Plus, name these animals.
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85º | 40% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 7:11 p.m.


Are you ready to rock the vote?

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Lakelanders, make your voice heard by voting. | Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland’s municipal election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with the mayor’s seat, Districts C + D city commission seats, and three charter amendments on the ballot. Don’t forget these important election dates:
  • Voter registration or update deadline: Monday, Oct. 6
  • Vote by mail ballot request deadline: Thursday, Oct. 23
  • Walk-in voting at the Polk County Government Center (930 E. Parker St.): Monday, Oct. 27-Friday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Before you head to the polls, look over the sample ballot and double-check your polling location on the Polk Supervisor of Elections’ website.

Pro tip: Only those who reside within city limits are eligible to vote in this election. Check this map to see if your home falls inside the lines.

Asked

According to the Polk Supervisor of Elections, what was the voter turnout for Lakeland’s last municipal election?


A. 15.3%
B. 37.4%
C. 49.6%
D. 84.5%
Cast your vote

Events

Friday, Oct. 3

Ten Story Challenge | 2-10 p.m. | Lakeland Electric Building | Free+

First Friday: Cookie Carnival | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+

Sound House Studios Artist Showcase | 7 p.m. | Mitchell’s Coffee House | Free

Saturday, Oct. 4

5th Annual Rally & Ride Out of the Darkness | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $15+

The AGB Fall Family Festival | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and enjoy family activities around the museum.*

Mulberry’s Hispanic Heritage Festival | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Spence Park, Mulberry | Free+

Run for the Boolies 5K | 6 p.m. | Lake Hollingsworth | $40

Swan City Roller Derby vs. The Sol Crushers | 6-8 p.m. | Mulberry High School | $10+

Boots and Boos Line Dancing Night | 6:30-10 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $7+

EDM Night: Bass Takeover | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $8

Harvest Days | Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+

Sunday, Oct. 5

Cleveland Heights Mini Market | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Price of purchase

Heritage Harvest Farmers Market: Haunt & Harvest | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Heritage Park | Price of purchase

Coffin Charcuterie Board-Making Fundraiser | 5-7 p.m. | Graze Craze | $62+
This weekend's top events
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Shop

Let’s groove tonight. A new shopping experience is coming to Jona-Bells cafe: Groove & Gather Mid-Week Market. Starting next week, Heritage Harvest Farmers Market will host it on the second + fourth Wednesdays of the month, 5-9 p.m. Vendor applications are open.

Tech

Florida Poly senior Eli Wolfe is making a splash in the beverage industry. During an internship at Coke Florida, Wolfe fixed a glitch to drastically improve efficiency at its Tampa warehouse. His solution will be rolled out to all Coke Florida facilities, which distribute 120 million cases per year.

Biz

Two businesses are holding contests for creative locals, with big prizes for the chosen winners. Submit a t-shirt design for Ethos Coffee Roasters’ 10-year anniversary to get free coffee for a year, or go big with a billboard design for Brooks Law Group and win $1,000.

Family

Kids up to 17 can get crafty for the Lakeland Public Library’s Book Pumpkin Contest. Help youngsters decorate a faux pumpkin inspired by any book they love, and submit it to the Main Branch’s Youth Services desk by Friday, Oct. 24. Voting takes place the week of Halloween.

Festival

Central Florida Food Fest is bringing flavor + fun to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-9 p.m. Get tickets for this 21+ event to enjoy exclusive dishes + drink pairings from local chefs, shop local artisans, and party to live music all day long.*

Holiday

Make this year’s holiday celebration one to remember at the Terrace Hotel & Grille Lakeland, whether it’s a company party or family dinner. Make a reservation early for you and your guests to enjoy a prime downtown location, historic elegance, and catering that goes above + beyond.*

Sports

We may not have the G-League Lakeland Magic anymore, but we still have a soft spot for its NBA affiliate. The Orlando Magic start their preseason tomorrow, and there are five reasons the championship could be theirs this year.

Eat

Did you feel a chill? Publix has already started rolling out winter ice cream flavors. Check the freezer section for limited-edition pints like banana bread and raspberry elegance, or opt for a half-gallon of Editor Connor’s favorite: marshmallow, candy cane, cookie blast.

Biz

If you’re wondering how you’re going to find someone stellar to fill your job opening, we can help. With our Job Board, you can post your listing for free and score a new employee in your community. It’s quick and easy — try it.

Home

If cooler temps (and hot coffee) have you ready to get creative and start a project or two, you’re not alone. Whether you want to go big and increase your home’s value or just spruce things up before the holidays, it’s a great time to get started. Inspo this way.*

Read

Tired of the political drama? We get it. Cut through the noise and subscribe to The Tangle’s free newsletter for balanced, nonpartisan reporting on major political stories.*

Trending

Let’s play the name game

A colorful mural by Gillian Fazio featuring two swans forming a heart shape, surrounded by Florida oranges and blossoms.
What would you name this plumed pair? | Photo by LALtoday
Before you go to the polls next month, have your say on another local issue: choosing the names of Lakeland’s three new animal additions.

At Lakeside Village, you can help name the two swans featured in Gillian Fazio’s new breezeway mural, “Swan & Citrus.” Submit family-friendly entries by the end of October, and if you’re chosen as the winner, you’ll receive a $300 gift card to the Lakeside Village shop or restaurant of your choice.

If you want to name a real-life animal, meet Bonnet Springs Park’s new baby tortoise. Five names are on the shortlist for this tiny guy: Shellington, Bonbon, Sprout, Bowser, and Mr. T. Drop your choice in the Facebook comments.

Editor Connor here, and I can’t help but throw out my picks. I would name the swans Ja-cob and Penny (after cob and pen, the names for male and female swans), and I think Sprout is fitting for a park’s unofficial mascot.

The Buy

Your favorite Nordstrom fall fashion essential. Sometimes, just one great new piece can update what’s already in your closet from last year. We’re eyeing:

🛍️ This simple puff sleeve top from Madewell
🛍️ A comfy, baggy turtleneck sweater from Free People
🛍️ Silver Jeans Co.’s cute, everyday pair of relaxed straight jeans
🛍️ A splurge-worthy leather maxi skirt from Cinq à Sept
🛍️ A great walkable Chelsea boot from Sam Edelman, available in any neutral shade under the sun
Shop new fall apparel

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

We’re one step closer to the opening of Nordstrom Rack at Lakeside Village. The store just shared a sneak peek inside, and I spotted beauty brands like Kiehl’s, Clinique, and Pattern — plus some shoes that are already catching my eye. RSVP for the pre-shopping party on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
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