A Florida Fall Front is Coming!

 

 

Matt Devitt Weather, as of 9/23

 

 

Matt Dewitt as of 9/24/26
 

 

FLORIDA FALL FRONT! Cooler mornings and lower humidity are on the way for most of the state as we head into the weekend, especially Sunday. Many will be waking up to lows in the 60s with even a few upper 50s near the FL/GA line...our coolest in months. I Will Enjoy It! Yeah!

 

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 Yes, fall in Florida is still warm to hot with blue skies. Of course it's the rainy season and hurricane season. As of today, there hasn't been a hurricane storm in the Atlantic this year.  This is the longest period without a high level storm since 1914! 

Believe or not, despite the rain this summer, the state of Florida has NOT reached the normal level of inches and is still considered in a drought. According to updates from the U.S. Drought Monitor via Drought.gov, a large portion of the state remains impacted by abnormal dryness and varying levels of drought, ranging from moderate to extreme categories. Central and regional water management districts have reported ongoing aquifer deficits and implemented localized water conservation measures or restrictions. The City of Lakeland has issued water restrictions. We are asked to conserve water.

 Now for some fun:

 

 

 

I saw this for sale on Facebook. I love what it says; I just don't need another sweat shirt. There is only a short window of cool weather in parts of December/January when I can wear it. I need a t shirt with the message.

  

 

Another Facebook Photo

 

I do believe this is an AI graphic. It's adorable, but I've never seen an apple grow like that tail. Have you?

 

 

Photo by Arlene Swinton

 

Photo by Arlene Swinton

 

 

 These amazing photos above of lightening over Sunshine Skyway Bridge are by Arlene Swinton and were shared on Facebook by Matt Devitt, weatherman.

 

 

Now for my photos of dry grass locally for Sky Watch:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Watchful Woman Mural, Lakeland, Florida

 

Watchful Woman Mural

Address: 235 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, Thom Downs Antique.

Artist: Gabriela Jaxon

 

Downtown Lakeland, Florida, has many murals from various local artists. Today I'm sharing one of my favorites.Watchful Woman is considered by many to be one of the most interesting murals. You have to look twice. You can catch this art in the alley by Thom Downs Antiques. I love the colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Many Lakes of Lakeland, Florida

 

 

When you drive around Lakeland, you pass lots of lakes. The City of Lakeland says that there are a total of 38 named lakes within City limits, as well as numerous smaller lakes. Sizes among the 38 named lakes range from 2.5 acres (Lake Blanton) to 2,272 acres (Lake Parker) of which 17 are natural and 21 are man-made. Lake Parker is the large lake behind my condo development. Today I’m sharing a few photos of another lake I passed in my drives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Amaryllis on the Balcony

 

After the red amaryllis finished blooming by my front door last month, I moved the pots back to the balcony.  The white one is going dormant, but I was surprised when the red one grew another bud or two on the balcony.  

 

 

 

 

Last weekend a red flower opened.  

 

 

The next day another flower opened.

 

 

 

 I've been enjoying the flowers all week and they're still blooming. More buds have appeared. I guess the plant didn't need to be in full sun to bloom. This is like a new season of flowers from the same plant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We're still in a drought in Florida despite several light rains. You'll notice lots of blue skies from the balcony.  

 

 

 

 Happy June to everyone wherever you are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Astro Knights Mural, Lakeland, Florida

 

 

Lakeland, Florida, is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, I'm sharing a bright, colorful mural called Astro Knights by C. Stanley Creative. The mural is on the exterior walls of South Florida Gun & Pawn Shop at 844 South Florida Avenue. The owner of the Gun & Pawn Shop requested a bright, fantasy themed piece featuring a knight of some sort.

 

 

 

The mural consists of two astronaut-knights reaching towards a black hole. The design takes into account the mid-wall interruption (the door and awning). These elements were incorporated into the painting, giving visitors the experience of walking into a swirling black hole as they enter the building. The wall was completed with exterior acrylic and spray paint. Size: 88 x 17 feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

 

Gardenia bushes typically thrive in USDA Growing Zones 8–11, requiring warm, humid climates, though some cold-hardy varieties like 'Frostproof' and 'Kleim's Hardy' can withstand Zone 7 winters. They prefer full sun to partial shade, acidic soil, and consistent moisture. In zones 6 or lower, they must be grown in containers and brought indoors. 

 

The gardenia bush in the garden in the center of my condo building has been blooming for the last five days.  It is so wonderful to open my front door and step out on the 2nd floor walkway with a view of flowers. It really makes your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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