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Hello Lakeland! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Roadwork detour, young aviators program, and cars and free Kona Ice + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Lakeland help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… 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.
Roadwork detour in Lakeland: Deen Still Road West remains closed until 5 p.m. Aug. 10 for deck work west of Moore Road, with detours via Moore Road, State Road 33, Green Pond, and Rockridge -- see the closure details.
New athletic partnership: Auburndale commissioners approved a three-year deal giving Florida Poly’s new athletics program home venues at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and Auburndale Softball Complex, as soccer begins its inaugural season this month -- read the full story.
Community pays tribute: Winter Haven will mark 25 years since 9/11 at Honoring Our Heroes on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, with a 5:30 p.m. Freedom Walk and ceremony at South Central Park -- read the full story.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
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: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Find something with a story: If your shelves are begging for personality this week, Timeless Antiques and Collectibles curates handpicked antiques, vintage decor, furniture, and nostalgic finds from multiple vendors, with a selection that changes constantly. Perfect for collectors, decorators, or last-minute gift hunters who want pieces with history and character.
Glow-up, Lakeland: From neurotoxins and dermal fillers to Virtue RF microneedling, CoolPeel, IPL photofacials and seriously good facials, Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation brings high-end rejuvenation to a charming historic spa downtown. Established in 2015, they blend clinical skill with neighborly vibes so your skin looks like it slept eight hours this week.
Find your groove: Lionhart Music School turns that "someday I'll learn" into actual songs with lessons for piano, violin, guitar, vocals, bass, and drums. All skill levels welcome, and their Stage-Ready Program helps you move from bedroom practice to confident performances with a supportive crew cheering you on.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
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 Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Homeschool art&reflection @ Pressed25 | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:00 AM – Midweek needs a breather, and this homeschool art and reflection session delivers at Pressed25 Lakeland. Think gentle stretching, mindful moments, and creative mess you don’t have to scrub at home. Small group, just ten kids, and yes, Step Up friendly.
⛸ Christian Skate Night @ Skate World | Wednesday (8/5) at 5:30 PM – Grab the crew and roll into Skate World Lakeland for a wholesome spin, Christian tunes, and that nostalgic rink glow. It is Christian Skate Night with $4 admission and $4 rentals, which is cheaper than babysitting, and way better than another committee meeting.
🛍 Summer Youth Maker Market Series @ Lakeside Village | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Summer evenings call for the youth maker market at Lakeside Village, some kid-powered capitalism, and prime lawn-chair people-watching. Shop jewelry, art, crafts, and baked goods from sharp young makers, ages 10 to 19. Wholesome, surprisingly polished, and proudly local.
🛍 Community Market @ Apostle Henry Ross Sr. Family Life Center | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – At the Apostle Henry Ross Family Life Center, the Community Market brings what locals actually like, local vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids zone, and community resources. Free entry, rain or shine, which in Lakeland means sunscreen, umbrella, and running into everyone you know.
✈ 7-17 Young Aviators Program @ Xavier Aviation | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Have a kid who tracks every plane in the sky? This aviation program for ages 7 to 17 offers hands-on flight training in a real aircraft, ground school, cockpit and radio basics, plus STEM, teamwork, and leadership with pilots, mentors, and guest instructors. Logbooks included.
🚗 Cars & Free Kona Ice @ Fields BMW | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 PM – Because Florida decided to set the thermostat to broil, Cars & Coffee is swapping the roast for free Kona Ice at Fields BMW Lakeland. Same shiny toys and gearhead banter, plus family vibes, a stroll through the latest lineup, and brain-freeze in technicolor.
🛍 Indoor Summer Market @ Lakeland Square Mall | Sunday (8/9) at 12:00 PM – Beating the Lakeland melt is easier indoors, where the Summer Market takes over Lakeland Square Mall with local makers, fresh snacks, and plenty of blessed A/C. It pops up every Sunday all summer, so wander, browse, and pretend you only came for walking laps.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — Lakeland report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 43%
Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 89, with temperatures falling to around 85 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 97. Southeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 8pm, then isolated showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 91°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 73%
Isolated showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. This house is wildThis meticulously crafted Duane McQuillen home in Crescent Lake pairs striking curb appeal with serious wow factor. The chef’s kitchen steals the show with a copper hood, six-burner gas stove, double ovens, and a giant quartz island. A main-level primary suite, Italian-inspired pool area, and upstairs theater add luxe comfort throughout.
Take a peek inside → |
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