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🛒 Ready, set, groceries
The store is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 4730 S. Florida Ave. | Photo by LALtoday
Shopping is once again a pleasure at the Lake Miriam Square Publix, which reopened yesterday. It had been 495 days since the supermarket was closed, razed, and rebuilt with a fresh look and larger footprint, but who’s counting? Editor Connor here — I braved the opening day crowds to see what’s inside.
I would describe this location as a larger version of the former Publix GreenWise Market, but with a wider selection of regular grocery items. It brought back several fan-favorite food options, including made-to-order burritos, oven-fired pizzas, sushi, ramen, and freshly popped popcorn.
The store blends new and known, from the mezzanine to the full produce section.
Photos by LALtoday
If you’re not grocery shopping, this is still a convenient spot to hang out and grab a bite to eat. Order coffee, smoothies, wine, or tea from the Pours cafe — I got a refreshing peppermint matcha — and head upstairs to the mezzanine dining area for a bird’s-eye view of the entire store.
Tap below to learn more about what Publix has planned.
Ministry leaders, this SEU master’s program is for you
Presented by Southeastern University
Expand your horizons on your terms with SEU’s flexible learning options. | Photo provided by Southeastern University
Southeastern University’s Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (MAML) is designed specifically for ministry leaders looking to strengthen their calling and sharpen their leadership, without stepping away from the work that matters most.
Black & Brew is opening its fourth location in an unexpected place: Lakeland Regional Health. A new cafe will open in the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children next month, offering coffee and fresh food for hospital staff, patients, and guests.
Edu
Here’s an idea — more learning space at a booming charter school. IDEA Public Schools tripled its number of classrooms and added a new cafeteria for its 760+ students. It’s not stopping either, with plans for 38 more classrooms in the works. (Bay News 9)
Civic
Due to an error at USPS, some taxpayers may have had their payments returned in the mail last week. The issue has been resolved, but those who still need to pay their property taxes can resend their payment or pay online, over the phone, or in person. (LkldNow)
Cause
Canned protein. Peanut butter. Vegetables. Those are among the most needed items at Gospel Inc. The nonprofit’s community pantry shelves are emptier than normal, and the organization is asking locals to donate nonperishable food as they’re able. (WFTS)
Mailbag
New reader Carol P. told us she’s thinking of retiring in Lakeland and looking for an “affordable 55+ mobile home park with low HOA.” Do you live in one you love? Send us a tip — consider it a future housewarming gift.
Outdoors
Tomorrow, Bone Valley ATV Park’s new trail just for motocross will welcome riders for the first time. For now, The Bone Yard will be open two Saturdays per month on the north side of the park. Make a reservation.
Quoted
“Thanks for turning down those political ads!”That’s what reader Eileen said during our fundraising campaign, and we’re proud to say that LALtoday is politics-free, now and forever. If you support that, make like Eileen + contribute.
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Wellness
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Category
Active
🦃 Break a seasonal sweat
Start your Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot. | Photo by @bigmanadventures72
Looking for a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning? You won’t find an official one in Lakeland, but there are plenty of places to pick up the pace before you pick up a plate.
Thanksgiving Morning Fun Run | 6 a.m. | 6-mile run from the Southgate Shopping Center with the Lakeland Runners Club Pack
Thanksgiving Day Run | 8 a.m. | 2.8 miles around Lake Hollingsworth with Fleet Feet
As temperatures continue to fall, we’re leaning into our cold-weather essentials. Here are three we absolutely swear by:
👖 Really good fleece-lined leggings with pockets. The thermal lining delivers extra warmth without compromising on stretch and breathability.
🛌 A top-rated long sleeve pj set for maximum comfort and coziness during fall and winter nights.
✋ A pair of rechargeable handwarmers with three temperature settings and up to 36 hours of battery life. Bonus: They include a portable charging case for power on the go.
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.