Stop by these farm stands early in the day for your best chance at getting products before they sell out. | Photo by Logan’s Animal Ranch
Local ingredients make all the difference in the kitchen. Stock your fridge by stopping by these local farm stands for fresh produce and baked goods straight from the oven.
The Sunny Side at Logan’s Animal Ranch, 1401 Parker Rd. | Friday-Saturday
This colorful booth offers farm-raised eggs and seasonal goodies. Pay for what you take using the honor system.
Cardinal Ranch, 3920 Timberwood Dr. | Daily
Find this farm in southwest Lakeland for local honey, fresh eggs, and a few pets of the friendly farm animals over the fence.
Little Crumbs, 8702 Pine Tree Dr. | Saturday-Sunday
It’s all about sourdough at this sweet treat stand in north Lakeland. Visit for flavored loaves and cookies for every craving.
Honey Girls Goodie Barn, 7502 Burnt Barn Ave., Plant City | Friday-Sunday
Readers tell us it’s worth the trip to Plant City for the fresh produce, local honeycomb, tallow, and baked goods here. Pro tip: You can set an appointment for produce pickups outside the barn’s regular hours.
Lakeland Margarita Ball | 8-11 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade | $45 | Glasses up, LAL, the 38th Annual Margarita Ball is almost here. Held in benefit of local charities, including a toy drive, this one-night event features food, dancing, and, of course, margaritas.*
🍎 Lakeland HS and Florida Southern offer hands-on experience for future teachers
Presented by Florida Southern College
The inaugural Educator Academy will serve 55 students in grades 9-12 and provides a hands-on pathway into teaching. | Photos provided by Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College and Lakeland High School have teamed up to offer something special to aspiring teachers.
The Educator Academy provides 9-12th grade students with hands-on classroom experiences through FSC’s School of Education.
The program will immerse students in classrooms at Roberts Academy, FSC’s on-campus school for children with dyslexia, as well as Polk County schools. Educator Academy students in the program all four years of high school will complete the equivalent of five college level courses.
“This partnership will inspire our students and provide them with a pathway to pursue a career in education,” said Alain Douge, Lakeland High School principal. “As a Florida Southern graduate, I can confirm that our students will receive a first-class opportunity to be career ready.”
Teens interested in the program who live outside Lakeland High School’s attendance zone can still apply during the School Choice Priority Window, typically January-February.
Citrus Connection is partnering with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) to offer free rides for patients. All you have to do is show your LVIM card for fare-free transportation on any route. Citrus Connection has similar partnerships with Central Florida Health Care and Peace River Center.
Edu
Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson has once again been named on the Florida 500 list of the state’s most influential leaders. Stephenson took over the role last summer, and the school has reached record enrollment for two consecutive years.
Ranked
Speaking of local schools, Lakeland ranked No. 44 on a list of the best small college towns in the US, based on social environment, affordability, and opportunities for students. Know of a student looking for the right college? Send this their way. (WalletHub)
Environment
Have old batteries, paint, or cooking oil around the house? Dispose of household hazardous waste safely with Polk County’s Solid Waste Division at Bartow High School this Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Hold onto your documents for Lakeland Solid Waste’s ShredFest on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Seasonal
See unbe-wreath-able holiday decor at the Polk County History Center’s 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The festive fun begins Saturday, Nov. 8 when the wreaths go on display. Visit the History Center for tours and events, and bid on your favorite creation by Thursday, Dec. 11.
The Word
LARP. That’s the word for live action role-playing, where you can dress in costume and battle with foam weapons, just like you’re in a medieval story. Join local group Lake’s Edge Belegarth every Sunday at 9 a.m. at Lake Parker to learn the rules of the game.
Legacy
Joe Lee, former CEO of Darden Restaurants, died last week at age 85. Lee got his start in Lakeland as a manager at the first Red Lobster. As an executive, he helped launch Olive Garden and Darden Restaurants Inc., turning both into global powerhouses along with Red Lobster. (Orlando Business Journal)
Shop
This is the skin of a shopper, Bella. The Cullen Collective will take over Black Swan Venue this Saturday, Oct. 25. Shop “Twilight"-inspired merchandise from 30+ vendors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in honor of the vampire book series’ 20th anniversary.
Community
Girls 11–17 (and their moms, guardians, or other grown-ups) are invited to join Lakeland Regional Health physicians on Oct. 25 for a free, fun, and informative morning. Explore puberty, self-care, and body confidence, enjoy mini-makeovers and giveaways, and get answers to all your questions. Learn more + register.*
Home
You said, “I do.” Now you can say, “I’m covered.” Make sure your jewelry shines with protection beyond homeowners’ insurance. Don’t risk losing what matters most — get specialized coverage from Higginbotham.*
Listen
With fall comes local-favorite festivals + live music (catch us at Art Crawl). Luckily, these hearing aids are the world’s first with multi-stream processing, designed to help you engage in conversations effortlessly (even in noisy environments). Explore a no-risk trial.*
Featured Deal
Renewal by Andersen is offering 40% off your second window purchase, plus $200 off your entire order. Save energy + increase home value with a free quote today.*
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.*
The Buy
A really good eye shadow and liner set that features three dual-tip pencils, each with plush, creamy pigments. The Buy Editor Emily uses the low-maintenance set to create everything from a precise liner to a soft, smudged eye shadow look.
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.
Shout out to reader Ashley B., who sent in the idea for our farm stand roundup. Are you noticing a hot new trend or interested to learn more about a certain development? Our inbox is always open.
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