Did you move away from Lakeland only to move back years later? If so, you might be what’s called a “boomerang“.
If you didn’t already know, “boomerangs” are defined as a large number of residents (mainly millennials), that return to the small to medium-sized cities that they previously lived in — whether it be after college or for other reasons. And,according to arecent study, 43%of adults in Lakeland (aged 18-34) live with their parents. In fact, the Lakeland-Winter Haven area ranked No. 14 on a list of the top 20 metropolitan cities for multi-generational families.
Which got us thinking — is Lakeland a “boomerang city”?
So, we asked you via Instagram andFacebook, how old you were when you flew the coop (or didn’t). Here’s what 80+ of you are saying about this “boomerang effect” + what age you were when you moved out:
• “21!Hard choice but definitely worth it!” —@photosbytitus
•“Not my kid. She’s 25, has her own apartment, and is working 3 jobs to make it happen (even with a 4-year degree from FSC). She hasn’t been home since her Freshman year of college. It’s a shame she has to work 3 jobs just to earn enough to live.” —@vamnamaste
• “It’s too expensive to move out! it’s not affordable without (or even with) a roommate that’s in a good neighborhood or big enough. [I’m] a Lakeland native and it’s looking less and less likely to be able to continue living here after moving out. Working full time with other expenses just feels like getting by.” —@backstage_sun
• “My son moved out after graduating high school and has been independent since. He’s 36 gainfully employed and successful.” — @cindyleepenn4045
• “I moved out when I was 22. I moved back in when I was 50 and took over my parent’s house.” —@taylorthe1andonly
• “I was 19. My boys are now 22 and 20 and they still live at home…but not too much longer…maybe… hopefully…I think.” —@kelly.bak3r
• “When I was 19, came to @seuniversity and never left!” —@theactingmom
P.S. – Because y’all were begging for us to spill the tea on where we got this sticker, you can find it at Sage Sisters. Visit their Instagram page here.
Which is NOT a ranking that Lakeland has received in the last 2 years?
Answer located at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
Make like a boomerang and bring this news back to your friend’s inbox.
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○88º | Scattered T-storms | 40% chance of rain
Announced ○ Bartow’s annual L.B. Brown Heritage Festival has beenrescheduledfor May 22 after being postponed last month. The celebration of Black history will still be held at the L.B. Brown House (470 L.B. Brown Ave.) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be food vendors, historical exhibits + live music for visitors to enjoy. (The Ledger) ○ The Citrus Connection and FlixBus USA will offer access to routes to south Florida beginning tomorrow, April 1. FlixBus’ typical route from Orlando to Miami-Ft. Lauderdale(and vice-versa) will stop at the Gow B. Fields Park and Ride (US Hwy 98 +Pyramid Pkwy.). Tickets are sold through FlixBus. (LkldNow)
Coronavirus ○ The number of confirmed cases in Polk County has increased by 21% from 843 new cases in the week of March 14-21 to 1,018 last week. This spike does not yet account for the impact of large gathering events like spring break, Easter + Passover.(The Ledger) ○On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health announced 5,062 new cases of COVID-19 and 92 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 2,052,441 + the total deaths to 33,983. You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on theFlorida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here. ○Monitorthe Florida Department of Health in Polk’s websitefor the latest information regarding vaccines.
Ranked ○ 160. That’s what Florida Southern College’s Master of Science in Nursing program rankedon U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools guide. The program was ranked among 220 other schools and was the first ranking of this magnitude that FSC’s nursing program received. Go Mocs. 🐍
Civic ○ Two seats on the Lake Wales City Commission are up for grabs on April 6. Meet the four candidates and read about their campaign goals here. (The Ledger)
Biz ○ Ready to cheer on a local biz? Yesterday, Cafe Zuppina shared that the popular Meditteranean-style restaurant was chosen to prepare the Tampa Bay Rays’ pregame meals. How cool is that? ⚾ ○Access to free educational events? Check. Networking opportunities? Check. Tools + amenities to help you stay productive throughout your workday? Check. These are just a few of the benefits ofa coworking membership at Catapult. Learn more about becoming a member here. Ⓟ
Lakelander ○ Did you watch Jeopardy last night? If so, you might have recognized Lakelander, Amanda Gaspary. Amanda, a local curriculum specialist, appeared on an episode of season 37 on CBS with guest host, Dr. Mehmet Oz. Way to go, Amanda. 👏 (The Ledger)
Finance ○This no annual fee, cash back credit card has a $200 bonus offer + 3% cash back on the category of your choice (think: online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement).More perks? 0% interest for 15 months plus a 75% bonus reward for qualified customers. Ⓟ
We are just four days away from Easter, and if you don’t have brunch plans yet, now’s the time to get something on the calendar. Charcuterie board extraordinaire, Sabrina’s Delicacies, LLC., is serving up Easter boards with orders accepted until tomorrow.
If you want to dine-in, Cob and Pen will be open for brunch, along with Federal Bar, The Back Nine, and Red Door Lakeland. Nineteen61 will also be open and will offer an Easter Brunch buffet. If you’re looking to hop to one of these spots, be sure to call ahead and reserve your table. 🐇
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
ForKids ○ Hop, hop, hooray | Wed., March 31 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy 98 N. | $20+ | Meet the Easter Bunny + grab a picture.
Active ○ Spring Break-themed party | Wed., March 31 | 5-8 p.m. | Crunch Fitness, 5218 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Music, food + more.
WaterCooler ○ Lakeland vs. McKeel Academy| Wed., March 31 | 4-9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | LiveStream the Lakeland vs. McKeel Academy baseball game on Facebook.
Holiday ○ Exhale: Holy Wednesday Online Service| Wed., March 31 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join First United Methodist of Lakeland’s Holy Wednesday service, virtually, in honor of Holy Week.
PlanAhead ○ Welcome Wednesday Admissions Open House | Wed., Apr. 7 | RSVP for your time slot: 8:30, 9 or 9:30 a.m. | 1111 Forest Park St. | Free | Lakeland Christian School invites prospective students and families to tour the school. Ⓟ
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: If you guessed “C” in today’s quiz, you’re correct. Unfortunately, Lakeland hasn’t been ranked regarding its waterfront views, however, the 863 did:
