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Living in Central Florida means spotting an alligator in spring is less of a novelty and more of an expectation. |
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Look at that toothy smile | Photo via @jenituck
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With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in FL, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning folks to be aware of heightened alligator activity this time of year (due to nesting + mating) and the possibilities of encountering them.
From gator wrestle-mania + to a bull shark’s best friend, we rounded up 6 of the snappiest stories this spring involving our favorite lizard-like leviathans for you to enjoy. ⤵️
• Grappling gators | One Lakewood Ranch man got quite the surprise when he found two gators getting rowdy in his backyard.
• Hungry fella' | A Florida man who spent his life painting marine life found himself between the pearly white teeth of a hungry gator. 60 stitches later, he tells the tale + says he plans to paint his memory of the gator’s green eyes.
• #NoBigDeal | Watch this Florida Man wrestle his dog free of an alligator’s jaws in the water. If that’s not cool enough, he does it without dropping his cigar.
• They see me rollin’ | Usually, when you hear about a gator’s death roll, it’s not in the context of them evading police capture. The escape plan didn’t pan out, but we give this reptile an A for effort and an A+ for choreography.
• Unlikely pals | If this isn’t the most Florida thing you’ve ever seen, what is? Watch this video of a bull shark + an alligator swimming side-by-side.
• Won’t you be my Neighbor? | A Tampa family was greeted at their front door by an 8-ft gator with 2 remaining limbs, likely from past fights with gator aggressors.
Do you have an interesting gator tale to tell? Share it with us. 🐊 |
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| Which #FunFact is NOT true?
Alligators... |
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Have 74-80 teeth in their jaws |
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Display 2 types of "walks" |
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All of these facts are true |
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Weather
○ 86º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
NowOpen
○ The newest affordable housing project, Midtown Lofts, officially opened + is booked to capacity. Located at 720 N. Lake Ave., all 80 apartments were leased in just 2 months. 🎉
Politics
○ Early voting for the May 4 run-off election is now available. Voters can submit their ballots for Shandale Terrell or Mike Musick at the Polk County Government Center (930 E. Parker St.), from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. until Mon., May 3. (The Ledger)
Community
○ The Flight to Honor takes off today. The flight is a one-day event for veterans to fly to Washington D.C. and back to visit the memorials of the wars in which they fought. Priority was given to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans.
Edu
○ Polk County Public Schools’ new superintendent will be elected at a School Board meeting this evening. Whoever is voted in from the five candidates will take over Polk's school district. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. at the Jim Miles Center (4270 Wallace Rd.). (The Ledger)
○ Southeastern University has announced 2 commencement ceremonies for spring graduates. Both will take place on Fri., April 30 at the RP Funding Center (701 W. Lime St.) at 2 p.m. + 6:30 p.m. The events will be live-streamed here; in-person attendees must wear masks + social distance. 🎓
Coronavirus
○ Teenage volunteers between the ages of 12 + 17 are being requested for a clinical trial of the COVID-19 Novavax Inc. vaccine beginning on May 3. Lakeland will be one of 80-90 sites participating. (The Ledger)
○ On Monday, the Florida Department of Health announced 3,513 new cases of COVID-19 and 64 deaths in Florida. That brings FL’s total number of cases to 2,212,097 + the total deaths to 34,912. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines.
WaterCooler
○ Two Polk County students were crowned individual state champions in weightlifting over the weekend. Lakeland High School’s Champ Johnson + Ridge Community High School’s Gregory Hendrix took home gold in their respective weight classes. Those boys sure know how to lift. 🏋️♂️ (The Ledger)
Lakelander
○ Josh Stephens, a Lakelander turned singer and songwriter, was featured in Bay News 9’s “9 questions with…” series. A graduate of Lakeland Christian School, Josh moved to Nashville for college and has just released his second single, “Who Taught You.” Check out Josh’s full interview here. (Bay News 9)
Trending
○ Now, this is a must-see slam dunk: this video showing Polk County Deputy Joseph “Jo Jo” Everett and his hops on the court has made the rounds on socials. Props to Jo Jo for getting up like that in full uniform as well. 🏀 (WFLA)
FeelGood
○ If you head to the Florida State Fair (4800 US-301) this year, add “Gracie” to your must-see list. The silver labrador has stolen audiences’ hearts for her logrolling abilities. You can catch the logrollin’ pup at the “Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show” at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m., in the Louise Serio Ring. (Fox 13 News)
Politics
○ The new 2nd District Court of Appeal courthouse building, for which Lakeland was considered a possible location, will be built in Pinellas County. Lakeland native Sen. Kelli Stargel was a strong advocate for the $50 million project to come to Polk County. (Tampa Bay Times)
TheWord
○ Cyber Insurance. A policy that covers a business' liability for a data breach involving key areas of sensitive customer information — such as Social Security, credit card, bank account, and driver's license numbers. Learn more about how to protect your business + talk to a Heacock Insurance pro here. Ⓟ
ForParents
○ If you are expecting a baby or shopping around for a pediatrician, take 15 minutes to consult for free with Lakeland Regional Health’s pediatric physicians and nurse practitioners. Learn more here or by calling (863) 284-5000. Ⓟ
Finance
○ This no annual fee, cash back credit card has a $200 bonus offer + 3% cash back on the category of your choice (like home improvement, travel, dining or online shopping). More perks? There’s 0% interest for 15 months, plus a 75% bonus reward for qualified customers. Ⓟ
Featured Job
○ We’re Hiring. 6AM City is looking for a passionate, eloquent, and driven Digital Media Sales Representative that is eager to work in a multi-market sales environment with high growth potential. |
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Civic
○ Lakeland Chamber of Commerce HONORS | Tues., Apr. 27 | 5:30-8:15 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $65+ | Virtual tickets are still available for the ceremony.
TryThis
○ Yoga Pain Relief | Tues., Apr. 27 | 6-7 p.m. | Soul Tree Yoga Studio, 330 Doris Dr. | $10 | Virtual attendance is available for this yoga class focused on getting rid of body pain. 🧘
Family
○ Surprise Storytime | Tues., Apr. 27 | 10-11 a.m. | Enchanted Fairytale Hollow, 214 Trader’s Alley | $3+ | Storytime and a meet + greet with a surprise fictional character.
Cause
○ Mobile Food Pantry | Tues., Apr. 27 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, 600 W. Peachtree St. | Free | Registration begins at 11 a.m. 🥫
PlanAhead
○ Downsizing for the Senior Move | Wed., May 26 | 2-3 p.m. | 771 Carpenters Way | Free | Lake Gibson Village is hosting a downsizing seminar hosted by Nicole Ramer of Organized Haven. Nicole is a Professional Organizer and Certified Senior Move Manager who specializes in moving, downsizing, and clearing estates for seniors and their families. Ⓟ
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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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Answered: If you participated in today’s quiz and you guessed “D, All these facts are true”, then you’re correct. Alligators participate in a “sophisticated courtship”, contain up to 80 teeth in their jaws, and display both a “high” and “low” walk.
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📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here. |
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Greenville, SC 29602
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