High Tower has been part of Lakeland’s community since 2012. | License No. Ccc1330095 | Photos provided by High Tower Roofing
It’s that time of year again, Lakeland.
The 2025 storm season began this month, and forecasts are predicting a 60% chance of “an above-normal season” — meaning more powerful tropical storms, heavy thunderstorms, and hurricanes, and more of them.
We all know how quickly this wet weather can get dangerous, and your roof is your home’s first line of defense. When it’s compromised, so is the safety of everyone inside.
🎯 Spot small issues before they become big problems
All it takes is one damaged or missing shingle to let water seep into your home. Once that happens, the moisture can quietly wreak havoc behind your walls and ceilings.
Homeowners should always fully replace loose shingles, or each subsequent storm will only make matters worse.
🏠 Look for wear + tear inside and out
High Tower Roofing recommends checking your shingles from different angles to be sure they’re holding on tight. Then, head inside and scour your home and attic for signs of stains that may indicate a leak.
Pro tip: Shiny shingles are a big red flag because the lack of protective granules may mean the patch is no longer watertight.
🔨 Call in the local experts
If something looks off, don’t wait. High Tower Roofing — a trusted Lakeland business for over 11 years — offers free inspections to help you understand what your roof really needs.
Their experienced team will walk you through the repair or replacement process step by step, including help with insurance claims to make sure you get the coverage you deserve.
Beware of out-of-town contractors offering quick fixes: When the next storm hits, quality matters. High Tower stands behind every job and will be around to ensure your home is protected long after the crew packs up.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted at the Oakbridge Publix on Wednesday, and I couldn’t help but wonder, was she in town to film a movie? It turns out she was promoting her wine brand, but with Lakeland’s movie history, I wouldn’t be surprised if more stars came knocking.
Events
Events
Friday, June 27
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant | Friday, June 27-Saturday, June 28 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $62+ | See which young women will go on to represent the Sunshine State at Miss America.
Golden Hour Fridays | 4-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Get your glow on with laid-back music, picnic space, and casual vibes on the Lawn every Friday this summer.
“The SpongeBob Musical” | Friday, June 27-Saturday, June 28 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven | $15 | The Norman & Linda Small Second Stage will transform into Bikini Bottom for this rollicking under-sea show.
Kids’ Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Munn Park | Price of purchase | Lakeland’s littlest entrepreneurs will have handmade projects and bakery items for sale.
Florida Talk with Craig Pittman | 2-3:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | This New York Times best-selling author will present on his book, “Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther.”
26+2 Hot Yoga Series | 4-5:30 p.m. | Yoga Pointe | $28 | Flow through 26 poses and two breathing exercises in a 104º room during this 90-minute class.
A Tribute to AC/DC | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $19+ | Get thunderstruck at this electrifying performance by Razors Edge.
Sunday, June 29
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Clearwater Threshers | 12 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $11+ | All healthcare and emergency services workers can get a free ticket to this Hometown Heroes Appreciation game.
Food Truck Wars | 12-5 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Each order equals a vote for your favorite food truck — will Sisimoto or Saucin’ Wings become the champion?
Who makes Polk County’s best Cuban sandwich? You decide at the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Festival de Sanguich at Joker Marchant Stadium on Saturday, July 5. Sample sandwiches before the Flying Tigers’ Hispanic Heritage game, and a portion of ticket sales will benefit chamber scholarships. (WFLA)
Development
Engineering + design firm Kimley-Horn is relocating to the Kress Building downtown. Crews are overhauling the inside of the building — which was most recently home to the Explorations V Children’s Museum — but the exterior won’t be changed. It’s set to open early next year. (LkldNow)
Biz
Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio is molding an expansion at its South Florida Avenue space. The biz plans to take over the suite next door and has launched a 90-day fundraising campaign for construction costs. Once complete, there will be more space for members and short-term classes.
Sports
Bartow High alum Walter Clayton Jr. was the 18th overall pick in the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, selected by the Utah Jazz. Clayton racked up school records + MVP awards as he led the University of Florida men’s basketball team to a national championship this year. (Bleacher Report)
Edu
From Florida Southern to the stars. FSC students will get a chance to use NASA’s federal tech and research through its Technology Transfer University program. Sophomore Nathan Leigh was approved for the school’s first license to use NASA’s technology for his own research into environmental clean-up.
Opening
Something new is buzzing into Bonnet Springs Park. Attend the grand opening of the “Life of the Bees” exhibit in the Nature Center tomorrow during the Summer Naturalist event from 9 to 11 a.m. Pro tip: The park’s beehive is back, so visit the exhibit to see inside.
Pets
While you start your hurricane preparations, don’t forget your furry family members. Through the end of hurricane season in November, SPCA Florida is offering $20 microchips which help track down lost pets in the event of a storm. Make an appointment to take advantage of the deal.
Drink
Keep your weekly agenda open for Temptation Tuesdays at The Wine Garden. Starting July 1, you can try new bottles with a guided tasting experience each Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. If you love what you sip, buy them at a discount and pair them with charcuterie specials.
Try This
Lakeland’s new blowdry bar will leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and runway-ready. If you haven’t stopped by yet, this reel from our recent styling session might have you booking a weekend visit.*
Featured Deal
Athleta’s Semi-Annual Sale is on. Take up to 70% off bestsellers, workout staples, and everyday favorites built to move with you. Hurry — the sale ends Sunday, June 29.*
Category
Biz
🎓 A major milestone for the LEDC
The Summer Leadership Program is open to non-members of the LEDC as well. | Photo by Jacob Blair
School’s out for the summer, but that means class is in session at the Lakeland Economic Development Council. Every group that goes through the annual Summer Leadership Program (SLP) is special, but among this week’s graduating class was its 1,000th graduate.
The SLP began in 2008 as a way for young professionals ages 21-32 to connect with life in Lakeland through community service, local tours, team building, and leadership training. In its 17 years, more than 100 companies + institutions have participated in the five-week program.
Editor Connor here. Last week, I got to speak to the most recent class about what it’s like to work with LALtoday, and they were exceptionally bright — expect to see future CEOs, civic leaders, and business owners with the SLP on their resumes one day. If you’re interested in joining or sending someone from your company, keep an eye out for next year’s applications in the spring.
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.
The Lakeland Arts Association’s next exhibition opens tonight, featuring artist Karla Pirona’s oil painting of friends outside Fred’s Market. Titled “After Lunch,” Pirona says it’s “a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and savor life one day at a time. And maybe, just maybe, laugh out loud at our troubles — after lunch.”
We’d join these three for lunch at Fred’s anytime.
}})
