A guide to Lakeland’s streets + the history behind them
Before the Studebaker building housed Bay Street Bistro + Pressed Books and Coffee, it was an auto repair garage and showroom.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Ever wonder about the historic places + faces on some of Lakeland’s oldest streets? We’re talking about the streets you drive down every day and some of the historic spots that live (or lived) on each one.
Bay Street | In 1925, the Studebaker Building, an auto repair garage and sales showroom, was erected. It also housed the Crescent Club, an active social group, until its refurbishment in 1933.
Eunice Road | Situated between Lake Hollingsworth Drive and South Florida Avenue, Eunice Road has ties to Florida Southern College. The street is named afterEunice Pipkin Barnes (of FSC’s foundingPipkin family), an FSC student from the 1920s who made it into the Honor Walk as the top student of her class. During her married life, Eunice and her husband Zerney B. Barnes lived around the lake, near the college, and helped develop the surrounding area.
George Jenkins (right) at a Publix opening, circa 1969
George Jenkins Boulevard | This might go without saying, but this historic road was named after George Jenkins Jr., the man behind everyone’s favoritesupermarket chain, Publix Super Markets. If you’re unfamiliar with the legend, George incorporated Publix in the 1930s and the chain spread like wildfire across Lakeland and beyond.
Hollingsworth Road | This historic road — which hugs one of Lakeland’s most popular lakes, Lake Hollingsworth — is named after early pioneerJohn Henry Hollingsworth. John settled in the area back in the 1840s, when it was called middle Lakeland. The Hollingsworth family resided in the area for less than a decade.
Interlachen Parkway | Situated south of Lake Parker, Interlachen Parkway was once part of a historic intersection that housed Acton — AKA Lakeland’s arch-nemesis. Formerly located on one square mile, Acton took off in the 1800s but was a thing of the past by the late 1880s.
A map of Polk County pinpointing Acton, FL, circa 1887 | Screenshot via Florida Memory
Ready for more? Click below for six more historic streets.
Blue Grass Pirates @ Winterhaven (7:30-10:30PM) | Fri., Aug. 26 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse, 1708 6th St. SE, Winter Haven | Free | Enjoy wings + burgers while Blue Grass Pirates bring the live tunes. 🎵
Glow Night II | Fri., Aug. 26 | 9 p.m. | Union Hall | $10 | After an electrifying debut, Glow Night returns to Union Hall for more psychedelic music + dancing.
Offshoots Lab: Crafts | Fri., Aug. 26 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW | Free | Stop by the library’s Children’s Department to make any of the leftover summer crafts, like a fish, shark, pirate ship, beach ball, and more. 🧶
Saturday
Bittersweet w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Sat., Aug. 27 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Come rock with Bittersweet Band — Smokin’ Chanchos will be dishing out the eats all day.
Documentary Screening - Rodin: The Gates of Hell | Sat., Aug. 27 | 12-1 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free | Watch a free screening of the documentary, “Rodin: The Gates of Hell” before browsing the exhibit featuring the artist’s work. 🎞️
Public Skate @ Lakeland Ice Arena 2022 | Sat., Aug. 27| 2:30-7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Ice Arena, 3395 W. Memorial Blvd. | $12+ | Rent or bring your own skates for a chilly time in Lakeland’s only real ice arena — book a time from 2:30-4 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. ⛸️
Sunday
Jack Sprouse w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express | Sun., Aug. 28 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Listen as Jack Sprouse sings classic country songs and Jimmy’s cooks up lobster rolls and more.
What are you wearing to Venue Salon’s benefit dinner? 👀
Presented by a LALtoday Partner
Dressing in your dream style without the steep price tags + unnecessary clothing consumption? Yes, please. | GIF provided by Rent the Runway
Start planning a killer outfit, LAL — Venue Salon’s Breast Cancer Benefit Dinner is right around the corner (Sat., Oct. 8, to be exact), and it’s time to show up + show out for a great cause.
