Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, but it’s a great idea to prepare early. | Photo by LALtoday
After 2024 brought storms like Helene and Milton, Lakelanders may already bristle at the thought of another hurricane season brewing in the Atlantic. With forecasters already predicting above-normal activity, here’s what to know as prep begins before the 2025 season’s official start on June 1.
What’s the forecast?
Colorado State University released its first forecast ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on April 3, and its next will be released on June 11. Researchers predict nine of this year’s storms will become hurricanes, with four being major hurricanes. CSU was right on with its hurricane predictions in 2024.
CSU also expects 17 named storms, above the average of 14.4. Name lists are released by the National Hurricane Center, with this year’s including Barry, Imelda, Karen, Pablo, and Wendy — just to name a few.
How can I prepare?
It’s never too early to start storm preparations — just use this guide to start checking things off your to-do list and begin stocking up on supplies ahead of time.
If your property is prone to storm damage, the City of Lakeland has advised owners to apply for the statewide Elevate Florida residential mitigation program. Applications are open through this Friday, April 11. The city also launched a new portal where you can check your home’s flood risk ahead of the stormy season.
Asked
Asked
How early do you start preparing for hurricanes?
A. As soon as the last season ends B. At the start of the season C. Only when one is spotted D. I don’t prepare in advance
“The Rise of the Highwaymen” Tours | 1-2 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | A museum docent will teach you about the lives of Harold Newton + Alfred Hair as you view their work in a new exhibition.
Bartow Idol Auditions | 6-9 p.m. | Zest Bar & Grill, Bartow | $15 | Come prepared to sing the house down to be one of 10 finalists performing at Bartow Friday Fest.
Thursday, April 10
Polk County Roundnet Pickup | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Hunt Fountain Park | Free | Get some exercise and meet new friends around the Spikeball net.
Silent Book Club | 5:30-7 p.m. | Pressed | Free+ | Sip a cup of coffee while you read in a cozy atmosphere during extended hours at this bookstore + cafe.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Saturday, April 12
Gospel Inc.'s Walk to End Homelessness | 9 a.m. | Lake Parker Park | $30 | Create a team and join the walkathon to raise funds that will provide permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Blueberry Festival | Saturday, April 12-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Don’t be blue — this festival will include blueberry U-pick, shortcake eating contests, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Wednesday, April 23
2025 Annual Career Expo | 4-6 p.m. | Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center | Free | Learn about LRH careers + benefits like tuition reimbursement at this annual expo open to aspiring healthcare workers, high school seniors, and college students.*
Crews are back in the Dixieland + Munn Park historic districts this week completing the architectural resurvey that began in February. Buildings in these districts are being documented, meaning more could be added to the list of contributing historic structures.
Sports
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team are national champions, with Bartow High alum Walter Clayton Jr. named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. Drink like a champ by ordering his favorite Concord Coffee beverage: a Blackberry Royale tea with lemonade + housemade orange syrup.
Edu
Florida Poly’s Student Government Association is investing $250,000 from its funding reserves into the campus’ future Student Achievement Center. With a total cost of $85 million, the building will include student development services, an auditorium, study space, and dining options. It’s slated to open in 2030.
Stat
15.5%. That’s what portion of domestic vacations took place in Florida last year, breaking the state’s travel record for a sixth time with 142.9 million visitors. We may live where others vacation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play tourist in our own neck of the woods. (WFLA)
Kids
Pint-sized Picassos can hone their skills at the AGB’s Summer Art Camps. Registration is open for two-week sessions in June + July where kids ages 8-14 will learn media like painting, printmaking, and poetry. Pro tip: Museum members get tuition discounts.
Drink
Mix things up with a mixology class at Lugo’s Craft Distillery. The next session on Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. will teach you how to craft three tropical cocktails, just in time for patio season. See what we loved when we tried one of these classes.
Finance
We know you’re smart (you subscribe to LALtoday, after all), but we all have our blind spots when it comes to spending. Here are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
This building was most recently a Winn-Dixie grocery store, which closed in 2024. | Photo by LALtoday
ALDI is opening its third Lakeland location tomorrow, April 10 at 9 a.m. at 6902 S. Florida Ave. in the Imperial Christina Plaza. The grocery store has plenty of perks in store for opening day:
Gift bags stuffed with product samples + Golden Ticket gift cards of up to $100 for the first 100 customers
Free tote bags while supplies last
A $500 gift card sweepstakes open April 10-13
Pro tip for new shoppers: We weren’t kidding about those quarters. Bring one to use a shopping cart — you’ll get it back at the end of your visit.
This opening is part of ALDI’s goal to open 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028 — and it’s not the only one on the horizon in Lakeland. We spotted signage outside of the former Winn-Dixie store on Lakeland Highlands Road confirming that another ALDI is coming soon.
The Buy
The Buy
We all want the best for our pets, and premium care can come at a premium cost. With pet insurance, you can reduce the strain on your budget, whether it’s for treating a chronic condition or an unexpected emergency.*
Keel Farms’ Blueberry Festival is in full swing this month, and I got a chance to try all the new food + drinks available. The blueberry shortcake alone is worth the drive — just look at that stack.
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