Plants really are part of the family

Buckle up for a feel-good story to start your week off on a positive note.

A few weeks back, we received an email from reader Liz C., detailing the life of the family’s Staghorn fern and its relocation to Bonnet Springs Park. Liz shared with us that the fern was a gift from her husband Danny’s best friend back in 1981.

The fern, which Liz lovingly refers to as “she,” hung from a tree in the couple’s front yard, and, according to Liz, “witnessed us raise our family and survived several hurricanes over the years, including Irma.”

And the rest was history. The family donated the fern to Bonnet Springs Park. Liz is delighted that others will see and enjoy her (the fern) just as Danny and Liz did for so many years.

BTW: she doesn’t have a name like Blinky does. What would you name the park’s new fern?

In case you missed it, Bonnet Springs Park is a 180-acre public park coming to downtown west in next year. The park will house 30+ acres of wetlands, an event venue, the new Florida Children's Museum, a restaurant, and more.

In addition to the park's amenities (and now, Liz and Danny's family fern), you'll also cross paths with six types of trees when the park opens in 2022. Click below to be introduced to your tall new friends. 🌳

BARK UP THE RIGHT TREE

EVENTS

Today

Trivia Night | Mon., Nov. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free | Bring your friends to trivia night + enjoy happy hour prices all day. 💭

Tuesday

Wonderland of Lights and Santa’s Village | Tues., Nov. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | The International Market World, 1052 US-92 | $25 | Come out for the first night of Wonderland of Lights to see bright holiday displays and vendors — goes through Jan. 2. 🎄

Wednesday

Beautiful Buns and Royal Nails | Wed., Dec. 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Paint Nail Bar Lakeland, 1486 Town Center Dr. | $40 | Princesses can get their nails and hair done followed by a sing-along + meet-and-greet with Cinderella. 👸

Thursday

Lakeland Christmas Parade | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the holidays and enjoy festive floats, bands + a visit from the Clauses — this year’s theme is “together again for the holidays.” 🎅
After Hours at the Museum | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 4-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free | See the art after hours + join the curator tour beginning at 6 p.m. 🎨

Friday

First Friday: Hometown Holiday | Fri., Dec. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Experience live music, vendors, family fun + play in Rudolph’s games, take pictures with Santa. 🦌

Saturday

Snowfest 21 | Sat., Dec. 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror Frances Langford Promenade | Free | Shop from vendors, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s workshop + enjoy food from local food trucks — bring a canned food donation. ⛄
1969 Live | Sat., Dec. 4 | 8-11 p.m. | LKLD Live, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. | $10 | You’ll think you’ve gone back to the 1960s in a time machine when you hear the band 1969 play the best hits from the ‘60s.

Sunday

It’s a Wonderful Life | Sun., Dec. 5 | 2-5 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $17+ | See the story of George Bailey come to life through a 1940s radio broadcast and ensemble cast.

Monday

Glory of Christmas Concert | Mon., Dec. 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free | Come see the 12th annual Glory of Christmas concert featuring the Chancel Choir and FPC Chamber Orchestra. 🎼

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR WEEK HERE

EDU

Florida Southern’s adult undergraduate, graduate + doctoral programs 🎓

There’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, including our local community heroes such as teachers and healthcare professionals who have helped us keep pushing forward.

And thanks to Florida Southern College, local leaders can emerge in these fields + more after graduating from the school’s top-notch, accredited adult and graduate programs.

Florida Southern offers multiple start times throughout the year for their adult undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs | Photo provided

Florida Southern’s online + evening undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are designed for busy professionals, with perks including:

Convenient schedules + small class sizes
Accelerated programs that can be completed at your pace
Personalized support from expert faculty + academic advisors
Program facilities + resources (like labs, libraries, and assistantships!) to support your success

On average, individuals with bachelor’s degrees earn 65% more than those without, and those with master’s degrees earn 38% more than those with a bachelor’s.

If you’ve been itching for a career change or are looking to boost your earning potential, attend one of Florida Southern’s admission events, set up a meeting with a counselor, and check out these programs to find the right fit for you. 👇*

NEWS NOTES

Weather

69º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

Civic

Downtown Lakeland’s newest transportation service, “The Squeeze,” launches today for its lunchtime services. Read here for more information including maps of shuttle routes and ride prices. (Fox 13 News)

Number

20,000. That’s how many snowbirds — Canadian citizens who spend the colder months enjoying Lakeland’s great winter weather — gather for the RP Funding Center’s annual Snowbird Extravaganza. Although numbers have been impacted by COVID travel restrictions, many part-time residents who weren’t able to be here last year have returned. (The Ledger)

Holiday

Happy ho-ho-holidays, Lakeland. The annual Lakeland SantaCon is just around the corner. This year’s event is kicking off at Swan Brewing Sat., Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m. and will hit other downtown spots, including Dissent, Molly McHugh’s, Federal Bar, and Rec Room. View more details and register here. 🎅

Edu

Polk County Public Schools has announced its finalists for 2022 teacher and school-related employee of the year. You can view the finalists from all seven districts here.

Outdoors

Common Ground Playground will be closed Dec. 6-10 for maintenance and repairs, including tree trimming and equipment maintenance. According to Parks and Recreation director Bob Donahay, repairs are being made in this window of time in anticipation of high foot traffic in the park over the holiday season. 🌳
Have you seen the new signage at Southern Landing Park on Lake Hollingsworth? These new informative signs cover topics like the watershed, aquatic plants, and the animals living in and near the lake. *

Eat

Here’s an easy dinner idea for this week: Grab premade beef sirloin + vegetable kabobs from Publix GreenWise Market and toss them on the grill or in the oven for a delicious, protein-packed meal. Bonus: They’re $9.99 per pound through Wednesday — you’ll save $4 per pound.*

Featured Deal

Today is the final day to earn triple the points on every dollar at The 6AM Shop. Sign up for 6AM Rewards with the same email you’re using to read this now, then see all the ways to earn + redeem points on products designed by local creatives.

Health

Open enrollment for Medicare is now underway, and will be open through Tues., Dec. 7. Learn more about different Medicare plans here.*

📸 @keelandcurleyatkeelfarms

Sort of. Through Nov. 29, you can build your own wine case at Keel and Curley for under $200 — all online.

Here’s how it works: select 12 of your favorite flavors (we definitely recommend the blueberry) and voila, your custom case is ready to enjoy.

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Last week, we asked you what small businesses you shop during the holidays in Lakeland. Reader Becky D. suggested Lloyd’s Antiques, reader Brittany C. shared Hidden Gem Consignment, and reader Donna M. said Yates & Hagan.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? We showed you where to shop local and earn rewards in the 6AM Shop, which you can still do here.