Stumped on what to wear? Try Rent the Runway — a sustainable fashion service that offers one-time rentals (and recurring subscriptions 👀) of high-quality designer clothing for parties, vacations, weddings + special events. All the fashion, none of the waste.
Bonus: You can snag your first fit for 40% off with code 6AMCITY40.*
90º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain 🌧️
Community
The Lakeland Public Library Main(100 Lake Morton Dr.) is reopening on Tues., Sept. 6 after being under construction for the upcoming History and Culture Center. Prior to the reopening, the entire library will be closed from Mon., Aug. 29-Mon., Sept. 5.
The City of Lakeland and Lakeland Plant Swappers are hosting a community plant swap on Sat., Sept. 17 from 9-10:30a.m. at Hollis Garden. Bring garden-related items like plants, seeds, books + tools to swap with fellow gardeners. 🪴
Ranked
No. 15. That’s what Lakeland ranked on Stacker’s list of cities with the fastest growing home prices in the Lakeland metro area between July 2021-July 2022. Lakeland Highlands took the list’s top spot with Mulberry, Auburndale, and Winter Haven ranking at No. 7, No. 9, and No. 14, respectively. (Stacker)
Network
Central Florida SCORE is hosting the fifth annual Women in Business symposium on Fri., Sept. 16 at Catapult Lakeland. Attend to hear from keynote speaker Nicole Welch and Dr. Sallie Brisbane-Stone of The Well, plus other women in business. 🗣️
Cause
The Greater Polk County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is accepting nominations ahead of National Philanthropy Day on Fri., Sept. 30. Nominate a charitable individual or organization here.
Arts
Whether you’re looking for a dance recital, live concert, or Shakespearean performance, Florida Southern College has a show for you. We’ve got our eyes on the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Concert on Mon., Sept. 19 and the opening night of “Hamlet” on Fri., Sept. 30. 🎭
Sports
It’s time for Friday Thursday night lights. Due to a shortage of officials, some high school football games will be moved from Friday nights to Thursday nights. On Thurs., Sept. 29, there are five games on the schedule, notably Lakeland vs. Lake Gibson at Bryant Stadium. (The Ledger)
Drink
Coffee + cocktail lovers alike should head to Red Door Lakeland(733 E. Palmetto St.) for the drink of the week: The Carabeja. This bev features 818 Resposado Tequila, Dubliner Honey Liquer, and cold brew concentrate. Talk about a buzz. ☕
Eat
Looking for a healthy midday snack? Roasted mixed nuts are $13.99 per pound at Publix GreenWise Market through Wed., Aug. 31. 🥜 *
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Culture
6 weekend trip destinations
6 Spring Break destinations within 90 minutes of Lakeland, FL
Sunset Beach | Image via @katelynpschur
Cheers to the weekend, Lakeland. If you’re anything like us, you look forward to rewarding yourself for a week’s worth of hard work with a few days of relaxation + recreation. Whether you’re headed to the beach, an amusement park, or a local attraction, we have something for you to try within 90 minutes of Swan City.
🏖️ Treasure Island, 90 minutes | Treasure Island’s Sunset Beach is a quieter option to its popular counterpart, St. Pete Beach. The area is mostly residential, leaving little room for bustling beach hotels + party crowds.
🎢 Peppa Pig Theme Park, 40 minutes | Next door to Legoland, this park features rides, attractions, and meet-and-greets with Peppa and friends. Tickets for a one-day visit start at $34.99.
🌺 Bok Tower Gardens, 50 minutes | Wander 50 acres of gardens, plus a 2.5-acre children’s garden including boardwalks, play areas, and room for exploring.
Looking for something even closer to home? Try one of thesepublic parks, playgrounds, pools, and dog parks right here in Lakeland.
Editor’s pick: Speaking of weekend trips, I’m heading to Lake Nona this weekend to experience the hype of America’s most comprehensive aerotropolis — that is, a community centered around an airport. I’m looking forward to the self-driving shuttles, everything being within walking distance of my stay, and enjoying a good read by the pool.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We introduced you to our new and improved events calendar, here.
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