Find the Lakeland Tax Collector’s building illuminated every night on North Massachusetts Avenue. | Photo via @twothirdsrochambeau
Did you know that summer is the most popular time to move? If you’re new to Lakeland, you may be wondering where to begin — and longtime residents may be looking for resources to share with new neighbors. That’s where we come in.
Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots.
Driver’s licenses + vehicle registration
You can make an appointment at any Polk County Tax Collector’s office to obtain a Florida driver’s license. Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis. Before you go, check the requirements for a driver’s license or registration.
Utilities
No one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Lakeland Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account.
School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Polk County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find your school zone, registration + immunization requirements, and the student entry form.
Acoustic Dose with Tantrums | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Get your daily dose of live music on the patio and grab an order of gator bites from the Tantrums food truck.
Friday, June 20
Envision 2050 Livestream & Conversations | 12-2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The Polk Transportation Planning Organization will answer questions and discuss its Long Range Transportation Plan via Facebook Live.
Saturday, June 21
Florida Boating License Class | Saturday, June 21-Sunday, June 22 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | America’s Boating Club United States Power Squadrons, Winter Haven | $50 | It’s the perfect time to take this course with everything you need to know to get your state-issued boating ID card.
Summer Naturalists | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Use the Japanese art of gyotaku to create a print of a fish and learn about protecting fish habitats.
Sunday, June 22
Glow & Graze | 3-5 p.m. | Graze Craze Lakeland | $57 | Try your hand at crafting a custom candle and a charcuterie board from the provided materials + ingredients.
Blending precision with compassion, Dr. Straughan brings expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery to Lakeland. | Photo provided by Lakeland Regional Health
Fellowship-trained in craniofacial reconstruction and facial aesthetics, he provides compassionate care to patients undergoing cancer treatment, helping them restore form and confidence. Dr. Straughan believes in partnering with patients on their journey to healing.
Juneteenth is today. It is a federal holiday, so city offices are closed. Plan ahead to observe the day with live music and historical exhibits at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Simpson Park on Saturday, June 28, 1-6 p.m.
State
Florida lawmakers passed a $115.1 billion budget this week, which is now up for final approval. Local projects in the plan include $12 million for Florida Poly’s Student Achievement Center, $1 million for Lakeland’s Western Trunk Gravity Line replacement, and $1.5 million to expand parking at Bonnet Springs Park. (The Ledger)
Development
One More Child is also included in the state budget, with $475,000 designated for its single mothers program. The nonprofit just broke ground on six additional homes for single mothers + their families at its Lakeland campus, with plans to finish the houses near the end of the year. (Fox 13 News)
Eat
Sweet shops are popping up all over town. Head to Edgewood Drive to find Mel’s Desserts & Delights and pick up the cinnamon roll flavor of the week, or drive north on US Highway 98 to La Gracia Colombian Bakery & Sandwich Shop for coffee and an arepa. (LkldNow)
Cause
If you’ve donated a dollar at the Publix checkout, you could be part of achieving this milestone. The company has now raised more than $10 million for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital through its Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Miracle Balloon campaign at Central Florida stores.
Sports
Five new members scored a spot in the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame this week: NFL kicker Paul Edinger, sports broadcaster Ronald O’Connor, and coaches Dean Johnson, Gary Meyer, and Billy Turner. Watch an interview with Meyer about coaching basketball in Lakeland for 30 years.
Number
$0. That’s how much it costs to post unlimited job listings on LALtoday’s Job Board. Try it now + get connected with top local talent.
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Finance
$4,000 an ounce by 2026? That’s the new gold rush. Don’t be the miner who missed the claim. A gold IRA lets you hold real gold, without storage, and with modern-day tax perks. Plus, no wagon and stagecoach drama.†*
Category
Real Estate
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Graphic by 6AM City
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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.
34% — I don’t mind where — just keep up the good work
27% — Stay local
22% — Find the best in the US
9% — Grab a passport and go worldwide
8% — Branch out to all of Florida
My interest was piqued yesterday when I heard a fast food spot was planning a new location in the Kathleen area — until I realized it was just a McDonald’s. If I could add any fast food spot to Lakeland, it would definitely be Cook Out, which is planning drive-thrus in Tampa + St. Pete. Which would you add?
