Real Estate

A historic home with striped awnings and a gable roof

This historic house was home to former Lakeland mayor Edward L. Mack. | Photo via Florida Memory

If the words balustrade, modillion, or porte-cochere mean anything to you, you may be part of the 6% of Lakelanders who live in historic homes. These houses hold a key to our city’s past through architecture, culture, and character — and yours could be the next one designated historic.

Lakeland has seven historic districts: Munn Park, Dixieland, South Lake Morton, East Lake Morton, Beacon Hill, Lake Hunter Terrace, and Biltmore/Cumberland.

The City of Lakeland is currently resurveying the South and East Lake Morton historic districts before moving on to the remaining five. Through this survey, more homes can be registered as historic properties. Homes built before 1973 may soon be eligible for the designation, whereas only homes built before 1940 and 1942 were eligible in two previous surveys.

Mediterranean Revival style historic home in the Biltmore/Cumberland district of Lakeland, FL — This Mediterranean Revival home was built around 1925.

Homes in historic districts can be considered “contributing structures” if they are at least 50 years old and have a distinct and authentic architectural style based on the time of construction. Each district is home to historic architecture styles like the Bungalow and Mediterranean Revival.

Living in a historic home can have benefits like higher property values, environmental sustainability, and walkability. It also comes with a fair share of design guidelines — enforced by the Historic Preservation Board — which assesses current structures and exterior modifications according to the Design Guidelines for Historic Properties.

Historic home in Biltmore-Cumberland district of Lakeland, FL — This Biltmore Cumberland historic home features a porte-cochere (aka a covered driveway).

If you own a historic home and want to alter its exterior, your plans must be approved by the Board. That includes changes to:

Roofs and chimneys
Porches and front doors
Windows, shutters, and awnings
Siding and paint colors
House numbers and historical markers

Want to get a closer look at what these historic properties bring to Lakeland? Check out this interactive map of the seven historic districts, and take a self-guided walking tour of the Munn Park district.

EVENTS

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Wednesday, Dec. 7

Munch & Learn: Holiday Décor from the Landscape (in-person & online) | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 12-1 p.m. | Lakeland Electric, 501 E. Lemon St., Lakeland | Free | Join this class to learn tips for indoor and outdoor holiday decorating with plants and natural materials.
Disney Trivia w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Compete in the most magical trivia on Earth to see who is the biggest Disney fanatic.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Handmade Holiday | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland | $45 | Craft yourself a merry little Christmas by completing holiday projects while sipping themed cocktails.
Harrison School for the Arts Music of the Season Concerts | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $16-$18 | This concert features the Harrison School for the Arts choral and orchestra departments performing classic holiday songs.

Friday, Dec. 9

Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 9 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stroll downtown with Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
Festive Flix, Christmas Edition | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch “The Grinch” lakeside — refreshments will be available for purchase.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Selfies with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Pick up Santa’s checklist to play games and take advantage of photo ops throughout Hollis Garden, including a photo with the jolly man himself.
Lakeland SantaCon 2022 | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 5 p.m.-2 a.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $15-$20 | Don your red suit and participate in this self-guided pub crawl throughout downtown Lakeland — proceeds will benefit kidsPACK.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Second Sunday Artisan Market | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village in Lakeland, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Wrap up your Christmas shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by LAL’s top makers and enjoy festive tunes from DJ Cubis.*
Kids Holiday Ornament Cupcake Class | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 2-4 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 South Carter Rd., Ste. 6, Lakeland | $55 | Kids and teens of all ages and cooking abilities can learn to make cupcakes that look like real holiday ornaments — each baker will take five ornament cupcakes home.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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

OUTDOORS

Still shopping for a hunter or angler this holiday season?

This is the perfect gift for anyone in your life who loves hunting, fishing + all things outdoors. | Photo provided by Sportsman’s Box

Then we have the gift for you. With Sportman’s Box, you can gift up to $500 of gear — for less than $250.

Here’s why folks love it:

The pros shop for you: Every product is independently tested and selected.
Incredible value: You can give 50% more than what you pay.
Guaranteed satisfaction: Seriously, folks really love their boxes.

