There are opportunities for volunteers of all ages around Polk County. | Photo courtesy of @uwcf
Today is known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and there are more than enough great causes in Lakeland to support. Whether you’re into arts, animals, or advocacy, here are dozens of volunteer opportunities to get involved.
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County | Put your green thumbs to good use by becoming a Master Garden Volunteer and answering questions as a gardening expert.
RSVP Polk | The local chapter of this national network for volunteers ages 55+ offers several ways to share your life experience with those in need at sites around Polk County.
The Cosmo Project | This nonprofit meets at Munn Park at 10 a.m. on Sundays to distribute clothing, food, and other necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Florida Rural Legal Services | Those with and without legal experience can donate their time to help qualified clients in need of legal services.
Polk County Bully Project | Foster a rescued pit bull or bully breed dog until they find their forever home.
Annual 9/11 Ceremony | 8 a.m. | Summerlin Academy, Bartow | Free | Community members can join students at this military school to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
FSL West Division Series - Game 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | The Lakeland Flying Tigers face off against the Clearwater Threshers in the playoffs.
Gallery Series Concert: Brass Quintet | 7 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $60 | Kick off the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s 60th season with an intimate concert and cocktail hour.
Friday, Sept. 12
Men’s Health Spotlight: Prostate Cancer Awareness Panel | 12-1 p.m. | Mulaney Auditorium | Free | As part of Men’s Health Month, Lakeland Regional Health hosts a panel on prostate cancer, covering prevention, risk factors, and treatment — lunch provided.*
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $26+ | Watch as trailer park residents air their dirty laundry and find community in this hilarious, heartwarming show.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Art + Print Swap | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lakeland Film Lab | Free | Bring a print of your art or photos to trade with other local artists over coffee.
Orchid Jungle Show and Sale | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Lakeland | $5+ | Shop for orchids + plant supplies, and browse beautiful floral displays.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Price of purchase | More than 80 local vendors will show off their handmade goods and treats at this pet-friendly market.
$34 million. That’s how much is being proposed for infrastructure improvements in the City of Lakeland’s 2026 budget. Check out each line item in the budget before the final hearing on Thursday, Sept. 18. (The Ledger)
Today Is
September 11, also recognized as Patriot Day. Join the Honoring Our Heroes - Remembering the Day event tonight in Winter Haven’s Downtown Central Park. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. for the Freedom Walk and ceremony.
Development
Tigertown is getting an upgrade — crews broke ground on the future Player Development Academy yesterday. The four-story facility, approved as part of a 2023 lease extension, will feature 76 rooms, a dining hall, and a lounge for the Detroit Tigers to use during Spring Training.
Sports
VISA cardholders can now register for the FIFA World Cup ticket pre-sale, through 11 a.m. next Friday, Sept. 19. If selected, applicants will be assigned a time slot to purchase tickets on or after Oct. 1. Miami is one of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup — seven games will be played at Hard Rock Stadium. (WSVN)
Real Estate
What history does your house hold? Find out at the city’s next Historic Home Workshop, happening Saturday, Oct. 25 at Florida Southern College. It’s free to join a day full of workshops and expert panels, which will end with a guided tour of FSC.
Plan Ahead
Prepare for liftoff — SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo tickets are now on sale. Take advantage of early bird pricing for daily and weekly admission, and make planes plans to attend April 14-19, 2026.
Arts
Creating murals is a breeze for Gillian Fazio, who just completed a 75-ft-long piece in one of the breezeways at Lakeside Village. This one features local icons like swans and oranges, and another piece is being installed in the other breezeway.
Edu
Calling all prospective college students: Southeastern University’s full schedule of Fall SEU Preview Days is out now. Register to tour the campus, meet faculty, staff + current students, and get a taste of SEU’s vibrant community firsthand.*
A mellow moment in a can? Count us in. Cycling Frog is offering a free THC seltzer (just cover $2 shipping). Each flavor (Black Currant, Ruby Grapefruit, or Wild Cherry) pairs THC and CBD for a crisp, balanced sip that’s legal, low-key, and perfect for lakeside unwinding.*†‡
Plan Ahead
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Jobs of the Week
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a list of the fastest-growing fields over the next decade. Jobs like these cracked the top 10:
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
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.
Take a swan, but make it fashion. I was gifted this swan-shaped bag, and it’s become my carry-all with a touch of Lakeland pride. Reader Jan S. also spotted it this week, so I’m calling for all of us to match. Plus, it’s on sale right now.
‡Limit 1 can of seltzer. First-time customers only. Must be 21+.
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