Lakeland enjoyed a quiet hurricane season, but it came with some drawbacks. | Photo via @lizleon
Water, water everywhere — everywhere in the news, that is. With water becoming a hot topic in Lakeland and beyond this month, these are the updates to know.
Burn ban
Polk County issued a countywide burn ban in late November after a drier-than-usual summer and fall. Until the burn ban is repealed, campfires, bonfires, yard burns, and fireworks are prohibited. We’ll see how this impacts New Year’s Eve plans.
Water shortage
As of Dec. 1, the Southwest Florida Water Management District placed Polk and surrounding counties under Phase I water shortage restrictions through July 1, 2026. That means only watering your lawn up to twice per week, according to the county’s schedule.
Alternative water supply projects
Newly funded projects could help alleviate future shortages. The Polk Regional Water Cooperative received $9.2 million in state grants for the Southeast Wellfield Implementation Project, which will draw from the Lower Floridan Aquifer to increase Polk’s water supply.
Tis the Season: Holiday Concert | 5-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Head to Lakeside Village for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer, including live music, storytime with Santa + Mrs. Claus, festive treats, and even a little snow.*
Hanukkahbegins at sundown this Sunday, Dec. 14, and there are several opportunities to gather and celebrate the Festival of Lights locally: The Lakeland Menorah Lighting will take place in Kryger Park at 5 p.m. on Sunday, and Temple Emanuel will host a family Chanukah party on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Open
Aldi’s fourth Lakeland location is now open. The former Winn-Dixie on Lakeland Highlands Road was transformed into an Aldi as part of the grocery chain’s plans to convert 200+ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets by the end of 2027. (The Ledger)
Festival
Tickets for the Florida Strawberry festival go on sale today, Dec. 11 at 8 a.m. View the lineup before purchasing your ticket.
Opening
The Boys & Girls Club of Polk County will open the Brian Lamar Brady Workforce Readiness Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. The center will include a career exploration lab and spaces for teens to be mentored and develop job skills. RSVP for the ribbon cutting.
Health
Hey Alexa, play “Baby.” Lakeland Regional Health was one of just 13 Florida hospitals included on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The report took into account data like C-section rates, along with birthing-friendly practices.
Travel
Where are you, Christmas? Not too far, actually — a town with that name is located right here in Central Florida, just east of Orlando. We recommend driving through on your way to I-95 before heading north to St. Augustine for a holiday getaway. (Florida Today)
Home
Say goodbye to ladders and wet leaves when you elevate your home’s safety + value with a lasting gutter guard solution. Over 410,000 happy homeowners have already made the switch. Discover how it works and access direct local pricing.*
Finance
If you’re paying interest on credit card debt, take this as your sign to stop. Instead,get this leading card for 18 months of 0% interest on a balance transfer. You’ll even earn cash back perks on additional purchases. Stop stressing about debt — apply now.*
Community
Lakeland Regional Health invites the community to Winter Wellness, a free, festive morning of movement and family fun. Enjoy Holiday Zumba, Reindeer Games, and a scavenger hunt from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Bonnet Springs Park. Reserve your spot.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Category
Editor’s Pick
Which drink from The Brass Tap is on your wish list?
We’ve talked water, but do you need something stronger? Two holiday pop-up bars have you covered with sparkling sips + twinkling lights.
Follow the clues to The Silent Nightcap speakeasy at Camp Margaritaville, where you’ll find drinks like gingerbread espresso martinis hidden away.
Santa’s Tap Room is back at the Brass Tap in Lakeside Village, so you can sip favorite drinks like the cinnamon bun-flavored Winterland Fizz under the tinsel again.
Find even more over in Tampa Bay, thanks to our friends at TBAYtoday.
The Buy
A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.
Meet my newest obsession: Ripple, the 11-ft, 778-pound sub-adult white shark that pinged off the Florida Gulf Coast near Tampa earlier this week. You can track Ripple (and other sharks) using this neat tool by Ocearch.
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