Hello Saturday.
March 29 2025
Tonight, Top Chef of Polk County is back.
The event, originally scheduled for April, takes place from 6-9 p.m. at participating chefs’ restaurants with an audience of 25 attendees at each spot. Proceeds from the event will benefit children with special needs in our county via Polk’s Achievement Academy.
Last year’s Top Chef winner, Brandon Bailey with Terrie Lobb Catering | Screenshot via Achievement Academy
Ready to nosh? Here’s what you can expect:
😋 Bite into a 3-course meal from your favorite chefs featuring their popular dishes
😋 Swirl, sip, and salud with friends while enjoying the evening’s perfect pairings
😋 Barter online during the silent auction while you sample
😋 Cheer on your favorite chef as one will be awarded the “Top Chef of Polk County”, “Top Philanthropic Chef” and “Top Philanthropic Community Leader”
This year’s chefs include:
- Chef Richard Hoert, Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc.
- Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland
- Chef Tina Calhoon, Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Chef Brandon Bailey, The Back Nine
- Chef Casey Ryan, 1916 Irish Pub
- Chef Abigale Weech-Starkey, The Chop Shop
- Chef Scott Greenlee, Patio850
- Chef Gene Gelb, Publix Aprons Catering & Cooking School
- Chef Jason Boniface, Cob & Pen
- Chef Josh Lawley, Craft + Kitchen
If you aren’t able to attend tonight, you can still participate in the silent auction, which will close at 8:30 p.m. To partake, click the button below. You can also vote for your favorite chef here.
TryThis
- Let’s Yoga Shine | Mon., May 17 | 5:30 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center, 2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | $10 | Instructor Evelyn Pena offers this class for all experience levels in both English and Spanish.
- Virtual Game Night | Mon., May 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Trivia, charades, Pictionary + drinking games from the comfort of your home. 🎲
Learn
- Tech Assistance | Mon., May 17 | 9:30 a.m. | Mulberry Public Library, 905 NE 5th St. | Free | Call to schedule an appointment for any help you may need with your devices. 👨💻
Family
- Family Fundamentals Class | Mon., May 17 | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | Family Fundamentals, 109 N. Kentucky Ave. | Free | Fun + interactive classes for your little ones aged 3-5, limited to 10 children + masks required.
PlanAhead
- Burger Time | Thurs., May 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4930 Florida Ave. S. | $50 | Upgrade your grilling skills at this crash course on all things burgers.
Lakeland Regional Health has treated over 13,000 patients for COVID-19 since March 19, 2020.
In honor of those impacted, members of the Lakeland Regional Health community, along with volunteers from schools, churches, and community members, have come together to create a display of origami swans. Each swan represents a patient treated for COVID-19, white for those treated + blue for those lost. 💙
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Weather
80º | Partly Cloudy | 0% chance of rain
Development
Coronavirus
Edu
- Preschools are asking for help + new employees after a recent shortage in staff. Many have been forced to close in the past year with more potentially on their way out if the necessary help is not acquired. In Polk alone, there are 200 open positions, which you can view here. (Fox 13 News)
- As we wrap up the 2020-21 school year and look toward the next, Davenport High School shared progress pictures of how far the Broncos’ new digs have until completion. Next on the list? Laying down the pavement for the parking and driving lanes. Check out the progress here. 🏫
TryThis
- With eSports on the rise in Lakeland, Southeastern University is joining in on the fun with an eSports Summer Camp. Occurring this June 7-11, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the camp costs $125 for the week and is open to kids ages 10-17.
Biz
Watch
- Expected to be the largest moon we'll see all year, a supermoon will coincide with a total eclipse on May 26. Lakelanders can expect the best views between 5-8 a.m., although the total eclipse will only last for less than 15 minutes around 7 a.m. 🌕 (Click Orlando)
Regional
ForKids
Health
- DYK that high blood pressure could be harmful to your kidneys? Lakeland Regional Health’s new Nephrologist Umair Syed Ahmed can answer this and other kidney-related questions. Learn more or make an appointment with Dr. Ahmed by calling (863) 284-3965. Ⓟ
Correction
- Friday we asked about presidents in Lakeland in 1984, and we’re pleased to share that you passed with flying colors...Just kidding. We were too excited about the weekend + wrote that the likes of Grover Cleveland were alive in 1984, which would’ve been interesting, but alas, we were wrong, it should’ve said “1884.”
Happy Monday, Lakeland. We're excited to see Krazy Kombucha's completed mural by Gillain Fazio, featuring a bright display of flowers and fruit. What’s one thing you’re excited about happening in our city this week? Share it with us. 🌞
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
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