Polk55+

Reminder: Elections have consequences, get out and vote if you haven't already done so. Vote Your Values!

Shop local!!

Remember when we told you Bedrock Wings was going to open where the Pita Pit used to be downtown? Well, tomorrow is the big day. The restaurant will start dishing up wings, burgers, sandwiches and salads at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
Revisit our article to find out about the owner's plans — including late hours that might be of interest to bar patrons... 🌙⏰
https://www.lkldnow.com/bedrock-wings-moving-into-downtown-space-vacated-by-pita-pit/

You see an empty building, we see Lakeland’s next upscale dinner spot. Meet Hakucho, a Japanese-inspired restaurant coming downtown to 207 E. Main St., between Linksters and Black & Brew.

The new concept comes from Ryan Neal, Lakeland native and owner of Sabu Ramen inside The Joinery. Neal says he expects Hakucho to open sometime this coming spring. Follow along for more updates as it gets closer to opening.

// 📸: LALtoday

Meet Mr. Steve, the man who uses a food truck to deliver free food to people in need "When they roll through, people know they have a hot meal, and that's a service to the community because if it didn't come, some people wouldn't eat."

https://bonnetspringspark.com/light-up-bsp-event-2023/

Light Up BSP - Bonnet Springs Park Join us for Light Up BSP December 15-31 | 6:30 – 8:30PM Get ready for a fantastic, FREE event packed with family-friendly activities spread across two weeks in December! Celebrate the season, as each night will feature unique holiday themes and engaging activities. Don’t forget to mark your cale...

The Polk County Sheriff's Office will host a Fi****ms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, December 2nd, from 8:00 am - Noon.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW for December 2nd - CALL 863-298-6242.

If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Cost of the class is $45; proceeds go to Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable.

This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect on July 1st, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don't allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new fi****ms).

Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Sergeant Bennett or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.

*********YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.**********

*we will have handguns available for the hands-on portion of the course, but we prefer you bring your own if possible.

Polk County citizens who are concerned about having no voice regarding development should PAY ATTENTION to this proposed change. If you're one of those concerned citizens, now is the time to speak up.

Like and share if you agree. . . and let your County Commissioners know how you feel.

Lakeland Pop-Up 'Bandidas' To Open Cafe on Edgewood Drive in January - LkldNow Bandidas will be the 12th food-based business to launch from Catapult into a brick-and-mortar site.

Repost from
•
🍓FIRST FLAT!🍓

Dustin Grooms of with this year’s first flat of the season picked Friday, November 3rd at 7:45 A.M.🍓🍓🍓 Tis the season!

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/from-salmon-shark-best-worst-fish-health-according-experts

From salmon to shark, here are the best and worst fish for your health, according to experts Here's a list of the best fish to consume for your health, and why — with an additional list of which fish to avoid for very particular reasons, according to experts.

City's First 'Solar Microgrid' Neighborhood Planned for NW Lakeland - LkldNow Lakeland Electric is partnering with Highland Homes to create a solar-powered subdivision of 77 interconnected homes.

Lakeland Regional Health Opens Kathleen Road Facility - LkldNow The new location offers primary care and family medicine. An emergency department is coming soon.

Leaving Florida: These are the top destinations for people who move out Nearly 490,000 people who decided to pack up their things and move out of the Sunshine State in 2022. Here’w where they went.

Celebrate Bonnet Springs Park's birthday with a bang Bonnet Springs Park will host a Birthday Bash to celebrate its first year of operations. See what's on the schedule and what milestones the park has achieved this year.

High-Stakes Week For Lakeland Candidates Yields Strong Moments – and Few Stumbles - LkldNow The six City Commission hopefuls have been busy on the campaign trail with only three weeks left to Election Day.

Sheriff Grady Judd will attend and speak at the “Stand With Israel Rally” on Wednesday, October 11, at Temple Emanuel in Lakeland (600 Lake Hollingsworth Drive). The Rally will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sheriff Judd has been asked to be one of the scheduled speakers by the organizers of the Rally.

The Temple Emanuel Community invites those interested to join with them in this unity event: “Join us for a community solidarity rally as we seek comfort and strength through unity at this dire moment in history.”

