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Plan Ahead
🗓️ April come she will
Grab food truck bites and compete for the best hat at the Swan Derby. | Photo by @sunshinestatedrones
The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and our community calendar is poppin’ — try to hit as many top events as possible this month.
Lakeland Flying Tigers Home Opener | Tuesday, April 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | It’s almost opening day for Lakeland’s Minor League Baseball team, starting off with a series against the Daytona Tortugas.
Bloom at BSP | Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | The park will come alive with floral installations, garden tours, a makers market, and live entertainment.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo | Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 19 | Times vary | SUN ‘n FUN | $50+ | It’s the 52nd year of this wildly popular expo featuring daily airshows and aviation entertainment for the whole family. Swan Derby | Friday, April 24 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade | Free+ | Wear your derby best to cheer on swan boats racing across Lake Mirror to support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.
Ay Que Rico, a Cuban-American restaurant from Brandon, is planning its first expansion with a location in Lakeland. The owners say it should open this summer at the corner of East Main Street + Reynolds Road with outdoor dining space and fan-favorite dishes. (What Now Tampa)
Community
A $3.69 million Polk County Fire Rescue EMS station is coming near Lake Parker Park. County commissioners approved a construction contract with Strickland Construction for the 7,381-sqft standalone EMS facility, which will serve as a base for medical transport personnel.
Seasonal
Azaleas + magnolias are reaching their peak at Bok Tower Gardens. Visit through the end of April to see the gardens at their most colorful during the Spring Bloom season.
Arts
A 24-ft chair, clowns, wormholes — this roadside attraction in Winter Haven has it all, and we have questions. (Click Orlando)
Feel Good
Are you looking for a beautiful wedding venue on a budget? Uliana Estate is giving a free venue rental to one couple getting married in 2026. All you have to do is share your story or nominate a deserving couple. We love love.
Outdoors
The number of public trails at Se7en Wetlands has hiked up to nearly 20 miles, meaning there’s even more to explore. If you’re visiting, keep in mind that part of the Red Trail is closed while the future Education Center is being built.
Festival
Additional parking is coming to the Florida Strawberry Festival after it purchased a nearby BayCare property. Organizers will use the former South Florida Baptist Hospital land to accommodate the ~600,000 guests who visit the festival each year. (WTSP)
Trending
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. What’s everyone been buying? These top-rated flowy wide-leg pants and this square-neck tennis dress with built-in shorts and pockets. Get in on the savings before deals expire tonight.*
Featured Deal
Not ready for a new phone, but ready for a little extra savings each month? Bring your phone, pay $120 upfront, and get 50% off 6 months of service with America’s Best Network’s most popular UNL 5G Plan.‡*
Editor’s Pick
Expect fewer crowds when watching the launch from the beach or a park in New Smyrna Beach.
NASA astronauts are gearing up to take one more small step for man this week on the Artemis II mission — the first to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The launch is scheduled for tomorrow, April 1 at 6:24 p.m.
Luckily, finding a place to watch this historic launch isn’t rocket science. East coast beaches with great views are only about a two-hour drive away. You can get the closest on the Space Coast, but I think it’s worth driving a bit farther to New Smyrna Beach to beat the crowds.
The Buy
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Don’t miss out on these savings for your best spring season yet:
🛍️ Save $150 on the Dyson Airwrap — that’s the lowest price of the year so far — for flawless blowouts with no heat damage.
🛍️ Instead of $50, pay $29.95 today for top-rated bluetooth earbuds, perfect for listening to audiobooks during walks on sunny days.
🛍️ Speaking of walks… thanks to a 50% off deal, you can get women’s lightweight sneakers for under $20 today, featuring mesh knit fabric and a memory foam insole.
🛍️ Get luxury mascara for under $10 — tarte’s lights, camera, lashes mini size lengthens lashes and adds volume for 16 hours.
🛍️ A 46% off deal on this women’s UPF 50+ athletic jacket means instant sun protection during warm weather jogs and hikes.
Born & Bread Bakehouse was named a James Beard Awards semifinalist back in January, and the official nominees will be announced today. It’s Lakeland’s first restaurant to get an award nod — we’ll share if it made the shortlist in tomorrow’s newsletter.
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‡Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® 2H 2025 data.
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