This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Yes, Black Friday came early. Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Here’s what we recommend checking off your list:
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
14th Annual Festival of Wreaths | Tuesday, Nov. 26-Thursday, Dec. 12 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free+ | Browse + bid on festive wreaths decorated by Polk residents, bizzes, and organizations.
Snapology Thanksgiving Workshops | Tuesday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church Lakeland | $65+ | Kids can build their creativity through hands-on play on their days out of school.
Silver Star Game Day | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Older adults can enjoy a morning of fun, fellowship + classic games at this weekly get-together.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
A Proper Thanksgiving Eve | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Celebrate the day before Thanksgiving with local brews and music from Proper Wednesday.
Friday, Nov. 29
Adventure Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | All ages are welcome to learn about animals that use camouflage — if you can find them, that is.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Holiday Open House | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Nectary and Little Bus Books | Free+ | Bedford Beverage Co., Sam’s Stitches, Strawberry Shipp, and Swan City Chandlery will pop up in honor of Small Business Saturday.
“The Wiz 2.0" | 7-9 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $50+ | Lakeland native Demetrius Haynes directs this fresh retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” story.
Dash into holiday cheer with the 5K (7:30 a.m.), the Kids’ Fun Run (8:15 a.m.), or virtually (you’ll still score the beloved race t-shirt). Proceeds support the Three Parks Trail Perpetual Care Fund.
LALtoday readers can use code “FestiveFun” for 10% off registration until Saturday, Nov. 30.
Would you use a bike-share service around downtown? That’s what Citrus Connection and the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority hope to find out as they consider reintroducing a bike + scooter sharing program. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in a survey. (The Ledger)
Biz
Downtown, meet doughnuts. National brand Parlor Doughnuts could open a Lakeland location at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue + Bay Street, according to site plan review documents. The chain is known for its layered doughnuts and all-day breakfast menu in a “vintage Americana” setting. (What Now Tampa)
Travel
Flying out of LAL this Thanksgiving? The airport has opened an overflow parking lot in anticipation of a busy travel week. Just drop your party off at the terminal curb, and park in the grassy area between Don Emerson Drive + Drane Field Road. Pro tip: Parking is free.
Civic
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo spoke about water fluoridation in Winter Haven on Friday, where city officials recently voted to end the practice. Lakeland city commissioners say they may consider ending it as well after further discussion. (LkldNow)
Cause
Kate’s Story Foundation is collecting toys again for children at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. The foundation began in 2017 after Liz Haygood’s daughter, Kate, was hospitalized due to epilepsy. Drop off gifts through Friday, Dec. 13. (LkldNow)
Award
Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson is the winner of this year’s Lifetime Leadership Award from Higher Education Innovation. The annual award goes to visionary leaders with 25+ years of experience in higher education — learn more about Dr. Stephenson’s journey.
Sports
With a shortage of athletic trainers to help those injured during sporting events, PCPS has partnered with Lakeland Regional Health to provide part-time trainers for its school teams. The program has already expanded since beginning last year, with the goal to have a full-time trainer for every school. (The Ledger)
Kids
Here’s another way to give to children in need. Join Kidsgiving at the Florida Children’s Museum each day this week — besides Thanksgiving Day — from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Kids can pack art supplies kits for local pediatric patients on the museum’s second floor.
Seasonal
Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause? We’re so in. Get the details.*
Travel
Exciting news, explorers: You’re now just one nonstop flight away from the tropical beaches of Puerto Rico or the autumn colors of New England with these nine Avelo Airlines routes.*
Try This
Looking to get $5 off your next purchase of $20 or more? Just join Club Publix. Terms, conditions & restrictions apply. Offer valid in-store only. Must sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.*
Home
Don’t let drafty windows cause your energy bill to increase as temperatures drop. Prepare your home for winter with Renewal by Andersen® premium windows and doors. Get your free quote.*
One of Florida’s most time-consuming highways to drive is getting an upgrade — and it’s coming even sooner than expected. Timelines for I-4 projects that were slated to begin in Polk County in a few years’ time are now bumped up due to the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative.
The first project at I-4 and SR 33 in northeast Lakeland is set to begin on Jan. 6, 2025 with a price tag of $197 million. When complete, crews will convert the interchange’s current signalized intersections into roundabouts, add lanes to SR 33, and improve crossings for wildlife. Its estimated end date is in late 2028 or 2029.
Before crews start construction, a public meeting will be held to offer Lakelanders a look at how the project will impact traffic. Attend the Pre-Construction Information Session on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5:30-7 p.m. at Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center.
An electric salt and pepper grinder set that’s 20% off for early Black Friday. Snag one for just over $20 for yourself or as a holiday gift for your chef-iest friend.
Well, I hope you enjoyed that brief taste of fall weather we got this weekend. I took advantage of it by walking the farmers market (without sweating), and I found my new favorite vendor. Keep an eye out for Wagon Wheel Pastries, a green cart serving up flaky goodness — I loved the guava pastry.
