry juice, electrolytes, lemon balm, and prickly pear extract to help keep you hydrated.
As the famous quote from “Anne of Green Gables” says, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” We’ve been thriving with the cooler mornings this past week and all of the fall events going on around our city. If you head to one of the events mentioned here, make sure to drop us a line and tell us what you did.