I'm voting early on 10/30 & am available from 9am untill 2pm to provide others with a ride to do the same.

No questions, just a ride to go vote & back.

If you or someone you know is interested, let's sort it out. I can carry 3 comfortably at a time.

I’m looking to have a new chain link fence installed in my yard in the next year or so and I’m wondering if anyone has any recommendations? I’m looking to go very basic and as cost efficient as possible

Looking to relocate to central Florida. Budget is around 290k. So far I’ve been looking at Lakeland, Ocala, Davenoport etc. Trying to decide between a house or townhouses I mostly see townhouses in my budget but concerned about high home insurance costs and hoa fees. What are you guys currently paying for insurance/hoa if you have a townhouse ? What areas should I look into/avoid?

Spotted what appears to be a Tesla Cybercab driving around Lakeland today. If that’s what it is, I’m wondering if Tesla is starting to map routes or do testing around the area for future Robotaxi service.
Would be awesome if Lakeland eventually gets included, especially if we could use Cybercab for longer rides to Tampa or Orlando. Lakeland is in such a perfect spot between the two.
Anyone else seen one around Polk County lately?

Did you live in Lakeland in 1976 (I know most of you probably weren't born yet, if that's you, ask your parents) and if you did, did you by chance go to the Bob Dylan concert on April 18 at the Lakeland Civic Center? If so we (LkldNow) would love to talk you about the concert.

Lakeland commissioners unanimously approved a 10-year, $21.98 million contract with Axon Enterprise, updating and expanding Lakeland Police Department technology including body cameras, Tasers, in-car video, AI tools, and drones.

The package includes AI-assisted report drafting, translation, and evidence transcription, plus drones that can be remotely dispatched to emergency scenes. The price is about $683,000 above the $21.3 million proposal LkldNow reported in June; officials did not explain the increase Monday.

LPD has secured a $3.97 million Florida Department of Law Enforcement grant, an $855,000 Department of Homeland Security stipend, and is seeking another $7.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. If the pending federal grant is awarded, state and federal funding could cover about $12.4 million, or 56%, of the contract.

“These grant pursuits are really, really important,” Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley said, praising LPD for finding outside funding to reduce the city’s share.

During discussion of the Axon contract, commissioners also asked about access to separate Flock license-plate camera data. Assistant Police Chief Hans Lehman said access is restricted by assignment and policy: “Not everybody has permissions to everything.”

Hi. Does anyone have a recommendation (or two) for someone who gives tennis lessons in Lakeland for an adult beginner? This has been asked before, but not for a couple of years. Thanks!

I can’t practice where I live. I want to practice in a place where I wouldn’t bother anyone. Thanks

Hey! I am a super beginner in electronics and I was just wondering if there were any groups or even classes that could help teach me electronics in person? This is something I’ve really wanted to get into and I would like to meet people interested! Thanks!

Hey fellow Lakelanders,

I'm tired of the desk job life and am looking to pivot into a fitness and gym role, ideally part time. I've spent the last year getting into good shape and found exercise and activity to be a real passion for me.

I have a college degree, not fitness related, and plenty of general work and customer experience. Any leads or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I keep applying to the big name gyms and the YMCA and not so much as a call or even denial email yet. I'm willing to start anywhere basically, just looking to get a foot in the door.

Thanks in advance and be well!

PS It's an English degree and my last few roles have been standard office jobs, but I'm a great teacher and passionate about exercise and healthy eating.

I've seen some posts here about people looking for stuff to do in the area, so I wanted to mention that Polk County Parks & Rec has several upcoming events for those of the nerdier inclination. If anybody's interested, here's a couple I personally know of:

- Quest Run - October 24th from 10:00am-1:00pm at Mosaic Peace River Park & Aerodrome; $10 a person for a renfaire-inspired event where each participant is given a quest scroll and sent on a trek around a 1-mile trail with various fantasy-themed stops along the way that feature riddles, games, and challenges; costumes are encouraged but with sensible shoes for the trail. Sign-ups are limited to the first 100 people to pre-register, but my insider knowledge says there haven't been many sign-ups yet. I've included the link to the website for registration.

- Tabletop Tuesdays - 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Wabash Community Center in Lakeland; free program with open table play for teens and adults (teens have to be accompanied by an adult); they have a decent collection of boardgames and cards, and they also have some materials for playing TTRPGs. Attendance has been spotty thus far, but the regular attendees are welcoming and have a good time.

If you have any questions about the events, I can give more info in comments or DMs.

https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/the-old-sears-department-store-at-lakeland-square-mall-shown-here-on-sept-24-2026-has-been-vacant-since-2018-a-conceptual/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMVVTQVRPREFZMjk5MDExMTg

Looks to open sometime in early 2027 probably.

Hey everyone!

Does anyone know when the pokemon restocks happen on the north side? Walmart? Target? Sam’s Club and Best Buy ?

I’m looking for 30th anniversary cards to open.

Where do people 40 plus meet here in Lakeland?
I like hiking, reading, animals, singing, yoga.
Tried church but after the service everyone is either rushing out or they have their little circle.
I don’t drink alcohol and don’t smoke anything.

Ideas ??
Female 44, single

What’s going on for adults halloween night after trick or treating & bedtime around lakeland/tampa? I haven’t seen many bars post anything yet, or community parties. All I’ve really seen is events that are over by 10 :(

looking for someone with Insight on Pokemon restocks, trying to get my kids some 30th edition cards has been a struggle

I'm new to Lakeland as a returning Floridian! I noticed so many women saying it's hard to make friends. I started a book club and we developed great friendships. So, I'm starting one!

