Plus, a northern lights sighting (maybe).
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75º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 5:35 p.m.


A message from our team

We receive hundreds of thank-you emails every week, and often you ask how you can support us. If you’ve gotten something out of being subscribed to LALtoday, like finding that life-changing concert in our Events section or using our City Guides to plan the perfect way to spend the day with family, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life — and we’re calling on you now to help support our mission with a donation.

🛒 Ready, set, groceries

The front of a newly opened Publix, decorated with green and white balloon columns and silver "WELCOME" balloons for its grand opening.
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.
A gif slideshow with photos of the Lake Miriam Square Publix mezzanine, Pours coffee counter, produce section, and pizza counter

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.
Plus, opening day photos

Asked

Which color is Publix green?

Guess the green

Events

Friday, Nov. 14

Wine, Chocolate & Cheese | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $40

Tribute Fest: Nirvana, Creed + Linkin Park | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $25+

“Heathers: The Musical” | Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $28+

Saturday, Nov. 15

Jeepin’ For A Cure | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Bartow | $40

SEU Football Homecoming | 4-7 p.m. | Victory Field | $9+

Four Elements Festival | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $20

Purrs & Popcorn Movie Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $15

A Night of Magic and Sophisticated Buffoonery | 7-8:15 p.m. | Theatre Winter Haven | $10+

Sunday, Nov. 16

Optimism Walk for Parkinson’s Awareness | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | Donations accepted

Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Price of purchase
More weekend events
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Edu

Ministry leaders, this SEU master’s program is for you

Presented by Southeastern University
Two smiling students walk on campus.
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.

The MAML is offered in three flexible formats, allowing busy leaders to earn a degree while continuing to shape their ministry daily:

Learn more

News Notes

Opening

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 tipconsider 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.

Concert

Ya like jazz? Kenyatta Beasley, internationally renowned jazz trumpeter, is performing at Florida Southern College’s Festival of Fine Arts on Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20. Grab tickets + view the full Festival of Fine Arts schedule.*

Shop

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

Arouse the whole you with this FDA-registered vibrating ring for women that adjusts to your vulva shape for distributed external stimulation and magnified sensations. Even better? It’s recommended by doctors to enhance arousal and natural lubrication. Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Particle Face Cream for men diminishes wrinkles, reduces eye bags, and nourishes deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Try it 20% off with code CITY20.*

Active

🦃 Break a seasonal sweat

A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
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
5Ks beyond Lakeland

The Buy

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.
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

Today’s edition by: Connor Jacobson

Shout out to reader Enid H., who sent in this colorful sky photo from Tuesday night. Northern lights or a beautiful Lakeland sunset? You decide.
A pink, orange, and purple sunset sky above a darkened neighborhood street in Lakeland.

Photo by Reader Enid H.

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