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Soak up the SUN ‘n FUN
This year’s theme is “Red, White & Blue at 52,” celebrating the expo’s 52nd year and America’s 250th anniversary. | Photo by Raimo Roonet
Strap in for your annual dose of G-force fun. SUN ‘n FUN returns Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 19. Here’s what to know before you go.
SUN ‘n FUN Express: Travel to the expo on a free Citrus Connection bus from key areas around Lakeland, including downtown, the RP Funding Center, and Lakeside Village.
A balloon race is also planned for Saturday, April 18, between 6:30 and 8 a.m.
Photo by Catapult
Watch:This one’s for you, early birds.Hot air balloons will fly each morning around 7 a.m., depending on the weather.
Learn: Guests will get the rare chance to hear from NASA leaders. Administrator Jared Isaacman will share about the Artemis Program at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 at the Hangar.
Pro tips: Bring a card for purchases — SUN ‘n FUN is 100% cashless. We also recommend downloading the mobile app to keep track of tickets, itineraries, and FAQs.
Talbot House Ministries will get a new hearing for its potential move to Memorial Boulevard after the Planning and Zoning Board denied its rezoning request in December. City commissioners approved its appeal yesterday, and a de novo hearing is set for Monday, April 20. (LkldNow)
Edu
Are school start times changing next year? PCPS confirmed that start times will remain the same in the 2026-2027 school year after a previous law that would have pushed them later was repealed. Sorry to high schoolers hoping for an extra hour of sleep.
Opening
After opening in Mulberry last month, Buffalo Wild Wings GO is bringing its pickup-only concept to the Oakbridge Center plaza in Lakeland. Join the grand opening on Friday, April 17, and be one of the first 100 in line at 11 a.m. to win free wings for a year.
Award
They’ve got the power. Lakeland Electric earned a three-year Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association. The designation is based on a utility’s reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.
Community
SUN ‘n FUN isn’t just about the airshows and hot air balloons — its main purpose is to raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s youth programs. Last year, 2,501 students attended the expo on field trips, and 30 local students earned private pilot’s licenses thanks to scholarships. (LkldNow)
Ranked
No. 50. That’s where Publix Super Markets ranked on this year’s Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, with 84% of employees calling it a great place to work. Search for open jobs in Lakeland, from cashiers to cloud architects.
Civic
After nearly seven years as Polk County manager, Bill Beasley announced plans to retire in January. The county will soon begin the search for an internal candidate to fill the role by October, so the candidate can learn the ropes before Beasley retires. (The Ledger)
Try This
Next time you visit Black & Brew’s cafe at the Lakeland Public Library, pick up a bag of bird feed with your order. No, it’s not the newest food trend. You can take it across the street to feed the swans + ducks at Lake Morton.
These robots can cross streets, climb curbs, and even drive through the rain. | Video via Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland’s most high-tech campus, is taking another step toward innovation — this time with AI-powered food delivery robots.
Students and staff can now use an app to order meals from on-campus restaurants. Then, one of Starship Technologies’ autonomous robots will roll to their location with their order in tow. Florida Poly joins 60+ other universities with Starship partnerships.
The battery-powered robots use AI, machine learning, and computer vision-based navigation to travel on sidewalks alongside pedestrians. Using a sensor network with radar and 12 cameras, they can map out the campus and avoid obstacles.
Asked
Asked
Should food delivery robots be used around Lakeland?
A. Yes, I would probably use them B. Sure, but I might not use them C. Maybe, I feel neutral about them D. No, I don’t like this idea
A casual maxi skirt with a flattering high-rise design, ultra-soft material, and pockets. Slip it on for an afternoon running errands, dress it up for dinner with friends, and everything in between.
One reader asked if there are any SUN ‘n FUN events focused on women pilots. The Women ACES Brunch takes place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, so add on a ticket to your expo admission to attend. Bonus: The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots will join the exhibitors in Hangar A.
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