Sips with a side of scares, anyone? | Photo by LALtoday
Eating well never goes out of season. Cozy up to these fall menu items + limited time deals from local eateries, cafes, and bars.
Amonie Jo’s Coffee Pair your Apple Pucker Lemonade with the savory Harvest Moon Pumpkin Bisque + the sweet Crispy Orchard Toast with cinnamon cream cheese and apples.
Andrew’s Coffee “Creepy doll fall” is creeping up. Add on a haunted doll drink topper to any beverage while supplies last on Wednesday, Oct. 30 + Thursday, Oct. 31.
The Back Nine Fuel your virtual golf game with a drink from the fall cocktail menu. We loved the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini for a sweet sip.
Here’s your sign to give back with your next cup of coffee.
Photo by LALtoday
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro Head to any location today or tomorrow, 7-11 a.m. for the 13th Annual Pumpkin Latte Giveaway. Make a donation of $1+ to United Way of Central Florida and you’ll get a free Pumpkin Pie Latte as a thank you.
Concord Coffee Not a pumpkin person? Head here for lattes inspired by the flavors of tiramisu, apple crisp, and spiced rum. We also recommend the Carrot Cake Tea Latte for non-coffee drinkers.
Fancy Farms Market Find a fall menu filled with farm-fresh pumpkin + apple bites — we wouldn’t skip the cobblers or the apple walnut salad lunch box.
The Joinery Visit the bar for the Play Dead cocktail served with pumpkin rum cake by Bang Bang Bakehouse. Eateries will also offer scary good specials, like Sabu Ramen’s “Nightmare on Main Street” collab with Mucho Boba, available Nov. 1-3.
Pour Bear Coffee Caffeinate before trick-or-treating with the Slasher Cola (espresso + Coca-Cola) or the Witch’s Brew with chocolate, chai, and matcha foam.
The Terrace Grille The secret speakeasy will open for the final time Friday, Nov. 1 + Saturday, Nov. 2. Give the password to access a special drink menu with cocktails like the Cat’s Pajamas.
Asked
Asked
What’s your go-to spot in Lakeland for a free hour?
A. Outdoors at a park B. Grabbing food or drinks C. Shopping at a local store D. Exploring the arts + culture scene E. Somewhere else
After School Art | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $5 | Children + parents can experiment using contrast in art together.
Polk County Vision Workshop | 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.
Lakeland Real Estate Investors Meetup | 6-8 p.m. | Pink Piano | Free+ | Network with fellow real estate investors to discuss market trends + share strategies.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Preschool Storytime | 10 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Kids ages 2-5 will read, play, and sing together.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Movie Monsters Trivia | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ | Free+ | Brush up on your favorite movie monster smarts + get bonus points for coming in costume.
Friday, Nov. 1
“Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical” | Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Lake Mirror | $26+ | Local actors will perform this musical based on the classic story that’s sure to be twice the fun.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Rock Your Vote Block Party | 12-4 p.m. | Simpson Park | Free+ | Get information on voting in Lakeland while partying with music by Cienna Alida + food and merchandise vendors.
Property tax bills are now in the mail from the Polk County Tax Collector, but you can also access your bill online before it arrives. Pro tip: Taxes are due in March, but you can get up to a 4% discount by paying early.
Community
If you hear a knock at your door, it could be FEMA agents looking to connect with those who need assistance. Polk County reminds residents that these Disaster Survivor Assistance crews will always carry photo IDs and never ask for money. (Bay News 9)
Development
Construction on a 77-home community powered by solar energy will begin next year as part of a partnership between Lakeland Electric + Block Energy. A similar project in Tampa has proved successful, with each home maintaining power through all hurricanes the last two years. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Environment
Many are still awaiting flood relief following Hurricane Milton. It’s now expected to take up to 30 days to lower water levels in Lake Bonny, and county + state officials are working to drain the Lake Seward basin in the Highland City area. (Fox 13 News)
Ranked
Lakeland is giving it the old college try, ranking No. 97 overall on the “Best College Towns in America” list. Scores were based on wallet friendliness, social environment, and academic + economic opportunities for students. When it came to small college towns, it ranked No. 38. (WalletHub)
Arts
The 2024 Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala will take place tonight at Nora Mayo Hall. Inductees include music teacher Dr. Jessie Davis Owens, but it’s not her only recent accolade — Winter Haven also declared Oct. 15 Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day this year. (Bay News 9)
Number
1,000+. That’s how many carved pumpkins you’ll find lighting up the Davenport Pumpkin House in its final year. Christopher Bailey began the tradition in 2015, eventually turning the display into a fundraiser in 2018 after his wife Adriana was diagnosed with cancer. See the pumpkins through Friday, Nov. 1. (The Ledger)
Feel Good
PCPS showed its appreciation for exchange teacher Jayesh Arippra Kuzhiyil by gifting him a new car. After learning that the teacher from India didn’t have transportation, the district pitched in with local organizations to provide him a car, as well as cover registration + insurance fees. (WFLA)
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Category
Seasonal
Shopping, but make it shocking
This is a theme park lover’s paradise. | Photo by LALtoday
If Halloween decorations from the big box store aren’t cutting it this season, deck out your house with a bit of theme park history found at the Lakeland Antique Mall instead. It may seem unassuming from the outside, but the mall offers 44,000 sqft of vintage wares, collectibles, and oddities.
Couldn’t get a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights this year? You can still find set pieces used inside the park here, like an antique car used in one of the scare zones back in 2019. Keep trekking through to find aisle after aisle of theme park memorabilia + antique decor that will remind you of Halloweens past.
Find the store off of US Highway 98 North, near the Lakeland Square Mall. Brace yourself for a close encounter with a raptor when you walk inside — don’t worry, it’s just a statue.
A 60% off deal on an LED floor lamp perfect for your entertaining space. The minimalist lamp can be set to dozens of color combinations + light effects for the exact ambience you desire.
My search for apple cider doughnuts has reached a sweet conclusion. This weekend, I found Sarah May’s Homemade selling apple cider doughnut mini muffins at the downtown farmers market, and they’ll be my new fall go-to. They’re sweet, spiced, and just the right size for eating while shopping.
