Plus, PCPS storm make-up plans.
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83º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:36 a.m. | Sunset 6:45 p.m.


🍬 Welcome to Lakeland Candy Land

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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 itbonus points if you can explain why.

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.
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Your CBD Store Lakeland

Seasonal

5 holiday items to buy before the November price surge

A rotating gif of Christmas trees, a flannel blanket, gold flatware, Hanukkah candles, and light-up birch trees.
Take a moment for smart shopping with winter holidays just around the corner. | Graphic by 6AM City
The best time to shop for holiday essentials? Before prices skyrocket after Halloween. Discover deals + seasonal favorites:
Even more holiday finds

News Notes

Civic
  • 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)
Giveaway
Fun Fact
  • GEICO stands for “Government Employee Insurance Company” + offers special savings for teachers, police officers, veterans, and other government workers. See how much you can save with a free policy review.*
Job
  • We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships. Want to lead sales efforts for new products, identify and secure partnerships, and grow existing client relationships, all with a lucrative compensation plan? Apply to join.

Travel

Staycation, all I ever wanted

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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.

Boho Chateau

Live the bohemian life in this historic home that’s within walking distance to the Ashley Gibson Museum of Art, Lake Mirror, and Munn Park.
  • ~$144 a night
  • 2 bedrooms | 1.5 bathrooms
  • Kitchen, on-site parking, covered patio + outdoor dining space
Fun Country Acre Getaway

Enjoy mornings on the porch + nights by the firepit at this home with wide open spaces.
  • ~$200 a night
  • 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
  • Firepit, game room, large front porch, coffee bar, grill
The Blue House

Catch us dreaming of staying in this cozy home that combines historic brick-paved streets with modern amenities.
  • ~$119 a night
  • 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom
  • Open layout, futon, in-unit laundry, private kitchen
7 more local stays

Asked

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
Staycation, had to get away

The Buy

The cowboy hat you’ve been looking for to complete this year’s costume, just in time for Halloween (it should ship fast for Prime members).
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Amelia

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.

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