For Lakeland, the next fiscal year begins Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Photo by LALtoday
It’s official. City commissioners passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget in a public hearing last night. We plan to share more — let us know your questions — but here are the quick hits to know today:
The total budget is $815 million, up from $731 million last year.
The millage rate remains at 5.4323 — that means property owners will pay $5.432 in property tax for every $1,000 of their home’s value.
Bunny hop over to Circle B Bar Reserve, where the Marsh Rabbit Run trail has reopened after alligator mating season. Much of Alligator Alley remains closed for nesting, but you can access the Lake Hancock boat ramp via the Shady Oak trail.
Edu
Winning is the principle of the matter for the 12 school administrators nominated for PCPS’ Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year awards. Lakeland admins took five of the top spots — see who’s on the shortlist.
Festival
Prepare to eat to the beat of Uptown Royalty Band, the newly announced headliner of the Central Florida Food Festival. This high-energy band will take the stage at Bonnet Springs Park’s tastiest event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Tickets are on sale now.
Weather
Monday is the official start of autumn, but when will we finally feel fall weather? Forecasters say to keep your sweaters packed away until November, when we’ll finally start to see temperatures drop. In the meantime, enjoy an activity in the A/C. (Florida Times-Union)
Seasonal
Sow Exotic will host its first zinnia U-pick this fall, with a kick-off weekend on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25. Head to the Winter Haven nursery to pick flowers and pumpkins, arrange bouquets, and shop at a rare plant sale. Learn Sow Exotic’s story before you go.
Sports
We call traveling. Starting next year, the FHSAA will move its state basketball tournaments from the RP Funding Center to the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville. Lakeland has hosted high school basketball championships for 30 years, and it will still host cheer, weightlifting, and volleyball. (The Ledger)
You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.Lakeland Regional Health provides compassionate, personalized care for depression, anxiety, substance use, and more — all in a healing, state-of-the-art environment designed for whole-person wellness. Learn how.*
Pro Tip
If you didn’t win our recently closed Party on Us Giveaway, don’t worry. Graingertainment’s top-tier DJ and party services are available to book for your next big event, from weddings to sweet 16s and everything in between.*
Fun Fact
Posting on LALtoday’s local job board is like using GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
Featured Deal
Hair loss can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Happy Head’s board-certified dermatologists prescribe a personalized treatment based on your hair goals. Try it for 45% off with code 6AM.*
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Trending
What do you love most?
There’s just so much to love about life in Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday
There’s a new trend making the rounds on social media — and it’s all about guilty pleasures. People are confessing the little things they “unfortunately do love.” Think: taking pickleball a little too seriously or splurging on $8 lattes from a local coffee shop. Honestly, we can’t live without them.
Editor Connor, here. I’ll go first. Unfortunately, I do love...
Splurging on...
...new East of These hair scrunchies for every season.
Competing like a pro...
...at Cob & Pen’s Monday night trivia.
Planning for date night...
...at the Peach House, where I’ll order Kentucky fried gator bites for the table.
Satisfying my sweet tooth...
...with Crave Cookies’ flavor of the week and a Crantastic dirty soda.
Snapping too many photos of...
...every new mural around town.
Smiling too hard when...
...there’s no line at Born & Bread Bakehouse — it’s happened just once, and I’m chasing that high.
Submit your answers below to grow this trend in Swan City — we’ll re-share this article to feature your loves.
A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*
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.
Spotted: Barnes & Noble making its (book)mark on the Merchants Walk plaza. I saw crews installing signage above the bookstore that’s set to open in November. Down the sidewalk, work was also being done inside Lucky Goat Coffee Co. See what else is coming to Lakeland.
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