Find local business booths from Lemon Street to Oak Street at the Fall Night Market. | Photo by LALtoday
There’s still much to do this month, even for those who aren’t into frightful fun. Skip the Halloween scares in favor of these must-dos.
🏎️ Rev your engines Lake Mirror Classic Concours and Car Show | Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | Frances Langford Promenade | Free | Find hot rods and classic cars along the shores of Lake Mirror.
🌼 Fall for flowers Fall Plant Sale & Flower U-Pick | Friday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 25 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sow Exotic Nursery, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Collect U-pick zinnias and shop for exotic plants.
🎭 Dress your best Midnight at the Masquerade | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6-9:45 p.m. | Eala’s Speakeasy | $150+ | Don your finest evening wear for an interactive murder mystery experience in support of ROAR Florida.
🛍️ Go on a shopping spree Fall Night Market | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Price of purchase | Dine, groove, and shop from 150+ vendors under the stars.
Two Polk students are letting their artistic talents go to waste — literally. Eighth graders Isabel Parra Giddings and Zoei Ogilvie are the winners of the county’s first Middle School Recycling Art Contest. Their recycling-themed designs were printed on roll-off recycling bins at the North Central Landfill.
Biz
Parlor Doughnuts is extending its hours during Parlor After Dark, meaning you can get layered donuts even later. Visit tomorrow night and next Friday, Oct. 24 for live music and donut specials until 9 p.m.
The Word
Phosphogypsum. That’s the radioactive byproduct that the Mosaic Company collects during phosphate mining. Instead of storing it, the company is now testing out using phosphogypsum to build a road. It’s expected to be in use at its New Wales facility in Mulberry by the end of the year. (WFLA)
Sports
After winning their first regional title since 2012 this season, the Florida Southern Mocs water ski team has its sights set on another trophy. Today, the National Collegiate Water Ski Association Championship begins in California — watch the livestream to see how they fare.
Legacy
Just after celebrating his birthday in September, local World War II veteran Edwin Gideons died at 100 years old. After joining the Navy when he was 17, he became a bomber plane mechanic and worked on aircraft carriers. Watch his interview with Fox 13 News — and have tissues handy.
Try This
Sabrina’s Delicacies is becoming a hobby hotspot, with two crafting events coming up. Snag a seat at the next “Gilmore Girls"-themed scrap journaling party on Saturday, Nov. 1, hosted by Junkshore. Then, bring the bling at The Bookish Flower’s book bedazzling event on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Plan Ahead
Next stop, Swan City. The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida is adding the Sebring International Raceway to its second leg in 2026, and racers will drive through Lakeland on their way there on Feb. 22. Preview what to expect from the race at this weekend’s Lake Mirror Classic. (Old Cars Weekly)
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New to Lakeland
City Guide
Do more outdoors at this store
Spotted inside: college team gear, trendy Bogg Bags, outdoor clothing, and tons of fishing rods. | Photos by LALtoday
It’s opening week for Lakeland’s first Academy Sports + Outdoors location at 3530 US Hwy. 98 N. The retailer is going big with a weekend full of grand opening deals, plus a special surprise for local kids.
Tonight at 6 p.m., 20 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County will get $200 each to go on a shopping spree around the store. Academy will also donate an additional $1,000 to the organization to use in the future.
The deals start tomorrow at 8 a.m., with the first 150 customers in line receiving free mystery gift cards Friday-Sunday. Even if you miss the morning fun, you can still find deals and product demos inside while you explore the new store.
That’s not the only biz coming to town. Tap below to learn what else is new + coming soon in Lakeland.
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.
Have I told you that you have great taste lately? Readers sent me to Lake Miriam Chinese Kitchen yesterday, so I brought my husband along for a lunch date. We ordered the sweet and sour, General Tso’s, and kung pao chicken, and everything was hot, fresh, and delicious — not to mention the huge portions and friendly service.
Sorry if you’re reading this at 6 a.m. — lunchtime is coming soon.
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