Nearly 21% of those who answered the CHA survey get the recommended amount of exercise per week. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
How healthy is Polk County? That’s what Polk Vision set out to answer in its 2025 Polk County Community Health Assessment (CHA), which compiled survey results from more than 2,000 residents. We read through all 300+ pages — here’s what stuck out to us.
1. Health rankings
When it comes to health outcomes like length and quality of life, Polk County’s ranking is on par with state and national averages for individual counties (more on page 37).
However, it ranks below average for health factors, which include adult smoking and physical inactivity. Get some fresh air on a walk around one of Lakeland’s parks.
2. Life expectancy
Despite being a hub for snowbirds + retirees, the life expectancy in Polk County is 76.2 years, compared to Florida’s average of 78.6 (more on page 50). Spending your golden years here? Make the most of them.
3. Priorities
Based on the CHA results, representatives from local public health agencies ranked their top three priorities for local health: access to health services, behavioral health, and chronic disease (more on page 10).
Protect your home (+ save money) with this HVAC program
Presented by Payne Air Conditioning
With regular check-ups, including condenser cleaning, refrigerant checks, and thermostat calibration, ensure optimal performance with the Payne Protection Program from the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. | Photo provided by Payne Air Conditioning
Regular maintenance can help your HVAC system run more efficiently, last longer, and stay dependable through every season (even as we leave the worst of the Florida heat behind us for the year).
Family Ties Vintage is now open at 337 N. Gary Rd., and the next Lakeland Vintage Market will take place there for the first time this Saturday, Sept. 20, 12-5 p.m. Pro tip: Fuel your shopping trip with coffee from Vegetation Cafe, located around the corner.
Coming Soon
We’d like to thank the Academy, because Academy Sports announced that it will open in Lakeland next month in the former Lakeland Antique Mall space just north of I-4. An exact date is still under wraps, but the store is now hiring part-time + full-time employees.
Edu
Check out all Polk State College has to offer at one of three open houses planned this fall. The Lakeland campus open house will be on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring campus tours, faculty meet-and-greets, and financial aid application assistance.
Active
Now walk it out. UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is hosting a six-week walking program, kicking off on Monday, Sept. 29. The $10 fee gets you access to weekly virtual check-ins, health guides, and a certificate of completion once you finish the program in November.
Drink
Mark your calendar for a Cauldron Crawl through downtown Lakeland on Saturday, Oct. 18. This witchy event will lead you to Molly McHugh’s, Chop Shop, Linksters, Mojo Federal, and Smith’s American Tavern, indulging in spooky sips and shopping from local vendors along the way. Let’s go, ghouls.
Learn
Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts is adding a new class to its lineup at Lake Crago Park. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, you can join Acrylic Painting with Carol Hughes weekly from 2 to 4 p.m. Each workshop is $25, with all supplies provided.
Pro Tip
The best time to buy Thanksgiving flights, according to the experts? Mid-September.Use this airport deal tracker to buy before the October price bump.*
Try This
Miami DJs will pump up the jam at The Pearl, Maritime’s first late-night takeover event. Head to the Bowen Yard restaurant on Friday, Sept. 26 for live DJ sets, specialty cocktails, and hourly “snack attacks” on the dance floor. The party starts at 10:30 p.m. Here’s what music to expect.
If you need extra cash flow in retirement, a reverse mortgage could help. These loans let homeowners 62 and older convert part of their home’s equity into tax-free cash, while keeping the title (given you live in the home and maintain upkeep). Explore top reverse mortgage providers.*
Read
Stay sharp and informed with The Signal’s free daily newsletter with global context and critical perspective. Join 100,000+ subscribers when you sign up today.*
Category
Eat
🍽️ Put the past on your plate
You’ll often find Editor Connor writing the newsletter over a slice of Mitchell’s coffee cake. | Photo by @theblizzardofboz
Last week, we shared a few of Lakeland’s longest-running restaurants, and our readers ate it up. Add these three to your dining rotation.
Mitchell’s Coffee House | 1998
You can’t talk about long-running eateries and not mention Lakeland’s first coffee shop. This downtown staple has paved the way for dozens of cafes over the years, and it’s still serving favorites like Coca-Cola cake + I Dream of Jeannie lattes after more than 25 years.
Country Chicken ‘n Fish | 1983
It’s all in the name here. Head to Kathleen Road for a box full of Southern-style fried chicken, fish, and your favorite sides. The owners say you can’t skip the chicken gizzards, either.
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q | 1964
It’s a family affair at this Memorial Boulevard spot that claims to be the “best eatin’ in town since 1964.” Walk up or eat in to enjoy a barbecue plate or sandwich (plus a slice of pie).
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.
On Sunday night, actor Seth Rogen won four Emmy awards for his work on “The Studio,” but did you know that he has ties to Lakeland as well as Hollywood? His wife, Lauren Miller, grew up here, and she’s not the only star with Swan City roots.
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