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Event Spotlight
If you’ve never been to SUN ‘n FUN, this is your year.
Photo by reader Bob K.
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is three weeks away — here’s what to know before Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 19. Tickets are $50/day or $180/week. The daily schedule can be overwhelming, so keep these events in mind as you plan which days to visit:
Opening day concert | Tuesday, April 14
New evening airshow | Wednesday, April 15
Discounted admission for Florida residents | Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19
We’ll keep sharing more tips as SUN ‘n FUN gets closer, but send us your questions and forward this newsletter to a friend you want to go with this year.
We didn’t even know this was an option, but if you’re always decked out in designer clothing, your home can get the same treatment — just use this 6-bedroom home off Kathleen Road with a Versace-inspired kitchen backsplash as inspiration.
Real Estate
Looking to get more eyes on your listing? Feature a property with a strategically-placed blurb right here in this section that guides readers straight to your listing. Try it out.
Stat
More Lakelanders might be grabbing a bar stool at happy hour instead of stocking the home bar. Liquor store sales in the US dipped roughly 5% last year, while spending at bars rose 4%, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (NBC News)
Trending
Speaking of bars, soft-serve margaritas are the latest TikTok trend, and it seems they’re hard to find. If you see one around Lakeland, drop us a lime line. Until then, we’ll be satisfying our craving with trendy flavors at local ice cream parlors. (The Takeout)
Number
54,000. That’s how many French bulldogs were registered with the American Kennel Club last year. The breed keeps its spot as most popular, but dachshunds are quickly climbing the ranks. Even if your pooch isn’t on the list, treat them like No. 1 at a nearby dog park. (AP)
Outdoors
Researchers at the University of Oxford in England have discovered a new planet — approx. 60% larger than Earth, 35 light-years from our solar system, and boasting a “magma ocean” with “large amounts of sulfur.” Think you can find the next one? Join the Imperial Polk Astronomical Society. (Phys.org)
Sports
Get a taste of Augusta National at home. We don’t just mean on Lakeland’s golf courses — you can order official hosting kits with pimento cheese, egg salad, and other classic Masters concessions. No need to recreate the Azalea Cocktail when you can get the real thing.
Where can you see this sparkling swan? | Photo by LALtoday
It’s not hard to tell how much Lakelanders love swans — just look around at all the statues, murals, and signage featuring the royal birds around our city.
Think you’re their biggest fan? Prove your swan smarts by guessing where to find this swan about town. We’ll start with an easy one, but don’t be surprised if we throw a challenge your way.
Submit your guess below, and be the first to get it right for a shout-out in our next newsletter. Good luck, swan seekers.
Bonus: If you have a swan in mind that you think will stump your fellow readers, send it our way.
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👁️ For even more light-blocking, try this breathable cotton eyemask that’s designed with cooling fabric.
🍬 Try these science-backed meltaway sleep mints that are crafted with melatonin and calming herbs.
🌜 Get this best-selling white noise machine to block out unwanted noises thanks to 20+ sound settings.
I’ve been trying to convince my family, including my pilot stepdad, to visit SUN ‘n FUN for the first time this year, and I think it’s working. The event truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a big aviation buff or just looking for some fun in the sun. Plus, NASA’s administrator and the most unique aircraft I’ve ever seen will be there this year.
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