The Northern mockingbird’s 98-year reign as the state bird of Florida could come to an end if a bill by state lawmakers is passed. Two birds are now vying for the title: the flamingo and (my pick) the Florida scrub jay.
You’ll have to plan a beach trip to find flamingos on the coast, but scrub jays can be found in Polk County. Bring your binoculars to Catfish Creek Preserve State Park in Haines City, or to the aptly named Scrub Jay Loop in Frostproof.
Asked
Asked
What should the state bird of Florida be?
A. Northern mockingbird B. American flamingo C. Florida scrub jay D. Something else
Buckler Arts & Craft Fair | Saturday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $6
Friday, Sept. 26
Bienvenido a BSP - Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27 | Times vary | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | This event is expanding to two days of family activities and live entertainment with headliner Cortadito, plus new $10 preferred parking inside the park.*
The Velvet Swan, a Victorian-themed cocktail bar, received city approval to open downtown. Owner Jeremiah Joaquim plans to open within the next eight weeks. He will transfer the liquor license from his other bar, CJ Vapes and Lounge, so it will close in October. (LkldNow)
Traffic
City commissioners approved two additional school zone speed cameras to be installed on Sleepy Hill Road and West Beacon Road. That brings the total number to 14 cameras, which are planned to go live in early November for a 30-day warning period — see where. (Fox 13 News)
Travel
Avelo Airlines has extended its spring flight schedule for LAL. That means you can now book tickets to all of its destinations through April 2026, so start planning those spring break trips to places like Nashville and San Juan.
Watch
Another local bird is getting attention this week. The documentary “Little Brown Bird” focuses on the conservation of the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow, which only lives in Polk, Highlands, and Osceola counties. See it at tomorrow night’s 7 p.m. screening at the Tampa Theatre. (WFTS)
Open
Nineteen61 has reopened after undergoing a remodel. Stop in for brunch, happy hour, or dinner this week to see its new look and order your favorites from the same menu.
Seasonal
Fancy a fall visit to the farm? You’re in luck, because Fancy Farms Market has set a reopening date of Thursday, Oct. 9. Expect a seasonal menu packed with pumpkin. We’re hoping last year’s pumpkin pecan cobbler makes a comeback.
Number
200,000. That’s how many registered Little Free Libraries are now installed around the US. These tiny boxes are filled with free books, allowing anyone to discover a new read. There are 40+ around Lakeland — find one near you and learn how to start one yourself.
Arts
Gillian Fazio has another mural in the bag at Lakeside Village. Find her newest work in the breezeway by Famous Footwear and let her colorful, oversized shopping bags inspire you to shop ‘til you drop.
Congrats to Hannah H. on winning our Party on Us Giveaway in partnership with Graingertainment.*
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Finance
Ever imagine investing in an industry disruptor like Uber or Venmo in the early days? Well, this private company earned backing from some of their earliest investors. And until tomorrow at midnight, you can invest too.†‡*
Try This
Insurify makes it easy to find your perfect car insurance policy. Compare real-time quotes from 100+ insurers, choose your policy, and get same-day coverage in a few clicks.*
Category
Seasonal
🎃 Pump up the pumpkin
Pressed has the perfect beverage pairing for fall binge watching. | Photo by LALtoday
Pumpkin lovers, rejoice — it’s time to spice things up with fall-flavored food + drink. How many of these local menu items will you try this season?
Pressed Books & Coffee | The “Gilmore Girls"-themed fall menu includes the Luke and Lorelai pumpkin cold brew + the Jess and Rory caramel cookie butter latte.
Parlor Doughnuts | Layered donuts get a seasonal spin thanks to flavors like butter pecan praline.
Hakucho | Sink your teeth into the newly released fall dinner menu, which includes pork fried rice, wagyu beef tartare, and a tomato and tofu small plate.
Meraki Bakehouse | This vendor is back at the farmers market again this season, and the weekly menu features treats like pumpkin spice chocolate chip bread pudding.
Swan Brewing | Enjoy cooler temperatures on the patio with the Pumking or Pumpkin Piety yam beers.
ASTR the Label’s scarf tie sleeveless sweater, newly added to Nordstrom. Look effortlessly put together as you go from morning meetings to after-work drinks in a top that perfectly transitions from summer to fall.
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.
You sure do know how to make an editor feel special. Thanks to our readers for the birthday wishes, as well as recommendations for more places to treat yourself on your big day.
Reader Shawna V. came through with the longest list of places to find freebies: Crumbl Cookies, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jersey Mike’s, Panera Bread, Ulta, Sephora, Dairy Queen, and Culver’s.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving the ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public.
