Happy weekend, Lakeland! In today’s happening-today edition: New flight routes, free Warhol exhibit, and sunrise yoga + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Lakeland protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Free art destination: Lakeland’s AGB Museum of Art is free to visit, featuring an $8 million expansion, Folklore & Fairytales, and Andy Warhol prints from his Campbell’s Soup and Marilyn Monroe series -- see the Warhol exhibit.
Seasonal travel options expand: Avelo will launch fall and winter flights linking Lakeland with Detroit and Grand Rapids, offering budget options for snowbirds and Tigers fans. Service starts this fall and continues through winter -- check the new flight routes.
Major roadway project underway: Central Polk Parkway expansion will add a 4-lane, tolled 6.5-mile link from S.R. 540 to U.S. 17 to ease congestion and evacuations, with completion expected in mid to late 2027 -- see the parkway expansion.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your fairway fix: Locals in the know gravitate to Lone Palm Golf Club, a private 18-hole Dick Wilson layout later refined by Steve Smyers, where the greens are quick and the vibe is friendly. Add a 13-court pickleball complex and curated dining, then call it your midweek sanity plan.
Quick seafood fix: Riverside Seafood & Chicken is your no-fuss, big-flavor fix when cooking sounds exhausting, with crispy shrimp, fish platters, wings, tacos, and hearty combos that actually fill you up. A Lakeland go-to for fast, tasty comfort that saves dinner and your sanity.
Camp without chaos: Need a quick nature fix that doesn’t feel like a project? Wilderness Shores Ranch & Campground mixes legit ranch vibes with lakefront camping, fishing and kayaking, plus twice-daily longhorn cattle drives and very pettable baby goats. Easy local escape, peaceful and pretty, with real bathrooms and room to breathe.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧘 Sunrise Yoga @ Bonnet Springs Park | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 AM – Beat the heat and your snooze button at Bonnet Springs Park with a free sunrise yoga session and sound bath, courtesy of LRH. Stretch, breathe, and let the bowls hum while the city wakes up, then ride that smug serenity into brunch.
🏳 Polk Pride 2026: Pride in the Park @ Munn Park | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Ready to trade yard work for rainbows? Munn Park turns into Polk Pride’s big family bash, with local vendors, live entertainment, and community vibes that even your grouchy neighbor will crack a smile at. It’s free, all ages, and very Lakeland, in the best way.
🍞 Sourdough Made Savory @ Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – If your sourdough discard is judging you from the fridge, this savory sourdough class rescues your carb reputation with soft dinner rolls and caramelized onion stunners. Learn mixing, shaping, and toppings, leave with warm rolls, a starter, and well earned, dairy free bragging rights.
🎨 Family Rock Painting Party @ The W&P Co-Lab | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Need a low-key Father's Day win? Bring the crew to The W&P Co-Lab for a Family Rock Painting Party that actually rocks, where you decorate stones, swap dad jokes, and leave with a handmade keepsake, a calmer afternoon, and bragging rights for Dad's desk.
👨 Father Daughter Princess Ball 2026 @ Enchanted Fairytale Hollow | Saturday (6/20) at 4:30 PM – Trade the backyard barbecue for a Father Daughter Princess Ball built for Father’s Day, where tiaras are currency and dad jokes reign. Let Dad be King for a night, crown optional, then visit the Royal Wardrobe and Fairy Godmothers, twirl, snack, and collect glitter.
🎷 Jazz Hamilton @ Youkey Theatre | Saturday (6/20) at 5:30 PM – Lakeland gets first crack at Jazz Hamilton’s TIMELESS tour for America’s 250th, a full-on orchestral suite with ballet, choir, and a drumline that salutes vets, first responders, and the whole American tale. Think less backyard fireworks, more goosebumps, polished shoes, and red, white, and blue.
🛒 Summer Indoor Market @ Lakeland Square Mall | Sunday (6/21) at 12:00 PM – Beat the Lakeland sauna and wander the Summer Indoor Market inside Lakeland Square Mall, every Sunday all summer. Think local vendors, handmade finds, gifts, treats, and air conditioning that deserves a medal. New goodies each week, same satisfied mall-walker strut. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Lakeland report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 34%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 104. West southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Heat index values as high as 100. West northwest wind 0 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 94°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 35%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 0 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West northwest wind 0 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis 1935 all-brick Lakeland classic in the Biltmore-Cumberland Historic District pairs serious pedigree with polished updates. Original hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, archways, and a broad Southern porch bring the charm, while the 2020 renovation adds a sleek kitchen, Nest thermostats, and new systems. Three spacious bedrooms and an art-filled hallway complete the picture.
Take a peek inside → |
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