Also new are pedestrian crosswalk improvements and a paved entrance to the overflow grass lot, seen here at the top right. | Screenshot via Google Maps
All good things must come to an end. Lakeland International Airport shared that new entrance + exit payment kiosks are being installed in the parking lot, meaning the days of free parking are nearly over.
Here’s what you need to know:
Parking will be $9 per day, plus taxes + fees.
Kiosks will accept credit cards and mobile payment methods.
If you’re visiting for less than four hours (say, grabbing lunch at SORA Eatery), parking will be free.
The grass overflow lot will remain free.
The kiosks aren’t up and running quite yet, but LAL says it’s just wrapping up a few construction projects first. Follow along on Facebook and keep an eye on our newsletters to know when paid parking begins.
What do you think? Drop your thoughts about the new parking fees, and we may share your comments in a future newsletter.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 1
2025 U.S. Barefoot National Championships | Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale | Free | The country’s top barefoot water skiers will showcase their jumps, tricks, and slalom skills on Champions Lake.
Film Friday | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | It’s hip to be square when you’re watching “A Minecraft Movie” on the big screen.
First Friday: Back to School | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Find vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment lining Kentucky Avenue and prepare for the next school year.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Green Thumbs | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Get your hands dirty with a propagation station and DIY hydroponics while you learn about gardening.
3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $12+ | Teens from the community will battle it out on the court in a tournament, 3-point shootout, and dunk contest.
Ladies Donuts & DIY | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Parlor Doughnuts | $16 | Connect with other women over a delicious do-it-yourself project.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Cleveland Heights Mini Market | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Price of purchase | Shop from Milk & Honey Macarons, Laker’s Barkery, and more local vendors with a Honey Bear latte in hand.
Back to School Bash: Heritage Harvest Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Heritage Park | Price of purchase | Start your school year by stocking up on pantry staples, kid-friendly snacks, and handcrafted items.
Stillness Through Sound Sunday | 5-5:45 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $42 | Recharge with a restorative sound bath experience on the farm.
Monday, Aug. 4
Rise & Run | 6 a.m. | Fleet Feet | Free | Early birds get the worm — or in this case, coffee + community after a 5K run.
Closures around the east + south sides of Lake Hollingsworth have been delayed. Instead of starting Monday, Aug. 11, they will now begin on Monday, Aug. 18. Check the map to see which parts of the road and multi-use path to avoid during weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Civic
After over a year of review, the Charter Review Committee has compiled its proposed amendments to the City of Lakeland’s charter. These will be presented to city commissioners at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, and if approved, will be up for a vote in this November’s municipal election.
Development
Plans for housing for older adults will also be presented to commissioners on Monday. Developers are seeking a zoning change to allow for 100 units of affordable housing in place of the existing Carrington Place Apartments on West 10th Street, which would be demolished.
Edu
PCPS is planning its first districtwide update of high school zoning boundaries in decades to keep up with enrollment growth and redistribute students. After public meetings to gather community feedback, the project timeline currently calls for changes to be complete by September 2026 (that means no changes this school year). (The Ledger)
Award
SEU Worship is nominated for two Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. The group of student + staff musicians from Southeastern University received a nod for “Worship Album of the Year” and “Worship Recorded Song of the Year.” The awards take place in October.
Stat
Nearly 84% of Polk County housing units are currently occupied. That’s just one statistic available in GiveWell Community Foundation + United Way of Central Florida’s new United Community Indicators dashboards. Click through to learn how Polk measures up when it comes to quality of life factors.
Ranked
No. 24. That’s where Florida Southern College’s online Master of Business Administration program ranked on The Princeton Review’s list of the best in the country. That’s a five-spot jump from last year for a program that began 10 years ago with 133 graduates so far. Go Mocs.
Try This
Calling all anxious travelers. Make your Tampa International Airport experience a breeze when you book parking in advance online. It only takes a couple of minutes to reserve a spot on the web, and all you have to do when you arrive is scan a QR code. Watch our Reel for a step-by-step guide.*
Edu
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team + apply today.
It’s back-to-school season for Polk County Public Schools’ 117,000+ students. Whether you’re planning vacations or just trying to avoid school zone traffic, keep these important dates in mind this year. Pro tip: Private + charter schools use their own calendars.
Tuesday, Aug. 5 | K-8, middle, and high school orientation
Thursday, Aug. 7 | Elementary school orientation
Monday, Aug. 11 | First day of school
Monday, Nov. 24-Friday, Nov. 28 | Fall break
Monday, Dec. 22-Tuesday, Jan. 6 | Winter break
Monday, March 16-Friday, March 20 | Spring break
Friday, May 1-Thursday, May 28 | Graduation ceremonies
Thursday, May 28 | Last day of school
Bonus: Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday now lasts for all of August. That means no tax on certain clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, learning aids, and personal computers. Score.
The Buy
There are just a few days left to shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Don’t miss these five deals before they disappear on Monday, Aug. 4.
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.
When it feels like all of Lakeland is just one big traffic jam, the City of Lakeland has your back with its new “Traffic Jamz” playlist. I’ll be bopping to songs like “Fast Car” while I’m navigating these road projects — except when I’m on Lakeland Hills.That’s a “turn the music off and focus on not hitting a cone”street right now.
