We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Lakeland. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Big crowds, big planes, bigger impact
Last year, more than 18,000 cars were parked on Saturday as crowds flocked to the day + night airshows. | Photo by LALtoday
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo generates a local economic impact of more than $60 million, but its influence doesn’t end when the event does.
In a presentation yesterday, SUN ‘n FUN President Gene Conrad shared the numbers from last year and how they impact local aviation education through the Aerospace Center for Excellence.
Attendance
210,000+ attendees
80+ countries and all 50 states represented
15,500 campers
Education
18,000 youth attendees, including 2,501 students on field trips
The search is on for Polk State College’s next president. The college’s Presidential Search Committee is accepting applications through Wednesday, April 29 before final interviews + a public forum in June.
Sports
Over at Florida Poly, Associate Director of Campus Recreation Derek Lower has been named the school’s first athletic director. Lower has worked at Florida Poly since 2017, overseeing student recreation and facilities. The inaugural athletics program begins this fall.
Community
Need a lift? Thanks to a new partnership with the Public Defender’s Office, Citrus Connection is offering free bus passes to help residents in need attend their court dates in Bartow. It’s expected that around 2,000 people could use the program each month. (LkldNow)
Seasonal
Hurricane season is just a month and a half away, but it’s smart to start prepping now. You can use this time to document valuables in your home, take “before” photos, and upload any important insurance documents online in case of storm damage. (The Ledger)
Ranked
WalletHub released its 2026 rankings of the best places to retire. Orlando came in at No. 1 and Tampa was No. 5, but Lakeland didn’t make the list. With activities like this for retirees to enjoy, we beg to differ.
Drink
Krazy Kombucha is stepping up its farmers market game, rolling in with its new +Superfood Bar on wheels this Saturday. The truck will have kombucha on tap, plus smoothies and bowls. Find it in a new spot: north of the railroad tracks.
Plan Ahead
Pitmasters in Paradise, an island-inspired BBQ festival, is coming to Central Florida. Head to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale Friday, April 24-Saturday, April 25, to taste BBQ from top pitmasters as they vie for bragging rights in the third and final competition of the 2026 Triple Crown of BBQ.*
Job
Join Lakeland Regional Health for its 2026 Annual Career Expo on Tuesday, April 28, from 4-6 p.m. at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Attendees can explore career opportunities, benefits, and programs across the organization. Open to clinical professionals, students, and community members. Learn more.*
Finance
“Worth its weight in gold.” That’s how experts are describing this versatile card that offers cash back on every single purchase and up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use, all for no annual fee. See the details.*
Shop
It’s the very last day of Nordstrom’s end of season sale — shop up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like this stunning (and comfortable) jersey maxi dress perfect for date night, vacation, and warm weather outings.*
Category
Try This
Ace our SUN ‘n FUN scavenger hunt
This year, the massive NASA Super Guppy aircraft is the big draw, and guests can take a look inside. | Photo by LALtoday
The SUN ‘n FUN expo campus covers 1,000+ acres, so it can be overwhelming trying to do and see it all. Keep an eye out for these points of interest and try to check off each one on our scavenger hunt.
👚 This No. 1 best-selling women’s short set is comfortable, lightweight, and effortlessly put together.
👖 Get an instant outfit with this striped shirt + wide leg pants set rated 4.5 stars — it’s soft, slouchy, and flattering.
👚 Keep it casual in this sporty two-piece short set that features soft and cooling fabric.
👖 For professional occasions, eliminate outfit guesswork with this two-piece v-neck set featuring a tailored, feminine fit.
👚 Look instantly chic on vacation or sunny days in this sleeveless knit two-piece available in your favorite color or stripes.
Greetings from SUN ‘n FUN. Today’s newsletter was mostly written on the expo campus, with occasional breaks to talk to Thunderbirds pilots (more on that tomorrow). I asked if readers are attending, and 40% said they’re still deciding or planning to see the shows elsewhere. In my opinion, you can’t miss this.
Learn more about the Thunderbirds’ fly-in in tomorrow’s newsletter.
}})
