Say cheese 📸

An indoor hanging bench decorated with Christmas pillows near a stack of gifts and ornaments.

This Lakeland studio looks and feels like home. | Photo via @raeonfilmphotography

Make room on your refrigerator, it’s holiday card season. Save yourself the stress of deep cleaning and decorating your own backdrop this year by having your holiday photos taken at one of these Lakeland locations.

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
Nothing says “holidays in Florida” quite like a sunny day over a snow-less field. Show your out-of-state friends and relatives how we celebrate the season with a holiday photo taken at Lakeland’s new 168-acre public park.

A low wooden table adorned with taper candles and gold bottle brush trees surrounded by pillows for seating — Picture a cozy holiday card with you and yours seated around this table.

Refine Studio, 815 N. Florida Ave.
Lovers of natural light should check out this spot boasting floor-to-ceiling west-facing windows. This blank-slate-styled space is perfect for those looking to bring their own props or backdrops for a fully customized set.

Shutter Swan Studios, 1423 Spruce Rd. N.
This extra-festive Christmas-themed studio has options for the whole family, from a peppermint mantle to a festive farmhouse and even a hot cocoa milk bath for your little’s first Christmas — see the full suite of options here.

A white fireplace decorated for Christmas with a garland and gifts. — Santa won’t come down this chimney during your photo shoot... probably.

Establish Creative Studios, 1830 Cherokee Trl.
This brand-new studio launched in November 2022, and we’re already feeling the holiday spirit. Choose from three sets: The Holiday Sunroom, Holiday Kitchen, or Holiday Living Room for your backdrop.

The Uliana, 1216 S. Florida Ave.
Have a unique holiday vision? Book a photo shoot session at The Uliana for a minimalist and customizable backdrop — photo shoot rentals must be booked for a minimum of two hours.

Is your go-to studio not on our list? Give the gift of knowledge and share it with your fellow readers. 📧

EVENTS

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Wednesday, Nov. 16

Winter Haven Happy Hour Pub Crawl | Wednesday, Nov. 16-Friday, Nov. 18 | 4:30 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Join this pub crawl to visit Winter Haven establishments like Union Taproom, Grove Roots Brewery, and more.
Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | Free | Learn some new moves from 5-7 p.m., then sing your heart out starting at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17

T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.
Zen Awakening Festival 2022 | Thursday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 1-11:45 p.m. | Zen Meditation Fields, 2505 W. Bella Vista St, Lakeland | $88-$333 | Visit this four-day music and arts festival to connect with performances, meditation, yoga, and 100+ workshops — on-site camping is available.

Friday, Nov. 18

Sixx L Sixx w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Friday, Nov. 18 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | All ages are welcome to listen to live music from Sixx L Sixx and order from the Smokin’ Chanchos food truck.

Saturday, Nov. 19

Complimentary Facial & Makeover Session | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Your CBD Store Lakeland, 3145 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Get a free facial, charcoal mask detox, hand and lip treatment, plus a makeover and refreshments — seating is limited, so RSVP early.
35th Annual Margarita Ball | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 8-11 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | $45 | Bring a toy donation and enjoy an evening of live music, hors d’oeuvres, margaritas, and more from local restaurants and bars.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head at this performance combining circus arts and Broadway-style production.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

80º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Development

AdventHealth is planning a four-story, 192-bed hospital and emergency room in Winter Haven at Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Cypress Gardens Road. The emergency room will open prior to the hospital’s construction, but construction dates are still TBA. (The Ledger)

Biz

This crunchy, cheesy, nostalgic snack is making a comeback at the Lakeland Campbell facility, thanks to increased demand for the snack that... you know the rest. The return of Goldfish production to the facility means new jobs — 25 new positions are now available, paying $15 per hour. (The Ledger)

Stat

58.4% of Polk voters supported a county referendum that provides a 20-year funding source — via a 20-cent ad valorem tax on every $1,000 of taxable property — for the acquisition of environmental lands. In 20 years, approximately $312 million will be raised, with taxpayers spending roughly $30 more in annual taxes. 🌳 (The Ledger)

Open

Milkster Nitrogen Creamery — a new liquid nitrogen ice cream spot in southwest Lakeland — is serving up “unlimited flavors” of ice cream, milkshakes, and La Colombe coffee creations at its new 5178 County Line Rd. location. Did we mention it also serves vegan-friendly options? (LkldNow)

Number

$14.5 million. That’s how much Polk County Public Schools secured in grant funding to expand its magnet school program. Three existing Polk Schools will become magnet schools, offering STEM education, International Baccalaureate programs, and Cambridge AICE programs.
2.2 million. That’s how many gifts Be a Santa to a Senior has provided to older adults since 2003. You can join the effort this year by picking up a Christmas ornament from one of seven Lakeland locations and purchasing the requested gift listed on that ornament. 🎄 (The Ledger)

Show

The Yard on Mass is hosting a Pre-Thanksgiving Bash on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 7-10 p.m. Stop by for live music by Proper Wednesday and Bully For You, plus food from Mary Jane’s Burgers. 🎸

Asked

Could a bike-brary be on the books? Cities like Madison, Wisconsin (hey, 608today) are peddling a new offering: Bicycles. Would you rent a bike from one of Lakeland’s public libraries if they were available? Let us know. 🚲
We’re looking to celebrate city commissioners of years past, so we’re asking our best source (that’s you) about commissioners you remember. Who made an impact on Swan City? Tell us about a mover + shaker who deserves a shout-out.

DYK

Did you know this is your last chance to share your Black Friday deals with our LALtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by today, Wed., Nov. 16.

Seasonal

‘Tis (almost) the season for giving. Pro tip: Snag the perfect gift for your co-workers, friends, and family while supporting local Lakeland businesses with Catapult’s Gift Boxes. See the options. 🎁 *

Real Estate

Looking for max outdoor living in your next home? Meet The Adventurer by Hulbert Homes — a 3, 4, or 5 BD, 4 BA stunner with a three-car garage, den, and flex space. Bonus: The pool + lanai provide year-round relaxation and the home will be move-in ready in December. 🏡 *

Shop

Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoiding a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*

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HOLIDAY

Speaking of putting on your Santa hat...

Volunteers loading up donated toys | Photo via @parkerstreetministries

...Check out these local toy drives taking place in Lakeland.

Kate’s Story Foundation
Drop off new, unopened, and unwrapped latex-free gifts for hospitalized children at Lakeland Regional Health at one of nine Lakeland locations through Fri., Dec. 16.

Parker Street Ministries
Parker Street Ministries is looking for ~2,800 gifts this year. Drop off gifts to 719 N. Massachusetts Ave. by Mon., Dec. 5.

Cops for Kids
Drop-off dates are TBA, but you can start shopping now for a gift appropriate for children aged 12 and under.

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program
Dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at one of 230+ Lakeland locations.

Heartland for Children’s Rudolph Round-Up
Heartland for Children is aiming to provide toys to 1,500 local children. Donate something from their registry at the main campus (215 E. Magnolia St.) by Dec. 17.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Did anyone else spend the better part of their morning in the queue for Taylor Swift tickets yesterday? Connor and I were both lucky enough to score some seats for her Tampa show, and luckily for us, there are tons of other local shows this year that will be much easier to get tickets for — and many of them are even free. Check out our events calendar to see what locals are performing, and where, here.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We told you where to pitch your tent for National Camp Day, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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