Plus, Lakeland's next neighborhood.
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Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:04 p.m.


Restaurant Roundup

☕️ Breaking new grounds

The storefront of the future Lucky Goat Coffee Co. location, with its logo on the building and "COMING SOON" signs in the window.
Find Lucky Goat in the corner of the plaza, between Firehouse Subs + Tranquility Nail Spa. | Photo provided by Lucky Goat Coffee Company
In Lakeland, “rise and grind” is our motto. Perk up with these freshly brewed coffee shop updates.

Lucky Goat Coffee Co.
We’re one week away from opening day on Thursday, Oct. 16 in the Merchant’s Walk plaza. While some speculated that the Barnes & Noble opening a few doors down would include a Starbucks cafe inside, it’s not listed on the location’s website.

Ethos Coffee Roasters
The local roastery started construction on a coffee shop near the corner of South Florida Avenue and County Road 540A, and we’re ready for our favorite roasts on the go.
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.

You can find Dutch Bros all over the country, from this one in Indianapolis to one nearby in Winter Haven.

Photo by INDYtoday

Dutch Bros Coffee
This drive-thru known for sweet coffee concoctions will open next to the future CAVA on the north side of town, at the corner of Sleepy Hill Road + Highway 98.

Ellianos Coffee
Another drive-thru spot is under construction in the parking lot of a new Aldi on Lakeland Highlands Road and it’s hiring.
More food + bev news

Asked

Which coffee shop perks your interest the most?


A. Lucky Goat Coffee Co.
B. Ethos Coffee Roasters
C. Dutch Bros
D. Ellianos Coffee
Choose your brew
Southeastern University

Events

Thursday, Oct. 9

Market Reopening Day | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Fancy Farms Market | Price of purchase

Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser | 4-6:30 p.m. | Heritage Park at Kathleen Area Historical Society | $7+

Friday, Oct. 10

Vendor Pop-Up Market | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase

Oktoberfest Downtown Winter Haven | 6-9 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free+

Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Price of purchase

Saturday, Oct. 11

Polk State FallFest | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Polk State College, Winter Haven | Free+

Florida Roundnet Lakeland Tournament | 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Hunt Fountain Park | $10+

Sunday, Oct. 12

Makers Market at LV | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Price of purchase

Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Free+

Monday, Oct. 13

Hypertufa Pumpkin Decor Workshop | 1-2:30 p.m. | UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Bartow | $20
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Real Estate

A new Highland Homes neighborhood is in the works on Crews Lake Drive in south Lakeland, with plans for houses up to 3,100-sqft and with six bedrooms. The Touchstone development will also include a resort-style pool and clubhouse for residents. Get on the list to learn more.

Civic

If nothing makes you happier than getting out on one of Lakeland’s waterways, join the Polk County Lakes Access Advisory Committee. Volunteers work with the county commission to improve public lake access and serve three-year terms. Apply by Monday, Oct. 27.

Biz

After a $60,000 fundraising campaign, Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio has unveiled its completed expansion. Take a peek at the fresh space (before it gets covered in clay and paint), or sign up for classes like handbuilding + wheel throwing to see it for yourself.

Cause

Breast cancer survivor Cathy Angel is giving back through her organization, Boxed by an Angel. She’s sent 500+ women in cancer treatment a personalized care package filled with comforting items — sponsor the next box for someone on the waitlist. (WFLA)

Drink

Raise a glass to Lugo’s Craft Distillery. The local biz announced a licensing agreement with beachy lifestyle brand Salt Life to sell ready-to-drink, bottled rum cocktails. Find two flavors (orange and mango + guava and passion fruit) in Publix liquor stores starting next month.

Try This

Consider this a casting call. Swan City Ballet is creating a collective of dancers, choreographers, and artists to work with on future projects. Audition on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Uno Dos Tres Studio, and you could make the shortlist for upcoming performances and filming opportunities.

Holiday

We said we’re hunting for pie preorders, and we found them. Born & Bread Bakehouse has opened its books for Thanksgiving orders, with pickup slots on Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 26. We’re drooling over options like brown butter apple and gluten-free tart cherry.

Older Adults

Are you in the loop? Here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Hydrow’s Fall Sale brings immersive rowing workouts all from the comfort of your own home. Train like a pro and save big — use code NOTES to enjoy $600 off Origin, $200 off Wave, or $100 off Arc.*

Jobs

“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.

On This Day

Looking back on Hurricane Milton

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The name “Swan City” got a new meaning in 2024. | Photo by Tahnee Thon
Today marks one year since Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida. We asked readers for their reflections of the storm’s impact, which are still felt a year later.

“The big live oak in my front yard came down filling both my driveway and the street. My neighbors came together along with my son and family to clear the street and my driveway. I’ll be forever grateful to all of them.” — Pat P.

“Yes, we remember Milton! We have a 100-year-old house with a full basement and we [spent] all night in the dark removing water that flooded in! After that we had a sump pump installed, not going through that again!” — Andre B.

“I remember having to hurry and pick things up as the rain came in earlier than we thought. We ended up with 28 inches of rain and many months of cleaning out and throwing away everything and still lots of repairs.” — Tori H.

Responses have been edited for length + clarity.
Milton's impact, in photos

The Buy

A pair of versatile men’s pants that offer a stylish, yet relaxed fit. Whether it’s for work, on the golf course, or a date night, these straight fit pants are crafted with premium, four-way stretch fabric for a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
More worth The Buy

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

The votes are in, and the Cookie Carnival judges chose Atelie do Brigadeiro as the big winner for the second year in a row. If you missed the contest, you can find the biz at the farmers market on Saturdays, along with People’s Choice Award winner Kimmy’s Fudge. The pumpkin pie fudge is out of this world.
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