“The moment we received information about the unprovoked and murderous terrorist attack on Israeli citizens, we put an operation in place to help protect those in Polk County’s Jewish community from anti-Semitic attacks. I unequivocally condemn the horrific and barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists. The level of violence and depraved indifference to human life displayed by the terrorists are almost inconceivable. The victims, their families, and all the people of Israel are in my prayers.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Urgent Deadline Looms for Homeowners with Citizens Insurance - LkldNow The state-backed insurer extended the deadline to Oct. 10, but policyholders who don't respond may have to pay thousands more for coverage.

Get yourself registered now for the next PCSO Active Assailant Preparation Program/Fi****ms Safety class which is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.

The combo class provides a fi****ms safety course (required if you choose to get a concealed permit) AND best practices on how to prepare for, prevent, or respond to an active assailant.

This program is taught by highly trained PCSO law enforcement professionals at the PCSO Burnham-McCall Training Center at 2201 Old Bartow/Eagle Lake Road near Bartow.

The "Run, Hide, Fight" training model will be covered, including tactics and strategies of what to do when law enforcement arrives. Instructors will also discuss the potential role of Florida concealed weapon license holders and the legal justification of "lethal engagement" with an active assailant.

**This class will include firearm use or training and is taught by instructors at the PCSO Burnham-McCall Training Center.***

IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND this Active Assailant Preparation Program YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242 during normal office hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your spot. There are only 40 spots per class so call now before they fill up.

Cost of the class is $45; proceeds go to Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable.

The fi****ms safety is from 8:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a 1.5 hour active assailant preparation training.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS:

Students shall not wear loose hanging clothing and shall wear close-toed shoes. Each student will be required to provide the following:
1- A modern manufacture firearm capable of using modern ammunition.
2- 50 rounds of clean modern manufacture ammunition for the firearm that is brought.
3- Modern manufacture protective eye-wear designed for a shooting environment.
4- Modern manufacture hearing protection designed for a shooting environment.
5- Adequate sun protection. (i.e. hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen)
6- Adequate hydration for extended outdoor activity.
Any questions about this course? Please call 863-534-7200 during normal office hours.



****msSafety

Due to Polk County’s rapid growth, the Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility is approaching its maximum daily flow faster than expected. Today the BoCC approved a $1.8 million engineering contract with Wright-Pierce, Inc. to expand the flow from 6.0 MGD to 9.0 MGD.

It's time to get hungry: Check out your new favorite Lakeland restaurant Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.

The elevated boardwalk at Peterson Park that offers grand views of Lake John is currently closed as engineers evaluate structural deterioration and city parks officials determine whether repairs will be affordable.

Bethel Baptist Church in Socrum to Celebrate 160 Years on Sunday - LkldNow The church was officially founded during the Civil War, although people gathered long before that.

Go treasure hunting at the Lakeland Antique Mall Search through over 40,000 sqft of vintage collectibles and antiques at one of Lakeland's largest antique malls.

Lakeland Christmas Parade - New Parade Route Due To Construction - City News Blog | City of Lakeland Lakeland Christmas Parade - New Parade Route Due To Construction - City News Blog

City News Blog: Lakeland Christmas Parade - New Parade Route Due To Construction

LAKELAND, FL (September 28, 2023) | The Lakeland Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition, enjoyed by the community for generations. The parade will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, following a new route due to construction impacting Orange Street.

Read the entire Press Release at Lakelandgov.net/LKLDChristmasParade23

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approves 2 new property insurance companies Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation said the property insurance market is seeing signs of positive growth with the announcement of two new insurance companies entering the Florida market.

Interesting information about the explosive growth here in Polk County.

Polk County, FL population by year, race, & more The ages, races, and population density of Polk County, Florida tell a story. Understand the shifts in demographic trends with these charts visualizing decades of population data.

Welcome to Polk55+ where we share different events, activities, news, and reviews all focused on living the Central Florida Lifestyle. Follow us as we share local insight, current events, and the amazing outdoor activities that make Central Florida a top destination for seniors 55+.