More than 400 crew members from Florida and beyond helped restore power after the storm.
Photo by Tahnee Thon
This week marks one year since Hurricane Milton made its mark on Lakeland. The powerful storm left 3 million Floridians without power, drenched us in 12 inches of rain, and flooded parts of town for days on end — but it also brought Lakelanders together.
A year later, what do you remember most? One thing I’ll never forget was how Hillcrest Coffee shared free coffee on its porch when so many were out of power. I can’t think of a more “Lakeland” way to help a neighbor.
Goodbye, red brick road. Part of Easton Drive’s historic brick will be repaved with asphalt after multiple washouts due to heavy rain. Another part of the street was repaved earlier this year after similar issues. The city is awaiting purchase order approvals before setting a project start date.
Health
Midtown Dental’s Free Dental Day will take place on Friday, Nov. 21. Register in person at its office on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 a.m. to get free cleanings, extractions, and fillings. It’s open to the first 150 adults in line with a valid ID on registration day.
Mansion Monday
With sprawling grounds, soaring columns on the front porch, and a grand staircase, this Bartow estate is the Southern belle of the ball. Beyond the Neoclassical-inspired architecture, we’re also fond of the Tiffany blue bathroom, and nearly 5,000 sqft of space doesn’t hurt.
Sports
Orange you glad the Orange Cup Regatta is back? This high-speed boat competition will take over Lake Hollingsworth Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 19. Pro tip: Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and find a spot to watch around the lake — pretty much anywhere guarantees a good view.
Crafters, you need(le) to hear this. Shuttered retailer Joann is sort of back. Michaels bought Joann and will launch The Knit & Sew Shop, a co-branded “shop-in-shop” across its 1,300+ stores. Cutting tables for fabric sales by the yard are planned for 650 stores by mid-October. Find your nearest Michaels.
Today Is
National Noodle Day, a chance to celebrate the strips of unleavened dough found in dishes the whole world ‘round. It’s also the perfect excuse for a bowl of ramen at Sabu, or one of the decadent dishes comprised of homemade pasta at Scarpa’s Italian.
Read
Come in and cozy up. According to new data from Google Trends, search interest in “cozy romance” and “cozy books” are at an all-time high, and searches for “fall romance books” have increased by more than 400%. Find your next cozy, fall-themed read at one of Lakeland’s local bookstores.
Finance
Have a variable monthly income? This freelancing couple found a creative way to pay down debt (and make the home improvements they’d been dreaming about). See how.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietician with Nourish. Find a dietician covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan.*
Biz
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The Buy
Start speaking a new language in just weeks with Babbel’s expert-made lessons. For a limited time, get lifetime access for only $239 — their best deal of the year. Hurry — these savings end tonight.
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.
What was the voter turnout for Lakeland’s last municipal election?
According to the Polk Supervisor of Elections, only 15.3% of registered voters cast their ballots in the 2023 municipal election, when two Lakeland City Commission seats were decided.
Tap below to help raise that number — today’s the final day to register to vote.
The Orange Cup Regatta was canceled last year due to Hurricane Milton, so I’m excited to see it return. Here’s hoping for clear skies next weekend — just remember your sunscreen and umbrellas if you’re setting up around the lake.
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