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Just for laughs
The Comedy Cathedral will be located northeast of Parlor Doughnuts and Lloyd’s of Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday
After nearly nine years entertaining Lakeland audiences, Swan City Improv is opening its own comedy club. The group plans to transform the former church at 417 N. Massachusetts Ave. into “the Comedy Cathedral” by spring.
Swan City Improv founder Nate Fleming said the Comedy Cathedral will host regular shows with an emphasis on improvised comedy, but don’t be surprised if stand-up comics or musicians also take the stage.
“First and foremost, it’s for families to come and laugh,” Fleming said. Performances will range from family-friendly to adults-only, and those interested in learning the craft will also be able to take improv classes.
In addition to shows and classes, the Comedy Cathedral will also host community events and offer private rentals.
Photo via Swan City Improv
As for plans for the Comedy Cathedral’s vibe? “There’s something about being in a church,” said Fleming. “We’re building a community around comedy. We want to honor that for sure.”
Building updates begin soon. Until then, find Swan City Improv (along with Editor Connor)popping up around Lakeland before moving into its new home.
Asked
Asked
What’s your favorite type of local entertainment?
A. Side-splitting comedy B. Rocking concerts C. Showstopping theater D. Something else
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.*
With Unison, you can access up to $500K of your home’s equity with no monthly payments. | Photo via Unsplash
Your home equity belongs to you. Period. And there are ways to access these funds when you need them.
One way: An Equity Sharing Agreement that lets you turn your equity into cash, without a traditional loan. Think: No monthly payments or interest, and you share in your home’s future value changes.
With Unison as your partner, you can make those renovations you’ve been dreaming of, travel, pay off debt, or even fund retirement.
For Florida snow, we know where to go.Snowcat Ridge is now open for the season in Dade City, only about an hour from Lakeland. This winter wonderland offers tubing down an icy hill, snowman building, ice skating, and private igloo rentals.
Concert
SUN ‘n FUN will kick off its 52nd aerospace expo with another country concert. Tickets for the first day include admission to the Opening Night Concert featuring up-and-comers Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac.
Development
Talbot House Ministries revised its plans for a proposed location on Memorial Boulevard. The new site plan shifts the entrance to Ingraham Avenue instead of Memorial, and the inner courtyard has been redesigned. The Planning & Zoning Board will make a formal recommendation in December. (LkldNow)
Number
$952 million. That’s the annual statewide economic activity generated by Florida Polytechnic University. A new study showed that the school generates more than $117 million in Polk County’s economy alone through capital investments + graduates’ earnings.
Community
Polk County Fire Rescue received $16 million from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response federal grant. PCFR will use the money to fund 50 new positions across its departments, bringing it closer to its goal of adding 100 team members. See open positions.
Outdoors
City staff and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working to find out why a large number of fish have died in Lake Hunter. They believe that last week’s cold fronts made the lake too cold for the shad, but they’re monitoring water quality for changes. (The Ledger)
Health
Need fast, convenient care? Lakeland Regional Health has four Urgent Care locations ready to help. Friendly, expert providers can diagnose and treat non-emergency health needs — from colds and the flu to sprains and more — all in one visit. Find the nearest Urgent Care.*
Give guests a taste of Lakeland life. | Photo by Austin St. Jean
When more family shows up to Thanksgiving than you planned for, don’t put them up in the yard, Cousin Eddie-style. Instead, give them their own space at these local rental homes with last-minute Thanksgiving week openings.
The Funky Swan Shack
This vintage cottage in the Lake Morton Historic District is packed with personality. Guests will enjoy its proximity to Lakeland’s top activities.
4 beds | Sleeps 8
Lake access, private backyard + patio, dedicated workspace, laundry in-unit
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
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.
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon at Sleepy Hill Middle School for the Great American Teach-In. The sixth graders in the journalism class are bright and ready to take on the world. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them is writing for LALtoday in the future.
Thank you to Student Success Coach Mervi Infantes for organizing the event again this year.
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