$367,000,000. That’s how much funding has been spared for Polk County via the state’s $101,500,000,000 budget.

Let’s break it down starting with the millions:

$56,400,000 is gifted to Florida Polytechnic University for operational purposes as well as completing their new Applied Research Center.
$35,600,000 is awarded to Polk County Public Schools, which will be broken up and distributed for academic assistance, technology assistance, recruiting students, and more.
$35,700,000 is budgeted for Polk’s roadways + other construction projects.
$34,000,000 is contributed towards early learning + pre-kindergarten programs.
$23,300,000 is awarded to Polk State College as operational funding, as well as for building renovations and a couple million for their Winter Haven Campus.
$17,000,000 goes to The Department of Citrus’ funding, including $500,000 for development and $8,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
$7,000,000 goes to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative to conserve and improve Polk’s water.
$5,800,000 is granted to Southeastern University.
$4,500,000 is granted to Florida Southern College.
$2,200,000 is allotted to Lakeland Regional Health for its graduate medical education program as well as its planned behavioral health unit.
$1,600,000 is granted towards the Lakeland Area Mass Transit.
$1,500,000 is awarded to Warner University.
$1,300,000 is granted to Webber International University.
$1,000,000 is gifted to Gilbert Airport in Winter Haven for security gating and appropriate fencing.
$850,000 is allocated for Peace River Center.
$650,000 is granted to One More Child.
$500,000 is awarded to the Polk County Agriculture Center and Extension Complex.
$76,000 is gifted to Bok Tower Gardens.
$74,000 is granted to The Polk Museum of Art.
$64,000 is allocated for Theatre Winter Haven.

#MUSTDO

Show

The Legendary Jon Corneal and Compadres - Hillcrest Live | Fri., June 4 | 7-8 p.m. | 119 Hillcrest St. | Free | Join this home-grown country-rock legend for an intimate concert of one-of-a-kind songs and stories.
Smokepoint w/ La Palapa | Fri., June 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Rock outfit Smokepoint is back at Swan brewing for an evening of music and fun, with food provided by La Palapa.
Hot Reggae Nights with Firelight | Fri., June 4 | 7-10 p.m. | The Poor Porker | Free | Come on our for a no-cover night at the Poor Porker full of jams provided by Firelight.

TryThis

Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention 2021 | Fri., June 4 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 701 W. Lime St. | Prices vary | Come scrapbook in a variety of classes and workshops of your choice.

Saturday

Live Music + Poetry - Open Mic | Sat., June 5 | 7-10 p.m. | 1023 Florida Ave. S. | $15 | A live music + poetry open mic for anyone looking for the opportunity to perform. 🎤
Dayglo Red w/ Salt & Fire | Sat., June 5 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Live music from Dayglo Red + food available from Salt & Fire Food Lab.
Moonquakes w/ Salt & Fire | Sat., June 5 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Live music from Moonquakes + food available from Salt & Fire Food Lab.

Sunday

Swan City Improv Student Showcase | Sun., June 6 | 7 p.m. | $5 | LKLD Live | Come support local students at this Sunday night comedy show.
The Sword Experience - Combat + Choreography | Sun., June 6 | 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | 525 Lake Crago Dr. | $50+ | Join Adrian Paul and the Sword Experience for sword combat, sword choreography, and physical fitness training.
Stadium Concert: The Music of Led Zeppelin | Sun., June 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Chain O’ Lakes Stadium, 588 Cletus Allen Dr. | $18+ | Bring your lawn chair, cooler, and enjoy a great show under the stars to the music of Led Zeppelin. 🎸

MORE OF THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS HERE

📸 @theyardonmass

The Yard on Mass is hosting LKLD Indie Fest again on Sun., June 27 from 12:30-7 p.m. The event (the second in 2021), will showcase local artists hailing from Swan City. To name a few:

Elmhurst
Trellis
Noan Partly Trio
Sweat Out The Devil

Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $10 and in advance here.

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

88º | T-storms | 70% chance of rain

Announced

The Lakeland Flying Tigers have moved up their 4th of July fireworks display at Joker Marchant Stadium (2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.) to June 26 at their home game against the Tampa Tarpons. It's their biggest fireworks display of the year, so you won't want to miss it.
Did you hear about the recent announcement of a new Halloween-themed event, "Disney After Hours Boo Bash," coming to Walt Disney World this fall? The event will feature specialty parades, treats + attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Be on the lookout for tickets, which go on sale starting June 15. 🎃 (Click Orlando)

Outdoors

Wildfires have been breaking out all around Polk County this week due to the dry weather and lack of substantial rain. The most affected area so far is Lakeland Highlands Scrub with 30 acres affected. At the last mention of the fire, it was 95% contained, however, still active. (The Ledger)

Development

The Polk County Planning Commission approved the rezoning of ImperiaLakes Golf Course. The vote was unanimous and allows the golf course to build 1 home per acre on the grounds. This would bring the total number of homes to 188. (The Ledger)

Number

$500,000. That's how much is funding is needed to build and operate the African American Historical Museum of Lakeland. The museum would feature historical artifacts from Lakeland's Black neighborhoods, businesses + churches, with the hopes to open by 2023. (WFTS)

Civic

WonderHere, a private school hoping to build in a residential area, was rejected by the Polk County Planning Commission. The school, currently located in Downtown Lakeland, was hoping to move to an almost 10-acre lot off of U.S. 98 S. The decision was made in an effort to keep the area residential. (The Ledger)

Lakelander

Lakeland's own alt-rock artist MrENC performed last night at downtown Tampa's "Rock the Park" event. The 90's inspired indie artist took the stage to support his latest musical project, "We Do Our Own Thing." 🎤 (Creative Loafing)

Watch

When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, Howl-O-Scream comes out for a swinging wake. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will take place on Sept. 10 through All Hallows’ Eve. Take a stab at guessing this year's houses with their new teaser video here. 🧟

Biz

There's a reason over 3 million people start their day with Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest business news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Unlike most traditional news, Morning Brew keeps readers informed + entertained for free. Ⓟ