Let the TPO know how you feel about local transportation projects. | Photo via Google Maps
What could Polk transportation look like in the next 25 years? That’s for locals to decide. The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) invites the public to the Envision 2050 forum to discuss the org’s long-range priorities.
The Envision 2050 plan will act as a blueprint for creating infrastructure + directing spending to get residents where they need to go, whether it’s by car, foot, bike, bus, or train.
The forum takes place virtually via Facebook livestream on Friday, June 20 from 12 to 2 p.m. Local experts and TPO planners will be on hand to explain the Envision 2050 plan, and there will be time for a Q+A at the end. You don’t need a Facebook account to watch the livestream, but you do need one to comment
Send in your transportation questions by email in advance, or take a survey and add your thoughts to the interactive map online.
Daily Flower U-Pick | Wednesday, June 4-Monday, June 30 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $6 | Fill a carrier with as many fresh-picked flowers as you can before sunset.
Single Day Summer Camp | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland | $89 | Little chefs ages 5-13 can have foodie fun while learning to cook a dinner dish to bring home.
Yogadance | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
Friday, June 6
Mega Dog Adoption Festival | Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Grimes Family Agricultural Center, Plant City | Free | Give a shelter pet a new leash on life with waived adoption fees and 300+ dogs available each day.
Film Friday | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Families can catch a showing of “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” with free popcorn + candy.
Saturday, June 7
Summer Naturalists | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Deepen your understanding of reptiles with live animal interactions provided by Gatorland.
Coffee with the Artist: Alice Kiderman | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy a coffee reception as you explore the new sculpture exhibition, “When Stone Speaks.”
Only one business headquartered in Lakeland made this year’s Fortune 500 list — and we bet you know which one. Publix Super Markets came in at No. 71 on this ranking of the biggest US companies by revenue, making it the highest-ranking business based in Florida. Ka-ching.
Civic
The City Commission approved school zone speed cameras, but when will they be up and running? If all goes according to plan, the cameras will be operational at nine schools by Oct. 1. Expect a 30-day public awareness period before those $100 fines are issued. (Fox 13 News)
Quoted
“Storms don’t wait and neither should you,” says Polk County Emergency Management Director Paul Womble. Get prepared for hurricane season with these tips from his team: review your insurance policies, back up your documents, and create an emergency communications plan with an out-of-town contact.
Sports
Lacrosse champions could start their run for the 2028 Olympic Games right here in Polk County. The 2025 PALA Women’s Lacrosse Championship takes place at Auburndale’s Lake Myrtle Sports Complex June 26-30, with winners advancing to the 2026 Women’s World Championship. Catch the action.
Edu
We’re lovin’ it. McDonald’s will donate a total of $100,000 in Golden Grants to educators + nonprofits in Central Florida counties, including Polk, this fall. Applications are open through Oct. 1 for programs like arts education, mentorship, and community service. (WFLA)
Asked
Could Joker Marchant Stadium host the Savannah Bananas? The team is seeking stops for its unique combination of sports + entertainment on its 2026 Banana Ball World Tour. So far, more than 150 cities have expressed official interest. Let’s add Lakeland to the conversation.
Feel Good
After becoming a mother as a teen, Altrichia Cook Wilcox wanted to help others going through the same experience. Her organization, Mentoring Agency for Maternal Adolescents, gave back by offering professional graduation photos for local seniors + their babies — the pictures have us tearing up. (Fox 13 News)
Drink
Summer is here, and it has us thinking — and drinking — lighter. We’re eyeing the berry-filled seasonal menu that just dropped at Amonie Jo’s this week: City Editor Amelia is craving the strawberry and blackcurrant refresher, and City Editor Connor could go for a strawberry lavender lemonade.
You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone. Lakeland Regional Health provides compassionate, personalized care for depression, anxiety, substance use, and more — all in a healing, state-of-the-art environment designed for whole-person wellness. Learn how.*
Seasonal
Summer’s more fun when you can actually hear it. Whether it’s ocean waves or outdoor movies, get back in the moment with this crowd-favorite hearing aid that packs dual processing tech for the ultimate clarity. Bonus: The 45-day trial means no risk if you’re not into it.*
Pets
Sundays For Dogs began when a veterinarian couldn’t find food she trusted for her own dog — so she made one. Try real, clean dog food for 50% off.*
Category
History
We’re reminiscing like it’s our job
Maybe you worked at Food World, Publix’s discount store at Lake Miriam Square. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Nothing sticks with you like your first job, whether it was stocking shelves at a grocery store, working a fast-food drive-thru, or running errands as an office assistant.
Wherever you worked, we want to hear about your job memories.
What was your favorite part of the first place you worked?
Did that job lead to any opportunities down the road?
Do you still work there today?
For City Editor Connor, her first local job was as a tutor at Southeastern University, helping other students with — you guessed it — writing. City Editor Amelia was a nanny for a family in south Lakeland. Can you say afternoon naps after a lakeside stroll?
Asked
Asked
What was your first job in Lakeland?
Tell us your memories — and, even better, send in a photo — and you may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
A really good electric bikini trimmer. Its stainless steel ceramic blades provide a smooth shave free of nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Bonus: It’s waterproof + boasts up to five hours of battery life.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Based on the results of our recent poll, readers expect to see at least 13 named storms this hurricane season. While rounding out your storm prep, don’t forget to pick up a free Polk County shelter map — I found mine at the Grove Park Publix on the rack with the BOGO flyers.
}})