Snap up this deal hook, line + sinker for your outdoor enthusiast. 🎣 *

CHOOSE A GIFT FOR YOUR SPORTSMAN

NEWS NOTES

Weather

82º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Traffic

When city commissioners met to discuss the South Florida Avenue road diet resolution on Friday, Dec. 2, city staff also recommended improving crosswalks and intersections, evaluating merge areas, making the Peach Line bus route permanent, and more. Commissioners plan to vote upon the resolution on Monday, Dec. 19. (LkldNow)

Development

In a 6-1 vote, city commissioners approved 954 units of housing in the new Gibson Trails community on the former Wedgewood Golf Course. The development’s modified plans now call for 834 apartment units, plus 60 townhomes and 60 single-family houses. 🏘 (LkldNow)

Number

$6.2 million. That’s the average net worth of Florida House of Representatives members — Senate members’ net worth averages $3.87 million. Of Polk County’s House and Senate legislators, all six reported a below-average net worth. Rep. Sam Killebrew reported the highest at $3.7 million. (The Ledger)

Community

It’s not a bird, it’s a plane. Lakeland Linder International Airport released an increased noise advisory as maintenance flight activity takes place. The advisory is in effect through Friday, Dec. 9.

Arts

Get a sneak peek at the Polk Museum of Art’s next exhibit at Polk @ Nite on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 5-8 p.m. DJ Jenks will bring the music while you preview the “Edward Hopper and Guy Pène Du Bois: Painting the Real” exhibit with cocktails from Red Door Lakeland. 🖼

Pets

Today at 10 a.m., SPCA Florida will fly 50+ homeless cats from Lakeland to Maine. There, the cats will be vetted and available for adoption through the Refuge League of Greater Portland no-kill shelter. Those cats must be feline pretty great today.

Holiday

Santa Claus is coming to town — and he’s stopping by The Joinery. Meet Father Christmas on the back patio on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. to tell him what’s on your list and snap a photo. 🎅

Asked

Something new may be coming to south Lakeland. Reader Roseanne G. noticed that the former site of the Red Elephant restaurant (5216 S. Florida Ave.), which closed in 2018, has now been demolished. If you have the inside scoop on what we can expect in its place, we’re all ears.

Try This

Quinteassence Kava Bar is kicking off a month full of events — starting with Goth Night on Friday, Dec. 9. Mark your calendar for these December events, including weekly deals and game nights.

Eat

Born & Bread Bakehouse is changing the comfort food game. Stop by to try the grilled four-cheese sandwich made on the bakehouse’s country sourdough bread today from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Are you the host this holiday season? Impress your guests with a carefully crafted artisan cheese board as the centerpiece for the perfect pre-dinner snack. 🧀 *

Seasonal

‘Tis the season for giving. Need some gift-giving inspo? Snag the perfect gift for your co-workers, friends, and family while supporting local Lakeland businesses with Catapult’s Gift Boxes. Think: Gift boxes filled with unique + locally crafted goods. See the options. 🎁 *

Shop

The holidays are upon us — and for many, that means shopping. Here are five tips to keep your holiday spending in check. 2023 you says “thanks.” 🛍 *

Drink

Got a coffee lover in your family? We can almost guarantee these two products are on their wish list — the Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle and the Fellow Pour Over Coffee Set. Both strike the perfect balance of form and function. Psst — don’t forget the matching travel mug. ☕ *

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HISTORY

Get to know Frances Langford

The dedication of Frances Langford Promenade | Photo via Florida Memory

With so many events taking place on Lake Mirror this month, you’re sure to hear her name — but who was Frances Langford, the namesake for the popular promenade on the lake?

Known as the “GI Nightingale,” Frances Langford spent much of her life right here in Lakeland in the 1910s. Known primarily for her Golden Age glamour, Frances was also a boater, fisherwoman, actress, radio personality, and singer.

Frances attended school at some of Lakeland’s finest institutions and got her start in performing at the age of 17. She made a name for herself in radio while also dabbling in the big screen and stage performances.

Fast-forward to the 1940s, when Frances became known as “GI Sweetheart” or “GI Nightingale.” The star performed alongside other big names like Bob Hope and Tony Romano on USO tours through Europe, North Africa, and the South Pacific to visit injured GIs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANCES

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: If you want to get involved with historic preservation, you can join Historic Lakeland, Inc. This nonprofit is focused on preserving local buildings and landmarks, and it supported the restoration of the Frances Langford Promenade in the 1980s.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Meet five notable Lakeland city commissioners of the past, here.

Connect with us.

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

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

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