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SEU leads the way in ESE services
Presented by Southeastern University
SEU provides opportunities for ESE students of all abilities to receive a high quality education. | Photos provided by Southeastern University
As part of the doll’s advocacy team, Aarushi Pratap, a fashion designer and visual artist, will serve as a spokesperson for the Barbie, amplifying conversations on authentic representation based on her own experiences. Aarushi is a graduate of SEU Link, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) post-secondary transition program.
SEU Link is one of several ESE programs at SEU, with additional programs supporting students with intellectual disabilities from middle school through young adulthood in:
Academics
Career prep
Life + social skills
So, what does that look like for your child? Here’s a peek at the opportunities for ESE students:
225,000. That’s how many solar panels will be installed at Lakeland Electric’s future solar farm, now under construction near Florida Poly. It’s expected to be completed by the end of this year and to supply ~12% of Lakeland Electric’s power capacity. (The Ledger)
Arts
Oil painter Kate Carney has been selected as this year’s featured poster artist for Mayfaire by-the-Lake. Find her painting of Lake Morton ducks on merchandise like posters and apparel during the art festival, happening Saturday, May 9 + Sunday, May 10.
Festival
The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival ended on Sunday — but not before a few more records were set. Forrest Frank became the best-selling artist in festival history after playing to 10,962 fans, and entertainer Nerdy Noah set a world record for the most knives juggled while sword-swallowing.
Coming Soon
Exercise like a Division 1 athlete at D1 Training, coming to the Lake Miriam Square plaza. Backed by football star Tim Tebow, this gym offers sports-inspired workouts for adults and kids alike. Call to become a founding member before the opening date is announced.
Plan Ahead
A buzzy new event is coming to the Black Swan Venue this June. Rhythm and Supper promises “real date nights again,” including a romantic candlelit dinner with live R&B music for just 25 couples. Add your name to the early access list for more details.
Lakeland’s final Winn-Dixie location will soon close to make way for an Aldi. Make your last grocery runs to the North Socrum Loop Road store before renovations begin in mid-April. After that, the nearest locations will be in Plant City + Auburndale. (The Ledger)
Cause
United Way of Central Florida is offering free tax prep services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This year, there are more appointments available, thanks in part to Florida Southern College accounting students. Make an appointment or walk in through Friday, April 10. (LkldNow)
Eat
It’s Taco Week in Polk County. Now through Sunday, March 15, restaurants are serving up deals + unique creations like hot chicken tender tacos, taco egg rolls, and cake tacos. Get a taste and support local biz.*
Featured Deal
What’s cooler than being cool? Carrier Cool Cash. Score up to $1,900 in instant rebates when you install a qualifying new Carrier system with Payne Air for a limited time. Get the offer and upgrade your home’s comfort + efficiency.*
Shop
Skip the regret, bloating, and hangovers when you shop this clean, women-owned cannabis brand, which offers bestsellers like THC pineapple gummies + mini THCA pre-rolls. This March, get 20% off sitewide and a free sample pack of Buzzed Gummies with code POTOFGREEN.†*
Tech
AI has completely changed the cybersecurity game. Scams are smarter, malware is faster, and phishing emails look shockingly real. Protect your devices, privacy, and identity with a leading digital protection plan from Webroot. Save 60% and get protected today.*
Event Spotlight
The CRA will share the draft of its Dixieland updates tonight.
Since last year, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has been working to update its Community Redevelopment Plans through the Restore the Core initiative.
How are things looking so far? Check the draft plans for each CRA district and ask questions at upcoming drop-in meetings, starting tonight.
Downtown Social | Thursday, April 2 | 5-7 p.m. | The Joinery
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Don’t be surprised if you see more of Kate Carney’s art around Lakeland. Alex Lanier created Mayfaire’s featured artwork in 2023, and now his illustrations are on view at the AGB in the “Imaginations” exhibition through next month. Carney also has an oil painting workshop there on Saturday, April 18.
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