It’s 6AM somewhere — in fact, if you’re reading this at 9 a.m. local time, it’s 6 a.m. in our sister market SEAtoday. Which brings us to our main point: Did you know there are newsletters just like LALtoday across the country, providing the same need-to-know local news and events for their communities?
We can already hear the sleigh bells, and that can only mean one thing — the Lakeland Christmas Parade is back. The parade will wind through downtown on Thursday, Dec. 4, starting at 7 p.m. Our guide is in the works, but here’s what to know now.
Theme: “Rocking Around Lakeland” Route: Starts + ends at the RP Funding Center, wrapping around Lake Mirror Chairs: Can’t be set up until parade day
Asked
Asked
When do you set up your chairs for the parade?
A. As soon as I can on the morning of the parade B. A few hours early C. Right before it starts D. I’m not a parade person
Our day? It’s booked. Barnes & Noble will cut the ribbon on its store in the Merchant’s Walk plaza today at 9 a.m. Bestselling author Elise Kova will be there to meet readers and sign copies of her novels until around 11 a.m.
Travel
Buckle up. Thanksgiving travel numbers are expected to break records next week, with 4.6 million Floridians predicted to hit the roads or catch a flight. Want to avoid traffic and TSA lines? Taking a train from Lakeland might be your golden ticket. (WFTS)
Coming Soon
A new citrus farm in east Bartow will open its gates for the first time tomorrow. Golden Ridge Groves will offer U-pick, grove tours, and a market with citrus, fresh juices, and ice cream. Celebrate the grand opening at the Great Grapefruit Extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Legacy
Clifton Lewis died this week at 82 years old. Lewis led the cause to restore the historic L.B. Brown House in Bartow, and he founded the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival that takes place at the home. The 25th annual festival is still on for February. (The Ledger)
Eat
Taco Bell is selling a Baja Blast-flavored pie this Thanksgiving. The drink’s signature tropical lime flavor has been turned into a filling on a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. To each their own, but we prefer picking up seasonal desserts from Lakeland’s small businesses like Reececliff. (People)
Seasonal
Got something big happening this winter? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Lakeland Regional Health introduces Inside Scope, a podcast featuring expert insights on trending health topics. Hosted by Dr. Daniel Haight, each episode explores issues such as when to visit urgent care and managing joint pain. Learn more + tune in.*
Try This
Beach house? Mountain retreat? If it’s vacant, it’s vulnerable. Vacation smart and insure smarter with Higginbotham.*
Health
Worried about hearing clearly at upcoming holiday gatherings? Try this best-selling hearing aid with dual processors for outstanding speech clarity. See if you qualify for the 45-day no-risk trial + experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
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.*
Shop
Meet DUER jeans — aka the world’s most comfortable pants. Each pair blends classic denim with 360-degree stretch, moisture-wicking fibers, and antibacterial treatment. DUER jeans are made to move, not constrict, dig in, or pinch. Explore the collection.*
Asked
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This alligator deserves a round of applause. The Florida Children’s Museum Blinky climber, designed by Gyroscope Inc., won a Merit Award in the 2025 SEGD Global Design Awards. It’s one of just 30 projects to receive a nod this year.
The 100-ft-long play structure, inspired by Lakeland’s communal pet of the 1970s, is full of spots for kids to climb and slide. One awards juror said, “Even as an adult, I want to play in it!” Same. Explore it with your family at the Florida Children’s Museum.
Dinner for two for less than delivery? A spa facial for the price of a sheet mask? With Groupon, these aren’t fantasies — they’re today’s deals waiting for you to claim. Discover up to 70% off restaurants, salons, and adventures near you, so you can try more, spend less, and fall in love with your city all over again.
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.
You don’t have to travel to Seattle to find a newsletter like ours. I get the honor of working with the editors at TBAYtoday and ORLtoday, and I learn something new about Florida from them every week. Check out their stories before a day trip, and consider a one-time donation to support our editorial teams.
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