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Welcome to our flock, Lil and Pip. Those are the names Lakeside Village chose for the two swans in its new breezeway mural.
Nearly 1,000 ideas were submitted for the naming contest, but these were picked for a historic reason — they pay tribute to the nicknames of Queen Elizabeth II, who sent a pair of swans to Lakeland, and her husband, Prince Philip. All hail Lisa Rice, who won $300 for sending the top names.
Selfies with Santa | 4-6 p.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free
Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off & Tree Lighting | 6-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Join Lakeside Village for the Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off and tree lighting with live music, stilt walkers, snow flurries, a visit from Santa, and lots of holiday fun.*
Plant City Pig Jam | Friday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Nov. 22 | Times vary | 1401 Gordon Food Service Dr., Plant City | $5
Saturday, Nov. 22
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.*
The stage is set for the Florida Strawberry Festival, which just announced its headlining entertainers on Friday. See who’s taking the stage.
Mansion Monday
Did you know there are ~25,000 castles in Germany? National Geographic rounded up their top 10, featuring hilltop views, medieval vibes, and stunning historical charm. Looking for a castle of your own? This palatial Lake Wales estate just hit the market.
Award
Lakeland-based microschool network WonderHere is one of 23 educational organizations up for the national Yass Prize. These innovative organizations will now pitch to judges for the chance to win $1 million. That’ll make you say “yass.”
Answered
Frank Lloyd Wright wasn’t the only celeb to visit Florida Southern College President Ludd M. Spivey’s home back in the day — well, according to local legend. Rumor has it that Elvis Presley partied there following his 1956 concert at the Polk Theatre. Only 44% of readers guessed this right.
Drink
“A good cup of coffee and LALtoday makes for a wonderful morning,” reader Bill M. said during our giving campaign. If you agree, grab yours from a local cafe and consider your one-time donation like buying us a cup.
Asked
A French bulldog float will make its way through New York City during this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That got us thinking: What are the most Lakeland-inspired floats that could feature in the festivities? Float your thoughts this way.
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Wellness
Tried everything for joint pain? Natural gummy Swift Soother provides fast comfort + pain relief, thanks to powerhouse, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Use code 6AM for 20% off.*
On Friday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants will gather at Tenoroc Shooting Sports for a 74-shot sporting clays tournament benefiting the LRH Foundation. Teams and sponsors can take part in this exciting, tax-deductible event supporting community health initiatives. Registration is open through Dec. 1.*
Home
Your home equity is yours. With Unison’s Equity Sharing Agreement, you can turn it into cash without monthly payments or interest. Use the funds to renovate, travel, pay off debt, or invest in your future.*
Category
Shop
Our Holiday Gift Guide is here fore you
Including best-selling socks and a magnetic golf towel. | Graphic by 6AM City
Grab a holiday gift golfers will love — no ifs, ands, or putts.
Local pick: Links of Sandpiper watercolor map | $29+ | When they can’t be on the greens, they can appreciate this artistic rendition of their favorite course.
Frustrated golfer socks | $9.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.
Golf cooler bag | $25.99 | This slim, compact cooler bag fits up to six beer cans.
A really good heating pad to get you through the winter season. The Buy Editor Sarah recently tested one from Pure Enrichment’s selection — its plush cover is ultra soft, it heats up quickly, and it features an automatic shut-off feature. Pro tip: Heat the pad up under your bed covers before you climb in on cold winter nights.
Bonus: Use code HSN2025 to save $10 off $20 through November.
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.
The answer is C. You can find this color all over Publix — and you’ll find option B in LALtoday.
The Wrap
The Wrap
What do you think about that Strawberry Festival lineup? I’ve never been to one of the headliner concerts (just peeked over the gate), but maybe this is my year. Tickets will go on sale soon — we’ll have more info for you in an upcoming newsletter.
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