Who’s ready for SUN ‘n FUN? We are — in fact, we already got all gassed up about the news that the Blue Angels will make their first appearance with a brand new jet— the F/A-18E Super Hornet, a multi-role fighter jet — at this year’s fest, which marks the first time since 1986 that a new aircraft will be debuted. 🛩️
Photo via @Sunnfun_flyin
The 47th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo takes place April 13-18, 2021 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (4175 Medulla Rd.) as a fundraiser — after the cancellation of the 2020 in-person fest — to help support the Aerospace Center for Excellence. As a reminder, SUN ‘n FUN is thebiggest annual convention in Florida and one of the world’s largest annual aviation events.
More fresh additions to the 2021 expo:
• Daily, Weekly + Specialty tickets areavailable online($20+); kids 6 and under get in free. Bonus: Florida residents can purchase a Saturday ticket and return Sunday for free.(Plus, SUN ‘n FUN willhonor 2020 ticket purchases that were not previously refunded — just bring your ticket.) 🎟️ • The expo will follow all CDC, state + city COVID-19 requirements and guidelines to protect attendees. All guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and in some areas masks will be required. More COVID info.😷 • The “Star Dance Spectacular” — the first public drone light show performance at a Florida air show — will take flight Wed., April 14 and Sat., April 17 at 7:30 p.m., ft. 60+ aerial robots with multi-colored aerial light displays set to music. 🎆 • TheSUN ‘n RUN 5K will take place on Sat., April 17 at 7 a.m. Runners will witness 20+ hot air balloons launching as they cross Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)’s taxiways and ramps to the finish line. Register here.🏃 • Maps, FAQs, transportation info, food + drink vendors — Guest Services has it all covered. (Lookin’ at you, Randy’s Superdogs. 🌭) • Explore all the aircraft + airshows, exhibits, and camping infoto max out your experience. 🛩️ Ⓟ
Development ○ A proposed housing development on Medulla Rd. wasunanimously denied by Lakeland city commissioners. Local residents were concerned about flooding, a lack of infrastructure, and traffic buildup in the rural community if the project had been approved. (Bay News 9)
NowOpen ○ Plant City produce powerhouse,Wish Farms, hosted its ribbon-cutting earlier this weekfor the grand opening of their new headquarters. The company will move to the new office which boasts 24,000-sqft and 36-acres. Also on the property is a 125,000-sqft warehouse + cooling facility, a treehouse, walking trails, a lake, a blueberry farm, and more. 🫐 (The Produce News)
Biz ○ McIntosh Unit 3, Lakeland’slast remaining coal-burning plant, will continue to operate through Easter Sunday and shut down on Monday, April 5.Lakeland Electric will then begin a 5-month transition to clean + clear out the site. Click to read more about the transition process. (The Ledger)
Stat ○42%. The percentage of new home loans that went to millennials last year.Looking to sell? From staging to smart tech, the local experts at S&D Real Estate break down how to make your home more “millennial friendly” in their Millennials on the Move video series. Ⓟ
Show ○ Popular blues guitarist, Damon Fowler is coming to Lakeland. A Brandon native, Damon rose to regional fame amongst Central Florida blues-rock fans. He will perform at Lakeland Live (202 N. Massachusetts Ave.) next Fri., April 9 at 8 p.m.,alongside other Florida natives and musicians Chuck Riley + Jason Headley. 🎵 (The Ledger)
Civic ○ Three open commission seats are up for grabs in Lake Alfred + Dundee. Commissioner seat 4 in Dundee is available with 2 possible candidates and the Lake Alfred commission is electing 2 commissioners with 3 possible candidates. Read more about the contenders here. (The Ledger)
Wellness ○Sunday is National Vitamin C Day. Stock up on fresh, Vitamin-C-rich produce like oranges, broccoli, strawberries, kale + bell peppers at GreenWise Market. 🍓 Ⓟ
To help boost this statistic and better the community, Read Lakeland is stepping in to make an impact on our local literacy rate — especially after a year of COVID-19. Presently, Read Lakeland is set to celebrate its 25-year anniversary, in 2022. 📚
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#MUSTDO
MustDo ○ First Friday| Fri., April 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | First Friday is back with a SUN n’ FUN Fly-In theme for the monthly food truck rally.
Dish ○ Spring Pop-Up Series: Blue Dog Craft BBQ| Fri., April 2 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Prices vary | Stop by the outdoor patio at Catapult for savory lunch options like pulled pork, brisket + homemade sides.
Watch ○ Movie night packages at Silvermoon| Fri.-Mon., April 2- 5 | 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | Silvermoon Drive-In Theater | $8+ | Choose a movie package between “Godzilla v. Kong + Rampage” — or — “Nobody and Fast 8.”
Show ○ Elizabeth Ward Live | Fri., April 2 | 7-10 p.m. | The Poor Porker, 801 E. Main St. | Free | Elizabeth will bring the tunes, you bring the good vibes.
Saturday ○ Goat Yoga| Sat., April 3 | 10-11 a.m. | Monarchs and Miracles Farm, 1385 Ewell Rd. | $20 | #ProTip:Bring a closed-back shirt in case one of the furry friends jumps on your back. ○ Lakeland Farmers Curb Market| Sat., April 3 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | 200 N. Kentucky Ave. | Prices vary | Shop from local vendors selling arts, crafts, food + fresh produce. ○ Spring Fling Hop & Shop| Sat., April 3 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Main St., Bartow | Free | Browse crafts, jewelry, plants + food vendors + a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Sunday ○ Easter Sunday Concert & Car Show| Sun., April 4 | 1-9 p.m. | Auburndale Speedway, 5640 E. CR-542 | $25+ | Open to all ages and headlined by Pooh Shiesty + Big 30. ○ Social Sundaze| Sun., April 4 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m. | Jade Fox Lounge, 3010 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $15+ | Unlimited mimosas on this late-night Easter event.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
#Answered: B. With 5,000+ total aircraft operations (an “operation” = a takeoff or a landing) during the Fly-In, the Aerospace Expo has brought millions of aviation enthusiasts to Lakeland Linder International Airport— making LAL the busiest airport in the world for one week — for 47 years(including last year’s SUN ‘n FUN Home Edition 2020) to celebrate the limitless of flight with one-of-a-kind planes, stunt shows, exhibits on flying + aviation history, and STEM education. Ⓟ
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