Hey there, pumpkin — did your neighborhood make the list? | Photo by LALtoday
When it comes to living in Lakeland, there’s loads to love. Some might even say that life here is pretty sweet. Using The Takeout’s list of the most popular Halloween candies in the US, we’ve matched the top five choices with one of Lakeland’s neighborhoods. Get ready for a sugar rush.
🍬 M&M’s: Crystal Lake
With M&M’s coming in as the most popular candy in the US, it’s only fitting that it be matched with Lakeland’s most populated neighborhood, Crystal Lake.
🍬 Reese’s Cups: Kathleen area
H.B. Reese created the iconic Reese’s peanut butter cup in 1928, making it the oldest candy on this list. This makes it the perfect fit for Kathleen, considering the area’s rich + dynamic history.
🍬 Sour Patch Kids: Midtown area
Encompassing portions of both north and south Lakeland, the neighborhoods in the Midtown area have the best of both worlds, just like the sour but sweet Sour Patch Kids.
🍬 Skittles: Dixieland
If there’s any spot in Lakeland where you can really taste the rainbow, it has to be Dixieland. From its iconic murals to eclectic shops, there’s a little something for every flavor.
🍬 Starburst: Lake Morton
While Starburst has its roots in the UK, it became the candy we know and love today in 1967 when it got brought over the US. This reminds us of Lake Morton + its beloved swans that also have roots in the UK.
Is there a Lakeland neighborhood that pairs perfectly with a candy missing from our list? Tell us about it — bonus points if you can explain why.
Events
Events
Monday, Oct. 28
Pumpkin Patch | Monday, Oct. 28-Thursday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Shepherd’s Community UMC | Free+ | Pick your pumpkin, big or small, and pose for a photo in the patch.
Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Oct. 28 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $5 | Bring your mat to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Beautiful Native Plants for Your Central Florida Yard | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 2-3 p.m. | Studio 37, Mulberry | Free | Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers to learn about enhancing your landscape with native plants.
The Haunted Carnival | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5-7 p.m. | Jackson Branch Library | Free | Enter, if you dare, for a family-friendly walkthrough with snacks + candy for kids.
Blooms & Boo-ze | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | Tienda Studios | $95 | Create a Halloween-themed floral arrangement while indulging in cocktails, mocktails, and charcuterie — costumes are encouraged.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Preschool Storytime | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 10 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Bring kids ages 2-5 to read, play, and sing together.
Halloween Trivia | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Don your best costume and test your knowledge of all things horror + Halloween while enjoying some not-so-frightful bites from Fat Maggie’s.
Thursday, Oct. 31
14th Annual Mayors Roundtable | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Polk State College Center for Public Safety, Winter Haven | Free | After being rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton, Polk County’s mayors will finally meet for a public discussion of the key issues residents face.
Friday, Nov. 1
First Friday: Dancing Under the Stars | Friday, Nov. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Give a salute to active military members and veterans while taking in food trucks, vendors, live music + dancing in Munn Park.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has approved food assistance for Polk residents following Hurricane Milton through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Residents seeking D-SNAP benefits can pre-register Sunday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 8.
Older Adults
Lakeland Senior Hub, Inc. has announced it has plans to open a new senior center in Lakeland next June. The 5,000-sqft site will be located at the intersection of Harden Boulevard and Beacon Road and hopes to offer services spanning health + wellness, education, and socialization. (LkldNow)
Edu
PCPS has announced its plan for making up classroom hours missed due to Hurricanes Helene + Milton. Rather than cut into scheduled breaks, the district has opted to convert six early dismissal days into full days. See which dates changed.
Award
Speaking of PCPS — the district also recently announced its Principals of the Year. Stephanie Huber of Southwest Middle School in Lakeland took home the Assistant Principal of the Year title, and Suzie Nelson of Chain of Lakes Elementary in Winter Haven earned the top Principal honor.
Ranked
$304 million. That’s how much agricultural revenue Polk County produces each year, the eighth highest in the state. The recent slew of hurricanes have caused farmland statewide to accrue up to $2 billion in losses, prompting Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture to seek federal assistance. (Fox 13 News)
Biz
Progress is underway at the Market on Kentucky, the new project of Frescos’ owners Tim + Tina Calhoon that aims to highlight local food entrepreneurs. An opening date for the market in the former Taco Bus space downtown is TBA.
Number
50. That’s how many years of service Anchor House Ministries — a Polk County nonprofit that provides homes for children who have experienced abuse — will celebrate this year. The organization has opened two new homes in the last year alone, and expects to open a third by December. (The Ledger)
Sports
From football to hockey to baseball, it’s prime sports season here in Lakeland, and the USA Today Network recently ranked Winners Circle Sportsbar + Grill as one of the top Florida spots to catch a game. Looking for more local options? Score a touchdown with these recs. (The Ledger)
Travel
Here comes the sun. Beaches across the Bay Area are beginning to reopen to visitors after facing widespread storm damage. Get the scoop on which beaches are ready to accept visitors + plan your trip. (Fox 13 News)
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Category
Travel
Staycation, all I ever wanted
Who says you can’t be a tourist in your own city? | Photo via VRBO
Interested in taking a staycation or looking for a place for your guests to stay during their next visit? Good news — we’ve rounded up 10 Airbnb + Vrbo rentals to try out.
Let’s settle this once and for all — what’s the coolest rental home feature?
A. Hot tub B. Pool table or foosball table C. Outdoor games like putt-putt D. Rain showers or jetted tubs E. An incredible view/location F. I don’t care as long as it’s sparkling clean G. Something else
I’m not much of a candy eater unless it’s peanut butter M&M’s or a Reese’s, especially the peanut butter pumpkins. Meanwhile, City Editor Connor prefers gummy worms — guess that makes us the perfect sweet + sour City Editor pair.