Honor veterans at one of these local events. | Photo by @namzug66
Next Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that commemorates those who have served in the US military. Check out these upcoming events happening in and around Lakeland that honor the 60,000+ veterans who call Polk County home.
Honor our veterans with a 10 a.m. ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a parade through downtown and market in Munn Park featuring veteran-focused vendors + non-profits. The day of free happenings will conclude at 2 p.m.
Join the Lakeland Concert Band at the Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College for an afternoon of free patriotic music + pre-show performance by the Ultimate Dance Center. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m., with performances kicking off at 1:45 p.m.
The Lakeland Stamp Club | Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Peggy Brown Building | Free | Share your interest in stamp collecting at this casual gathering.
“Friends” Trivia | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | So no one told you life was gonna be this way — but you can still show off your knowledge of this fan-favorite 1990s sitcom [insert claps here].
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Transit Development Plan Public Workshop | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Make your voice heard regarding Citrus Connection’s long-term transit plan in this public meeting.
Yappy Hour: Paw Print Ornaments | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $15+ | Bring your furry friend to create an ornament that will help you remember them forever.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Native Plants: Habitat Restoration for Your Yard | 10-11 a.m. | Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve, Lake Alfred | Free | Level up your gardening game with insights from Master Gardener volunteers.
Fall Orchestra Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Listen to students from four orchestra ensembles perform selections of classical + modern music.
Friday, Nov. 8
14th Annual Festival of Wreaths | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free+ | It’s opening day for this spectacle featuring biddable festive wreaths decorated by Polk residents, bizzes, and organizations.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Wings ‘n Things | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sun ‘n Fun | Free | Explore the wonders of aerospace through hands-on activities fit for all ages.
County commissioners will vote today on whether to change development regulations for the Polk’s portion of the Green Swamp Area. If approved, land parcels containing wetlands along Deen Still Road in northeast Polk County could be more easily developed through density transfers + county rights of way. (The Ledger)
State
FEMA has approved $818.7 million to date for Floridians impacted by the recent hurricanes. The agency is still accepting applications for assistance through Nov. 12 for Hurricane Debby, Nov. 27 for Hurricane Helene, and Dec. 11 for Hurricane Milton. (WFLA)
Opening
Here’s some sweet news for you. Kichi Taiyaki will open its first Lakeland location this Saturday, Nov. 9 in the former Twisted Sugar spot on South Florida Avenue. Stop by starting at 10 a.m. to try the shop’s signature Japanese desserts, including waffles, soufflé pancakes, bingsu, and boba.
Development
Feel the (solar) power. The Lakeland City Commission approved a 25-year contract between Lakeland Electric and Edge Solar, a subsidiary of Williams Corp., to construct a 1,400-acre solar farm. Per the contract, Edge Solar will build, own, and operate the facility + sell all the power it generates to Lakeland Electric. (The Ledger)
Community
Polk residents needing vehicle registration or title services now have a new option available. Express Auto Tags of Winter Haven has partnered with the Polk County Tax Collector to take over the tag agency attached to Winter Haven’s American Legion building. Appointments + walk-ins are accepted Monday-Saturday.
Cause
These shoes were made for walking. Polk County’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 at Bonnet Springs Park. To get info on the walk + learn how to create a team, join the organization’s kickoff event Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m. at CoHatch in downtown Lakeland.
Ranked
Lakeland Regional Health is feeling wired after ranking as one of 2024’s Digital Health Most Wired hospitals + health systems. LRH earned the designation from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives based on its usage of impactful technology across business units.
Answered
Yesterday, we asked you what’s in a name by having you guess who Lakeland Linder International Airport was named for, and 49% correctly guessed that it came from a successful local businessman. As if we could stump you. Get the backstory on more Lakeland landmarks.
Number
$50,000.The average annual salary of an electrician in Florida. Southeastern University’s AAS in Electrical Technician Services program offers hands-on training with professional mentorship to prepare students for electrical certification exams and career advancement in the field.*
Wellness
Better sleep in as little as two weeks + workout breakthroughs in eight to twelve weeks — get the benefits Magnesium Breakthrough, with seven powerful forms of magnesium.*
Category
Arts
On the highway to history
Florida Highwayman R. L. Lewis finishing an original piece. | Photo via Florida Memory
From live music + performances to murals and sculptures, it’s no secret that Lakeland loves its art. But how much do you know about the Florida group that left a lasting impression on the contemporary art history scene? Meet the Florida Highwaymen, known for depicting Florida’s beaches, wetlands, and swampy marshes.
Formed during the 1950s, the Highwaymen were a world-renowned group of 26 African American, self-taught landscape artists who traveled statewide selling their works door-to-door. By the time the group disbanded in the 1980s, they had collectively painted ~200,000 pieces and spent 30 years traveling Florida’s highways, selling work from the trunks of their cars.
The Highwaymen are revered for their work ethic and impact on the art community. Their works are celebrated as having both national + international significance, both for the quality of their work and for the social circumstances surrounding the entrepreneurs.
It’s Election Day, Lakeland. If voting is still on your to-do list, polling locations will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. While I appreciate voting because it’s my civic duty, I appreciate getting an “I Voted” sticker just as much. If you could design a Lakeland-themed “I Voted” sticker, what would you put on it? Inquiring minds want to know.
