57. That’s how many days there are until the 47th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo (4175 Medulla Rd.). It’s also 57 days until the Blue Angels make their first appearance with a brand new jet— the F/A-18E Super Hornet, a multi-role fighter jet.
The Flight Demonstration Squadron will debut the "Super Hornet" on April 13-18, the first time since 1986 that a new aircraft will be debuted, when they transitioned from the A-4F Skyhawk II to the F/A-18 Hornet.
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They don’t call it “super” for nothin’...
🛩️ 20%. That’s how much larger the Super Hornet aircraft is in comparison to the original airframe.
🛩️ 7,000 lbs. That’s how much heavier the new aircraft is in terms of empty weight.
🛩️ 15,000 lbs. This is the “heavier weight maximum” that the aircraft can sustain compared to the O.G.
🛩️ 33%. This is how much more internal fuel the Super Hornet can carry.
🛩️ 50%. That’s how much more endurance this debut jet can sustain, along with an increase in mission range by 41%.
This year’s event will stand as a fundraiser, after the cancellation of 2020’s event, to help support the Aerospace Center for Excellence — a 22-acre complex located on SUN ‘n FUN’s campus to encourage STEM education.
Quoted: “We are humbled by the support and hospitality the Lakeland community provides us and we are excited to showcase the capabilities of Naval Aviation.” — Commander Brian Kesselring, Blue Angels’ flight leader |
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Want to catch the Blue Angels in action? The squadron is set to perform their debut on Saturday, April 17 + Sun., April 18. Tickets are available now for the weekend starting at $45 per adult for a two-day, Florida-resident ticket. |
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| Have you seen the Blue Angels perform before? |
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Nope — Aviation isn't really my thing. |
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Yes — I'll see them again at SUN 'n FUN. |
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No — But I'll see them this year. |
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Weather
○ 83º | Partly Cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Arts
○ Alex Rich, the Director of Polk Museum of Art was recently named the George and Dorothy Forsythe Endowed Chair in Art History and Museum Studies. Along with his current title as director, Alex is also the chief curator and the chair of Florida Southern College’s Department of Art History. (The Ledger)
○ This morning, applications will be available for interested property owners, looking to take part in the Dixieland Art Infusion Program. #ProTip: Interested parties must schedule and take part in a pre-application consultation with a member of the CRA staff before applying. Ready to go? Apply here. 💻
WaterCooler
○ Lakelanders and NFL twins, Maurkice + Mike Pouncey, have announced their retirement from professional football. The Lakeland High School graduates made the decision together to leave their respective teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers + the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving the NFL with four remaining sets of twins. 🏈
Civic
○ The well-known Chesterfield Smith house in Bartow is facing a bit of a change soon as the notorious 60-ft tall tree that’s growing through the center of it, is being removed. Lee Putnam, the owner of the famous house, says that she’s getting a new roof put on + feels as though this is the right time to take the tree with it. Since moving into the house in 2005, Lee has been unable to determine just how and when the tree was planted due to a gap in the home’s records from 1950-1955. At this time, the tree is on track for demolition within a month. (The Ledger)
TryThis
○ Argh, me hearties, Legoland Florida now offers a brand new pirate-themed water show. Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show kicked off its first performance on Friday on Lake Eloise. The show features over 15 athletes completing stunts like wakeboarding + flyboarding. The new show comes with Legoland’s 10th anniversary which sets sail this October. (Bay News 9)
Coronavirus
○ The Most Magical Place on Earth is not drawing away from mask-wearing anytime soon. According to the CEO of Disney, there will be some sort of social distancing and mask-wearing throughout the end of 2021, regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the same can not be said for 2022 as the parks’ plans are still up in the air. (Click Orlando)
○ On Sunday, the Florida Department of Health announced 5,436 new cases of COVID-19 and 96 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 1,827,373 + the total deaths to 28,779. You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines. Seniors can register for the vaccination here.
Health
○ Having issues with your golf swing because of shoulder pain? Meet Dr. Amanda Dailey, a Primary Care and Sports Medicine Physician tailored to athletes and active individuals ages 2+. From performance tips and concussion education to asthma treatments in athletes, Dr. Dailey can help get you on track and back in the game. ⛳ Ⓟ
ForKids
○ The YMCA of West Central Florida is accepting reservations for both spring basketball and indoor soccer leagues. Registration is open until March 5 and the seasons kick off on March 25 through May 29 for kids between the ages of three and fifteen. #ProTip: Each sport has a different age maximum, so double-check that your child is within the age requirements.
TodayIs
○ President’s Day, aka George Washington’s 289th birthday. Though we may be 900+ miles away from the nation’s capital, our city has its fair share of close ties to the White House – starting with the fact that Polk County was named after President James Knox Polk of Tennessee. Read all about Polk’s presidential connection here. 🇺🇸 |
The Cabana Club Resort officially opened last week. The resort boasts 155 camper + RV lodging stations with 60 cottages for those RV-less guests to utilize throughout the duration of their stay.
The resort, located in Auburndale at 361 Denton Ave., also boasts a splash pad, putting greens + courses, an arcade, and is even dog-friendly. 🐶 |
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Civic
○ City Commission Meeting | Mon., Feb. 15 | 3-5 p.m. | City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave. | Free | Also available for remote viewing.
Cause
○ MEGA Pantry Distribution | Mon., Feb. 15 | 3:30-6 p.m. | Lakes Church, 1010 E. Memorial Blvd. | Free | If you’re in need, pick up a box or bag of prepackaged food. 🥫
TryThis
○ Trivia Mondays | Mon., Feb. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Best team will win a party provided by the restaurant.
PlanAhead
○ 4th Annual Chain of Lakes EGGfest | Sat., Feb. 20 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd. NW | $20+ | Become a taster and sample amazing cooking on The Big Green Egg. ♨️
○ Lakeland Cruisers Classic Car Show | Sat., Feb. 27 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 771 Carpenters Way | Free Admission | Events for the public return to Lake Gibson Village, starting with a classic car show hosted by Lakeland Cruisers. Food trucks will be onsite + masks and social distancing are required. Ⓟ
○ 4th Annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Runs | Sat., Mar. 6 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | 111 Forest Park St. | $25 | Register to run or walk in the 4th annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run at Viking Stadium. Ⓟ
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Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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Polk Catholic Schools Students Group | Photo provided by Diocese of Orlando
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DYK Polk County is home to five different Catholic schools? Polk County Private Schools serve Lakeland + Winter Haven as part of the Diocese of Orlando, with one high school, three Pre-K4 through 8th-grade schools, and one early learning center.
If a Catholic school education is something your family is interested in, here’s the need-to-know info on Polk County Private Schools:
• Small class sizes + technology-equipped classrooms are cornerstones of the schools.
• Tuition assistance is available via several programs. Learn more about scholarships offered here, or fill out a contact form for more info.
• 100% of Polk County Private School graduates are accepted into college and over 75% receive Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.
• Graduates received $25 million+ total dollars in scholarships.
• 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando are U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools + STREAM certified by the Florida Catholic Conference.
• Their mission is to “challenge students to be creative and think critically by integrating compassionate service, moral leadership, and faith to create a more benevolent and just world.”
Learn more about each Polk County Catholic school and fill out the form to request admissions + scholarship information below. Ⓟ
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