Ever wish you were more plugged in to Lakeland? Whether you’re trying to keep up with city news, local biz, or community resources, we’ve rounded up some resources for you to stay informed.

🗳️ Civic

The City of Lakeland — Keep up with the city on the go via Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Pro tip: head to its website for everything from municipal codes and finance to public departments.
The Lakeland City Commission — Learn more about your elected city commissioners, watch city commission meetings, and read minutes from previous meetings online.
Lakeland Economic Development Council — Wondering what new developments, industries, and businesses are on the way to Lakeland? Follow along with the LEDC on its website or Instagram.
Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency — The LCRA works to improve the quality of life in Lakeland by collaborating with businesses, developers, and property owners in downtown, midtown, and Dixieland.
Polk Vision — Stay up to date on community priorities and opportunities to participate in feedback surveys by following Polk Vision.

🖥️ Business

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce — From ribbon cutting ceremonies to local events, follow along with the Chamber of Commerce online or on Instagram + Twitter.
The African American Chamber of Commerce — Polk County — The TAAPP-CC focuses on building connections in Polk County’s African American business community, promoting educational enrichment + economic growth.
The Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County — The PRHCCPC works closely with “local Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Non-Hispanic members of the educational, cultural, and business community.”

🗣️ Community

Lakeland Mom — Looking for family-friendly events, parenting resources, and deals local to Polk County? Look no further.
Visit Central Florida — Use this resource to plan your excursions in Polk County + beyond. It's even featured some Lakeland staples on their Instagram.
Junior League of Greater Lakeland — DYK the Junior League does more than just the Lakeland Christmas Parade? The nonprofit also trains local volunteers to benefit the community through charity and education.
Catapult — Keep up with Catapult to see what startups are making Lakeland home.

EVENTS

Today

First Friday | Fri., Jan. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Head downtown for live music from Expresion Latina, a makers market, classy car show, and family-friendly activities — restaurants and shops will be open late. 💃
Southern Sunshine BBQ Fest Cornhole Tournament | Fri., Jan. 7 | 1 p.m. | Lake Wailes Park, 33 N. Lake Shore Blvd. | $40 | First, second, and third place teams receive a payout at this BBQ fest cornhole tournament.

Saturday

5K to End Human Trafficking | Sat., Jan. 8 | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Lake Silver, Winter Haven | $45 | Run or walk to support the fight to end human trafficking at this 5K — proceeds support Compassion In Action Ministries.

Sunday

B&R Music | Sun., Jan. 9 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Listen to B&R Music + artist Rich Miller while snacking on food from Genesis Caribbean Cuisine.

Monday

Happy Hour | Mon., Jan. 10 | 12-7 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Free | Catch a game of Monday night football + savor select draft beer, wine, spirits, and food for $4.25. 🍺

Tuesday

Blessings and Hope Distribution | Tues., Jan. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Highland Park Church, 2150 E. Edgewood Dr. | Free | Volunteer for the Blessings and Hope food pantry + help distribute food to the community.

Wednesday

Catapult’s Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards | Wed., Jan. 12 | 5:30 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. | Cast your vote for one of the five nominees to win the "People's Choice Award" for this year's 3rd Annual Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.🏆*

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

NEWS NOTES

Weather

77º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Development

Construction on the new James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Lakeland will begin this spring. The new clinic will cost $112 million and will help reduce wait times and travel for veterans in need of care. The clinic is set to start treating patients in 2024. 🏥 (WUSF)

Number

$1 million. That’s how much one Lakeland man won from a Gold Rush Limited scratch off lottery ticket purchased at a Mulberry Publix. The winner, Dean Mills, opted for a one-time lump-sum payment of $795,000 and Publix will also see a bonus of $2,000 for selling the lucky ticket. (WFLA)

Health

Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital have selected a new President, Kidada Hawkins from Alabama. Kidada will replace Steve Nierman on Feb. 21. (The Ledger)
Looking for a COVID testing site? Head to the RP Funding Center, Watson Clinic Urgent Care, and three other locations listed here. (Lakeland Mom)

Watch

This week at Polk Theatre, catch a showing of “Julia,” “Wall-E,” or “Young Picasso.” Pro tip: Polk Museum of Art members get free admission to “Young Picasso” tomorrow, Jan. 8. Show your membership card at the door to claim the offer. 📽️

The Word

Cragel. What’s a cragel, you might ask? It’s Born & Bread Bakehouse’s latest creation. Made up of croissant dough (sans layered butter) that's been shaped + baked into a bagel shape, egg, ham, cheese, and their top-secret sauce, this new breakfast item might just be the perfect addition to your order tomorrow morning. 🥯

Show

Allman Brothers fans, mark your calendars. The Allman Brothers tribute band Steeln’ Peaches is playing at Union Hall on Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $20. 🍑

Eat

Good Thyme just introduced a steak and eggs bowl to its menu, and it's worth getting egg-cited about. The bowl features peppered ribeye, seasoned home fries, sunny side up eggs, plus a biscuit. Swing by from 7:30-11 a.m. to try it. 🍳

History

Oops — did you catch that technical glitch yesterday? If you tried to click our big blue button for more history on Frances Langford before 9 a.m., you received an error message. Worry not, you can read all about her here.

📸 @boktowergardens

Stop by Bok Tower Gardens to get up-close and personal with some of Florida’s finest flora + fauna. If you’re visiting this weekend, consider the “Everything Encaustic” class (that’s painting with hot pigmented beeswax, in case you didn’t know) on Sat., Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or the special viewing of the PBS film “Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America” on Sun., Jan. 9 from 4-6 p.m.

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THE WRAP

Editor’s pick: Cheers to the freakin’ weekend. I’m planning on taking a trip to Born & Bread Bakehouse for one of those cragels (I’ll report back). Katelyn is excited to sip coffee at Black and Brew’s Lake Morton location. Tag us in your weekend photos so we can see how you’re enjoying Swan City. 🦢

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We talked about the woman behind Frances Langford Promenade and Fresh Kitchen’s location on South Florida Avenue, here.