The Bienvenido a BSP Hispanic Heritage Celebration returns to Bonnet Springs Park this weekend, featuring hours of music, an artisan market, Latin food trucks, and family activities. The free fun starts Friday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m., and the party picks up Saturday, Sept. 27, 2-9 p.m.
New at this event: preferred parking. First-come, first-served spots will be available inside BSP’s gates for $10. Free parking is still open in grass lots outside the park, along with free trams and Citrus Connection shuttles.
Asked
Asked
Do you plan to pay for preferred parking at BSP events?
A. Yes, I prefer to park inside the gates. B. No, I’ll park in the free lots. C. No, I’ll use Citrus Connection or a rideshare app. D. I haven’t decided yet.
Grievous Angel, the smashburger concept by LoveBird owner Jeremy Brumley, is set to open in October or November. Brumley is transforming the former Poor Porker space into a honky-tonk-inspired eatery with a covered patio + cocktail bar, minus the fence around the property. Now that’s good grief.(The Ledger)
Civic
Terry Coney will finish out Bill Read’s term on the Lakeland City Commission after no other candidates filed to run for the Northeast District seat. Current Commissioner At-Large Stephanie Madden was also unopposed, guaranteeing a third term. Other seats will be elected on Tuesday, Nov. 4. (The Ledger)
Number
$3.465 billion. That’s the total Polk County budget unanimously approved by commissioners for the next fiscal year. That’s 4.25 times higher than the City of Lakeland’s. They also voted to adopt a 6.6348 millage rate for county residents.
Mansion Monday
Walking up to this home by Scott Lake, you may believe it was pulled from the pages of a storybook — but inside, you’ll think maybe it came from an HGTV episode instead. Think: open floor plan, screened-in lanai, gourmet kitchen, and a fully updated en-suite bathroom.
Holiday
Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. The celebration runs until sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Celebrate the new year by attending a service and dessert reception at Temple Emanuel tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Development
Developers seeking to build homes on the former Wedgewood Golf Course have updated their plans, changing the number of townhomes, single-family houses, and multi-family units. The update brings the total to 978 homes, which will require approval from the planning and zoning board. (The Ledger)
Today Is
The autumnal equinox, which means fall will officially arrive at 2:19 p.m. The leaves may still be green for now, but when you’re ready to look for changing colors, we recommend hitting a local trail.
Family
$8,912. That’s how much a family of four can expect to spend on average for a seven-night trip to Walt Disney World, including meals, park tickets, and overnight accommodations on property. Vacation not in the cards this year? Free family fun awaits with these Swan City activities. (NerdWallet)
Featured Deal
Athleta’s Friends + Family Sale just dropped — find pieces that take you from early morning workouts to weekend coffee runs with 30% off the whole site (yes, everything).*
Jobs of the Week
Is the gym basically your second home? Pull your weight at these workplaces.
The conceptual park master plan made in 2022 calls for pickleball courts, walking paths, dog parks, playgrounds, and a sports field. | Image via City of Lakeland
The City of Lakeland is planning its next park to add to our town’s roster of 70+ recreational spots: English Creek Park. The park will consist of 101 acres in southwest Lakeland, and the city intends to open it to the public by 2030 at the latest.
Now’s your chance to have your say. Last week, a survey was administered to collect feedback on which amenities residents want to see more of. Next, you can share your thoughts in person at tomorrow’s public meeting at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
You don’t have to wait five years to find a park near you. Just use our guide and handy map to explore ones with green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.
The Bissell CrossWave Edge Wet/Dry Vacuum that’s $50 off for a limited time. Vacuuming and mopping separately is a thing of the past thanks to this new wet/dry vac that tackles multiple surfaces. Seamlessly remove debris and dirt from your floor while mopping to shiny perfection. Bonus: It has a self-cleaning feature.
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.
If you’re reading this, it means I survived Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail — or that my ghost has taken over newsletter responsibilities, which is very helpful of her. I got a sneak peek at this weekend’s media preview, and I can’t wait to share all the freakish fun we got into before it opens for the next season this Friday.
Our guide is coming so you don’t lose your head like I did this weekend.
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