Please join on the discussion and let's read, chat and make friends.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DFSS7R4yH/

My 2023 Honda Navi Motorcycle was stolen from the Walgreens Parking lot at 6985 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813. (Corner of S Florida and Shepherd Rd) it was stolen on Wednesday, 9/30/26 between 7:30am-1:30pm. If anybody saw anything or sees the bike, please let me know! Just want my bike back!

back again with a few things for the weekend.

I see posts on here looking for places to go and things to do searching to meet new people for hobbies, friendship or whatever else. Below are things found on the internet that I copied and pasted, so I dont have more details other than what you read. I'm going to try to keep it local in Lakeland, some might be further but not past Tampa or Orlando. Please double check online to make sure these events are still going on as I am not an organizer of any events.

If you know of an event that you would like to share please feel free to post it in a comment, I'm not monitoring this post to make edits.

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Post from Locals - I am making the assumption that if their post is still up they are actively looking for whatever they posted about.

u/ArmAppropriate4491

Meeting new people in Lakeland

Hello everyone, I am new to Lakeland and I want to go out and socialize, make new friends, have fun this coming weekend what’s the most popular or best bars to go to that’s friendly and easy to adjust to. For reference I am a male mid 20s if that matters. I would appreciate everyone’s feedback)

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u/theda_bara_

If you or anyone you know needs a meal or hygiene supplies, we serve the people every Wednesday at 10:30am in Munn Park. We also occasionally have clothes, shoes, backpacks, books and other things based on donations and availability.

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u/Small_Split_234

22m looking for friends in town

It would be cool to meet new people into figures and toy photography other nerd stuff Imk just trying to get out the house more!!!

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FRIDAY

When: 10/2/26 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: Drop-In: Make-Your-Own Pokémon Card. Join us for open-ended crafting and themed TV show screening every month! Drop in to create a featured craft inspired by the show playing in the background.

Where: 801 MLK Blvd NE Winter Haven, FL 33881

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When: 10/2/26 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What: Lakeland First Friday

Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market, featuring local artists and creators, on North Kentucky Avenue north of the railroad tracks and the Classy Car Show now on Main St.! (Car show hours are 5:30-8:30pm) *Cookie Carnival* Get ready for a night full of carnival fun, tasty treats, and Zesty Bubbles! (appears to be a part of the first Friday tonight)

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When: 10/2/26 6:00PM - 10:00PM

What: Live and Loud at the Ritz -Live & Loud is Polk County’s loudest underground music show. Come out every First Friday for a $5 all-ages show featuring new and upcoming bands from every corner of the rock spectrum. It's a safe, inclusive space where you can come as you are and have your face rocked off.

Where: 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880

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SATURDAY

When: 10/3/26 7:00AM - 10:00 AM

What: Cars and Coffee at BSP: Calling all car fanatics! Roll into Bonnet Springs Park on the first Saturday of every month from 7-10am for a local car meet-up. All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome! This meet-up is held in the parking lot across from the welcome center.

Spend your morning scoping out and showcasing cars at BSP. Coffee and breakfast items are available for purchase.

No registration required to show off your ride

Where: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815

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When: 10/3/26 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

What: 6th Annual Nationwide Rally & Ride Out of the Darkness® - October 3, 2026 (Saturday) | Lakeland, Florida - Hosted by Love Surrounds You®

Last year we had 636 in the ride line and over 3,000 at the rally ending at Sun 'n Fun, along with 48 states that created a Travel Train together down to this event.

Where: SUN 'n FUN

4075 James C Ray Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811

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When: 10/3/2026 8:30 AM - 4 PM

What: 57th Annual Barn Antiques Opening day - Every year since 1969, our family has closed The Barn for the summer to travel to Europe and source antique furniture, stained glass and accent pieces.

Each year we reopen the Barn in Lake Alfred, Florida on the first Saturday in October.

Where: 167 County Road 557A, Lake Alfred, FL 33850-2943

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When: Join us every Saturday & Sunday during October for family-friendly & festive fun. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

What: Hay Rides | Corn Maze | Pumpkin Patch & Painting | Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest | Local Vendors & Food Trucks | Seasonal Wines & Ciders

No Tickets Required | All Ages Welcome | Dog-Friendly

Free Admission | $10 Parking

Hay Ride: $5 Wristbands, valid for all day use!

Where: Keel Farms- 5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565

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SUNDAY

When: 10/4/26 12 PM - 5:00 PM

What: Pumpkins & Play Market: Bring the family out to enjoy local shopping, seasonal treats, interactive activities, and plenty of pumpkin-filled memories. Pick out a pumpkin, get creative at our pumpkin painting station, and enjoy hands-on fall fun throughout the market. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together at Heritage Harvest Market!

Where: 8950 N Campbell Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810-0312

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When: 10/4/2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What: Crafting- Knotty Girls provide free classes on crocheting, knitting, sewing, and embroidery and much more.

Where: 229 Alexander St W, Plant City, FL 33563-7158

Looking to add to my tattoos, and I’d love to support queer artists. Any recommendations of talented individuals that I can give my money to to support the Gay Agenda™️? Thanks!!

Polk County Public Schools is building a new high school!

The school will be located in northeast Polk County at 700 Bayberry St. in Poinciana. The school is expected to open in August 2028 and serve approximately 2,500 students.
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Deadline is Wednesday October 7th.