For a little debrief, here’s how the art is picked + funded:
First, artists interested in showcasing their art submit their best pieces. Then, a jury gathers to review the pieces and selects the top 10 to be displayed along Lemon St.
Each artist chosen receives a $1,500 honorarium, which they use for transportation + installation costs. Sometimes, with the bigger pieces, even a crane is made available through Lakeland Electric. Once installed, the art will be voted on by locals, awarding one piece, the “People’s Choice” which will give the winner an additional $1,500.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can wander the three blocks between S. Florida + Massachusetts Ave. and get a visual tour of the FLOSC exhibit.
Presently, eight of the ten sculptures have been installed. The final two will be up by the end of the month. Details regarding how to vote will follow.
Share these sculptures with the local artists in your life by clicking the buttons below. ⬇️
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○79º | Mostly Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Development ○ A 268-acresolar farm in the Chicora neighborhoodof Mulberry is being expanded to 415 acres, approved by Polk County commissioners. The farm project, owned by Tampa Electric + built in 2018, will install 100,000 new panels after a controversial 3-2 approval vote by the commission. (The Ledger)
Civic ○ Beginning in April, Lakeland Electric will increase the electric fuel charge by 4 cents per kilowatt-hour(kWh). For the average residential home which uses about 1,000 kWh per month, this means a $5 upcharge on the monthly electric bill. This motion will remain in effect through June.
DYK ○ Lakeland-basedMatzen’s Morphsspecializes in house pets with an exotic twist? There are 40 reptiles for sale like snakes, geckos + blue-tongue skinks. Owner Rene Matzen says our reptilian friends are much easier to care for and feed than the average pet. Stop byRepticon at the RP Funding Center (701 W. Lime St.) on March 27-28 to see the critters. 🦎 (Osprey Observer)
Coronavirus ○DYK Lakeland Regional Health offers rapid COVID-19 tests at their new Pablo Campus Urgent Care facility? With results in 15 minutes, you’ll feel better knowing you have less of a chance of spreading the virus to family or friends. Learn more. Ⓟ ○ On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health announced 6,118 new cases of COVID-19 and 126 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 1,930,232 + the total deaths to 31,387. You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here. ○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines.
Deal ○ Tickets toLEGOLAND Florida are 10% off through Mon., Mar. 8. In partnership withUnited Way of Central Florida, $10 from each ticket sold will go toward improving health, education + financial stability for families around Central Florida. Masks are required for all guests at LEGOLAND, read more about their health guidelines here. ○ Prepare to unbutton those jeans, Krispy Kreme is offering free donuts until March 7. To get your free treat, purchase a dozen glazed, and receive another dozen for free. The Krispy Kreme in Lakeland is located at 4209 Florida Ave. S. 🍩
Job ○ S&D Real Estate is hiring a Graphic Design and Marketing Specialist to join their team in Lakeland. Perks include benefits, paid sick leave, and more. Applicants must have graphic design + photography experience. See details + apply.Ⓟ
The victory is even sweeter considering LCS has reached the semifinals 10 years in a row, including falling just short in the final four times. Coach Jason Streets praised his team, saying “…to win it with this group is just perfect. I can’t say enough about it.” (The Ledger)
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
Show ○ 88Classics Concert Series| Fri., March 5 | 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. | Jade Fox Lounge, 3010Lakeland Highland Rd. | $15 | A showcase of local artists who are making waves with their tunes.
Dish ○ Spring Pop-Up Series: Cult Legume| Fri., March 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St. | Free | Come to the Catapult outdoor patio for Cult Legume’s plant-based meals like their Wholy Burger or Neatballs. 🍽️
WaterCooler ○ FHSAA Boys’ Basketball State Championships| Fri., March 5 | Various Times | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St. | $10+ | All tickets are one-day purchases for up to six games of high school hoops each day.
Saturday ○ In-Person: Docent-Led Tour| Sat., March 6 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free, RSVP | Hear the history of the art, firsthand. ○ Adopt-a-highway cleanup| Sat., March 6 | 9-11 a.m. |1617 US Highway 98 S. | Free | Gloves, bags + pick-up sticks will be provided. 🛣️ ○ Bloomin’ Arts Festival| Sat., March 6 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Main Street, Downtown Bartow | Free | A chance to view + shop from jewelers, sculptors, and other artists from around the world.
FeaturedEvent ○ 4th Annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Runs| Sat., March 6 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | 111 Forest Park St. | $25 | Register to run or walk in the 4th annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run at Viking Stadium.Ⓟ
Sunday ○ The Drowsy Chaperone | Sun., March 7 | 2:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Watch this Tony-award winning show, presented by FSC. ○ Sneaker Ball| Sun., March 7 | 4-10 p.m. | Jade Fox Lounge, 3010 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $15+ | For all the true sneakerheads, bust out the freshest kicks in your closet at this glamorous ball. 👟 ○ Plated Desserts: Deconstructed Workshop| Sun., March 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave. | $60 | Learn how to deconstruct classic desserts by using classic desserts and then style them into restaurant-quality plate-ups. ○ Sensational Sundays| Sun., March 7 | 10:30 a.m.-12 | Family Fun Center | $4.99+ | A play day designed for children with special needs, for ages 12 and under.
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.
