Have you heard of Delta-8? No, we aren’t talking about the airline company or the faucet hardware. Today we are breaking down the 411 on the agricultural product known as Delta-8, which remains legal in FL — at least for now.

So, what is it?

We don’t want to get in the weeds, so Delta-8 is 1 of 140+ compounds found in cannabis that has become increasingly popular due to the similarity to Delta-9 (aka tetrahydrocannabinol, the scientific name for THC). Delta-9 users have been known to experience feelings of euphoria, increased hunger, and symptom relief.

Basically, the 2 cannabinoids share similar chemical structures + their names.

How does this work legally?

Currently, Florida has not banned Delta-8 + it is available locally. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the hemp plant is legal, however, it has to have a THC level below .3%. Anything above that is illegal in the state, for now.

Where can you find it locally?

Your CBD Store — Some locations selling SunMed’s ABOVE line of Delta-8 tinctures, sprays, and gummies.
Earth E CBD — Shop at a carrier of Earth E products which includes vape, flowers, tinctures, gummies, and more.
Blue Angels Body Jewelry — Candy, cartridges, gummies, and flower.
Bell Family Dispensary LLC — All Delta-8 products here must be bought in-store.
AZ WHOLEistic — Cartridges + oils.

#MUSTDO

TryThis

Creative Writing Critique Group | Thurs., July 22 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Winter Haven Public Library | Free | Share + critique your work with other writers: all aspiring writers are welcome.
Drag BINGO & ThrowBACK Singles Night | Thurs., July 22 | 8-11 p.m. | Federal Bar Lakeland | Free | Kick off your Thursday night with DJ Trinidad followed by BOGO wells and mimosas, plus $5 shots.

Show

Dan Signor @ Jensen’s | Thurs., July 22 | 8 p.m. | Jensen’s Corner Bar, 100 3rd St. SW., Winter Haven | Free | Enjoy the musical stylings of pianist, bassist, guitarist, and vocalist Dan Signor at Jenson’s Corner Bar.
Lakeland Underbelly Sessions | Thurs., July 22 | 9 p.m. | The Pink Piano | $5 | Come out + support the best of Lakeland’s local music scene, with 100% of the proceeds going to the musicians.

PlanAhead

Fabulous Funky Munky at The Fancy Flea Lakeland A Country Brocante | Fri., July 30 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Shop funky finds at this year’s fancy flea — you never know what you’ll find.
Proper Wednesday LIVE | Sat., July 31 | 7-10 p.m. | Federal Bar Lakeland | Free | Enjoy no-cover at the first-ever Proper Wednesday with an all-day happy hour.
Cake and Ice Cream Workshop | Sun., July 25 | 10 a.m. | $60 | In this 3–4-hour hands-on class, learn how to create sweet desserts that combine cake + ice cream, like Cookie-Butter Loaf Cake and Blueberry Moscato Gelato. 🍦Ⓟ

PLAN YOUR WEEK HERE

NEWS NOTES

Weather

92º | PARTLY CLOUDY | 20% chance of rain
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a system in the tropics off the southeast coast of Florida + the US Thanks to beneficial environmental factors like dry air, the system has a low chance of development, around 20% over the next 5 days. (The Ledger)

Cause

Polk County's Toys for Tots was named the best in the nation, since Dave Waller took control 5-years ago. Alongside the recognition for the cause, Dave was also recognized as the top coordinator in the program. (The Ledger)
Students enrolled at Polk State can now apply for federal relief funds for fall 2021 + spring 2022 semesters through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The funding has already helped mitigate costs for students enrolled in summer classes, with funds earmarked to assist students over the next 2 years. 🙏

Civic

The newly updated State Rd. 542 corridor from First Street to Buckeye Loop Rd. in Winter Haven recently received the outstanding roadway project award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida. The improvement project effectively increased traffic flow + enhanced safety and mobility.

NowOpen

More restaurants have reopened at Walt Disney World this past week, including popular spots like Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. To see a full list of re-opened dining locations, click here. ✨

Biz

Ax-Caliber Coffee House’s expansion is officially complete. The spot even hinted at more things to come, so stay tuned. To check out the expansion update, click here.
Tampa Bay Wave has started a 90-day business accelerator program for women-led startups + entrepreneurs called "TechWomen Rising Accelerator." Participants will have access to intensive mentoring, peer networking, investor coaching, and business connection opportunities. The deadline to apply for the accelerator is July 31, 2021. 💼

Trending

Attention travelers. If you’ve been vaccinated for at least 2 weeks, non-essential travel to Canada is back — on Aug. 9 that is. Our neighbors to the north will open up this August to American travelers first, before opening to all vaccinated travelers in Sept. (NPR)

Asked

Lately, we’ve noticed a rise, or a comeback, if you will, in the pickleball trend. From our friends over in Raleigh, Nashville, Charleston, and beyond, it seems the tennis-like pastime is taking the south by storm. Are you pickleballin’ in Polk? Drop us a line and fill us in on the hype. 🏓

Ranked

15. That's what Florida's economy would rank if it were a country of its own, making it the fifteenth largest (hypothetical) economy in the world, beating both Mexico and Indonesia. (Florida Chamber of Commerce)

Lakelander

Meet Catapult Maker Space member Robert Berganza, the founder of Robert Berganza Furniture, who transformed a therapeutic hobby into a business. Read his story. Ⓟ

Job

Looking for a job? Publix is hosting a hiring event for Warehouse Selectors on July 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Those interested can apply for a position ahead of time, however, walk-ins are welcome. Ⓟ

Number

$50 million. The total cost of property damage caused by boat accidents in 2018. Accidents happen, but it can come with a cost if you’re not insured. Make sure you have the correct coverage in place while you are out on the water. Explore Heacock Insurance’s boat insurance options. 🚤 Ⓟ

📸 @thelaltoday

Earlier this week we shared the news that the old Krispy Kreme location on Florida Ave. S. is closed amidst the grand opening of a brand new location on the northside at 3790 US Hwy. 98 N. right in front of the Lakeland Square Mall.

With the closure of the south side location, we asked you to #BeTheBroker and tell us what you’d like to see instead. Out of almost 200 comments, here are the top 5 requests:

Hole In One Donuts
Fresh Kitchen
Chicken Salad Chick
Maple Street Biscuit Company
In-N-Out Burger

Vote which option you’d most like to see here.

#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?

Just use #LALtoday on social media.

THE WRAP

Answered: Yesterday we shared 5 local gyms or fitness hot spots across Lakeland and asked you to share your favorite. Here’s what some of you said:

Adrenaline Body Works — Reader Ashley B.
Elite Personal Training — Reader Ana E.
Satya Life Yoga — Reader Tim O.
Will Power Fitness — Readers Lacey B. + Haylee C.
Burn Bootcamp — Reader Caterin C.
All American Gym — Reader Gerald F.

Don’t see your favorite spot listed? Weigh in here.

💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?

✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.

👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here.

📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here.