How have you adjusted to the change? | Photo via Polk County Government
It’s been a year since Polk County ended curbside recycling pickups in October 2024, leaving many to wonder what it would mean for their waste (and their wallets). Here’s a refresher on what went down:
The county announced the change, citing that the costs of fueling trucks and sorting collections outweighed the benefits. It’s expected to save the county $5.5 million per year.
Annual county waste collection charges are on the rise, increasing incrementally over the next four years to keep up with rising disposal costs.
Residents within city limits with Lakeland’s blue bins were unaffected by the change.
City of Lakeland customers with blue bins still receive recycling pickup service, while county residents who had black + yellow recycling bins do not.
Image by the City of Lakeland
When the change was announced, we asked for readers’ plans — 64% told us they would no longer recycle after pickups were canceled, with another 25% saying they lived in city limits.
A year later, we want to know how recycling has changed for you. Are you dropping your recyclables somewhere, using a private pickup service, or skipping it altogether? Share with us below.
Asked
Asked
How are you recycling these days?
A. I’m not recycling. B. I’m using a pickup service. C. I’m dropping off recyclables. D. I live in city limits + still recycle.
With Amazon Prime Big Deal Days happening right now, there’s no better time to use Prime to its full potential. Maximize your membership by taking advantage of all nine hidden benefits.
Thursday, Oct. 16 will be your lucky day when Lucky Goat Coffee Co. opens its doors in Lakeland. Find the coffee shop in the Merchants Walk plaza for specialty drinks, quick bites, and bags of coffee. Editor Connor hopes the seasonal Snowflake Crunch is in stock.
Community
A year after Hurricane Milton, city + county officials are working together to mitigate flood risks across Lakeland. Polk County has applied for $111.8 million in grants for pumping and drainage improvements, and the City of Lakeland applied for $400,000 for its stormwater management plan update. (The Ledger)
Lakelander
When your property tax bill arrives soon, check the envelope for artwork by Lakeland High School senior Hope Hallock, winner of the Polk Tax Collector’s first Kids Tax Art contest. Not only is her piece printed on all tax bill envelopes, but she also received a $2,500 scholarship. (WFLA)
Kids
Families needing holiday gift assistance can apply for the Lakeland Police Department’s Cops for Kids toy donation program. There are three registration days planned: Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Simpson Park, and Monday, Oct. 27-Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the LPD station. Check the requirements before registering.
Holiday
Eyes on the pies. We’re on the hunt for Thanksgiving preorders, and Sugared Swan is the first biz we’ve found offering them this season. Place your order for desserts like pecan praline pumpkin pie, apple cinnamon bread, and peach cobbler, then pick them up on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Pets
Is your wiener dog a winner? Find out at Doxapalooza at Keel Farms on Saturday, Nov. 1. Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education will host a pet parade, auction, animal blessing, and plenty more perks for pups. It’s free to attend, but register now for contests + races.
Festival
Central Florida Food Fest is coming to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-9 p.m. Grab tickets now for culinary creations from celebrated chefs, live music, and local marketplace vendors.*
Plan Ahead
Calling all knights, vikings, and fairies. The Sarasota Medieval Fair takes place each weekend of November in Myakka City, which is just the right distance for a day trip (by car, not by horse). Enjoy rousing entertainment like jousting and a marketplace straight from a storybook.
The clarity is insane: That’s what people are saying about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even amid background noise. Join 540,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
Read
Stay on the forefront of your industry with The Deep View — a free, five-minute-long newsletter covering everything you need to know about AI. Read it for free.*
Lakeland has no shortage of outstanding restaurants, but some streets are so packed with options, they’re like foodie paradises.
As we map out the next installment of our Eat Down the Street series, we just need your recommendations for where we should go. Here’s where we’ve dined so far:
Edgewood Drive On the run? Get lunch on a bun. Drive through Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe for hot + cold creations inspired by Italian flavors, or opt for a Cuban from Elena’s Cuban Cafe.
Kentucky Avenue
Indulge in a slice from Palace Pizza, the winner of our 2023 Lakeland pizza bracket voted on by thousands of readers, or grab a late-night bite at Bedrock Wings.
Combee Road
If you’re searching for a classic, look no further than S&L Restaurant, which has served burgers for more than four decades. Just down the road at Pho Tan, a big bowl of pho hits different on a rainy night.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale ends today + this is your last call to score some of the site’s lowest prices of the year. Shop these deals before they’re gone tomorrow:
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.
First there were Beanie Babies, then the Furby had its day — now, Jellycat is the brand to know. If the kids in your family are begging for one of these quirky stuffed toys, visit Stationery Loft’s winter release event this Sunday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. Be one of the first there for your pick of plushes from a limited supply.
There are a few fall-themed plushes on shelves now, like this smiling candied apple.
}})
