Spoiler alert: Look out for these boots in Big Bill’s signature move. | Photo provided by All Elite Wrestling
Did you feel that? That was the rumble of professional wrestlers practicing their powerful punches and finishing moves before All Elite Wrestling takes over the RP Funding Center. AEW Collisionroundhouse kicksoff tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $31.
We sat down with AEW star Big Bill, a nearly 7-ft-tall Tampa resident with years of experience in the ring, to find out what to expect from Lakeland’s first AEW Collision event.
Q: If someone is new to wrestling, what should they look out for at the Lakeland show?
A: There’s something for everybody. There’s traditional wrestling for those more old-school fans. There’s high-flying wrestling, hard-hitting action. There’s people that are going to do things and take risks that no other human being on Earth can do or would even consider attempting. There [are] characters to love, characters to hate.
Keep reading to learn his signature move, what makes AEW so special, and what will surprise lifelong wrestling fans.
Local AF Market is coming to Winter Haven, and it’s seeking local products to stock its shelves. If you’re a grower, baker, maker, or creator, reach out to connect with the owners. If you’re a shopper, the location announcement is coming in the next few weeks.
Ranked
Speaking of Winter Haven, the city ranked in the 37th percentile on WalletHub’s list of the “Best Small Cities in America” based on factors like affordability and safety. Lakeland exceeded the study’s population limit, but we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from exploring the Chain of Lakes City.
Holiday
Yom Kippur begins at sundown tonight, marking the beginning of the Day of Atonement. Observe the holiday at Chabad of Lakeland’s services, starting tonight at 7 p.m. and continuing throughout tomorrow.
Closing
There are just a few days left to get free seeds from the Lakeland Public Library’s Seed Library. Visit the main branch to get three packets through this Friday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m., then get your plants from the pros.
Biz
Need a new salon? Hair’s one to try. 12sixone Salon opens today after relocating from downtown to the Waller Plaza in Dixieland. When you see the pink walls, checkerboard floors, and dangling chandeliers, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Wellness
The Big C New Me Power Crew returns to Lakeland on Sunday, Nov. 2 for a day of pampering and connection for cancer survivors and caregivers. Apply now for tickets to this free event at The Well, which includes lunch, hair/wig cuts + styles, makeup application, and professional photographs.
Outdoors
Something whimsical this way comes. On Saturday, Bok Tower Gardens will reveal the immersive art exhibit “Dream Weaver: Tales from the Trees.” Stroll through the North Walk oak canopy to find magical installations by Geli Alvarez Mulet, Frankie Flowers, and the Fairy House ladies. It’s on view through January.
Festival
The first annual Central Florida Food Fest is coming to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18. Grab tickets (must be 21+) to indulge your culinary senses with exclusive dishes from regional restaurants, sip curated drink pairings, dance to live music, and shop the marketplace.*
Weather
When was the last time you updated your personal information on your Lakeland Electric account? A current phone number ensures Lakeland Electric can contact you in the event of an outage, especially during hurricane season.*
Edu
Calling all nurses: want to advance your career, without interrupting it? Southeastern University’s RN to BSN program allows you to earn your degree online, at your own pace. Apply now to see what doors a BSN could open for you.*
Category
Trending
What clicked for you last month?
Our story about Lakeland’s oldest restaurants, like Mister Fish, was a great catch. | Photo by LALtoday
Did you know we keep tabs on what you engage with the most to make sure our newsletter is always packed with what you want to see? Look back at what you loved most in September.
Readers have fall travel on the brain, and our guide to flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport flew to the top of the list.
Top News Note
CoLKLD is now open in Dixieland, offering furnished coworking + office space with HIPAA-compliant technology for mental health professionals.
Top Mansion Monday
One of Lake Hollingsworth’s “most recognizable homes” is still on the market — just check out those American Chestnut walls.
Top Asked
A member of which band was electrocuted on stage in Lakeland, inspiring a song? Nearly 40% got this question right.
Asked
Asked
Which job got the most clicks in September?
A. Manager, Corporate Philanthropy at United Way B. Sr. Public Health Nutritionist at the FL Dept. of Health C. Program Director at The Little Gym D. Buyer at StitchFix
A great lightweight women’s sweater. Choose your favorite color (we’re eyeing navy and burgundy) and pair this basic top with jeans for an easy outfit this fall. Bonus: Some colors are 24% off.
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.
After closing its doors in Lakeside Village this summer, the Lakeland Orangetheory Fitness is teasing its next steps over on Instagram, saying that “Something big is heating up in Lakeland.” Could it be a new location? Stay tuned for more, or find a gym near you.
