Hallo-week is upon us, with visions of king-size candy bars dancing in children’s heads. Whether you’re taking the kids to trick-or-treat or trying to be the most ghostly house on the block, save our Halloween map.
Thanks to reader submissions, the map has more than doubled in size over the past few weeks. They’ve shouted out the haunted houses on Itchepackesassa Boulevard, the Halloweenie Hotdog House on Success Avenue, and the changing skeleton scenery at 6383 Alamanda Hills Dr.
The mystery surrounding the jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris continues to pique interest across the globe. Who did it? What will they do with the priceless objects? Maybe they’ll sell them to buy the French-inspired Maison sur la Colline in Lake Wales. (NBC)
Cause
Lend a hand to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly this Thanksgiving. There are several opportunities to serve locals in need, including the Operation Cranberry drive, the Green Bean Snap on Monday, Nov. 24, and meal deliveries on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Apply in advance to volunteer.
Try This
Are you quite the quilter? Do your pies take the cake? Are you a woodworking whiz? If you said yes to any of these, enter the Florida State Fair’s Creative Living Competitions by Friday, Dec. 5. There are dozens of categories to show your creations at the fair in February.
Seasonal
Gather ‘round the campfire. As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to read Florida’s creepiest urban legend. It’s the tale of Spook Hill, a mysterious hill in Lake Wales where cars appear to roll uphill. Don’t scare easily? Uncover the stories behind more of Polk County’s most haunted landmarks. (Business Insider)
Edu
Florida Southern College and Lakeland High School have teamed up to launch an Educator Academy. This immersive program is available to aspiring teachers starting in 9th grade, and will place students in Polk County classrooms for hands-on experiences.*
Health
A new academic study shows signs that consuming warm liquids may have positive impacts on physical + mental health. Researchers found correlated improvements in sleep, gut health, depression, and anxiety. Now the colder months are approaching, that’s just more reason to grab a warm bowl of soup. (Food & Wine)
Active
An 80-year-old recently became the oldest woman to cross the finish line at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Natalie Grabow completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile run in just under 17 hours. Time to hit the gym. (NPR)
Travel
Did you know LALtoday has dozens of sister newsletters across the US? Each one delivers local news, restaurant picks, and hidden gems just like we do. Next time you’re headed out of town, find your destination’s newsletter and explore our recs to plan your trip.
Cause
Did you know? You can volunteer to support the Lakeland Regional Health staff in various ways, including delivering flowers, providing waiting room assistance, and the pet therapy program. Find opportunities.*
Asked
Asked
Which of these is not one of our sister newsletter cities?
A. Austin, TX B. Chattanooga, TN C. Greenville, SC D. St. Louis, MO
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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.
Do you know where the name “Publix” came from? The Hernando Sun says that George Jenkins found inspiration from another notable local: John E. Melton, the developer of Cleveland Heights. Melton sold an unsuccessful theater venture to a company called Publix Theatres Corporation in 1928, and Jenkins liked the name enough to use it for his new store that opened in 1930.
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