Revisiting the Big Freeze of 1894 ❄️

Frozen citrus trees, Bartow, FL | Photo via Florida Memory

Lakelanders typically expect temperatures in December to dip, and while we’re having a very mild winter so far, that was not the case back in 1894 when Swan City woke up to the “Big Freeze.”

On December 29, 1894, four days after Christmas, citrus growers were greeted with a morning frost — merely days after a routine 85-degree morning.

While the first 20-degree freeze was detrimental, a second freeze on Feb. 8, 1895 was catastrophic. Temperatures dropped to an uncharacteristically cold 18 degrees, wiping out nearly 90% of the trees in a handful of Central Florida groves. Some trees even split open, sending loud crackling noises across the farms, startling residents.

General Collection — The first Florida Citrus Commission, circa 1935

Luckily for Lakeland, these freezes had a silver lining. While the surrounding area was negatively impacted, northern counties were far worse, leaving many farmers coming south to the Greater Lakeland area.

Fast forward to 1935, the Federal State Agricultural Weather Service (aka the Federal-State Horticultural Protection Service) was created, along with the Florida Citrus Commission, benefitting growers in Swan City and beyond.

This led to a Federal-State Frost Warning Service, established specifically for citrus growers with headquarters in Winter Haven, Orlando, Wauchula, and Bradenton. The forecasting unit was located inside Lakeland’s City Hall until 1975 when the operation was relocated as a part of the National Weather Service.

Want to learn more about Polk’s citrus industry? Multiple citrus label tours exist around Florida, with one available right here in Polk County.

Take the driving tour to hunt for citrus label markers that were once plastered to fruit-filled crates. Find three in Lakeland at Tigertown Complex (2220 N. Lake Ave.), Florida Southern College, (on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Way & Johnson Avenue), and the Florida Air Museum (4175 Medulla Rd.).

EVENTS

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Wednesday, Dec. 14

Trivia General Knowledge w/ Nick and Billy’s Roadside Grill | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Put your general knowledge to the test at this free trivia night while enjoying bites from Billy’s Roadside Grill.
Winter Haven Beer Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven, 220 Ave. A NW | $45-$95 | Enjoy beer, spirits and spooky stories on this haunted ghost walking tour through downtown Winter Haven.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Lakeland Magic vs Birmingham Squadron | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | Cheer on the Magic as they take on the Birmingham Squadron in this School Day-themed game.
Songs of Christmas Past - A Community Outreach Program | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Heritage Park, 8950 N. Campbell Rd., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the history behind your favorite Christmas carols and the time periods in which they were written.

Friday, Dec. 16

Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | View Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” | Friday, Dec. 16 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | See a musical adaptation of this beloved television special, filled with holiday hits and favorite characters.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Shop produce, plants, and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly downtown farmer’s market.
Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 1-2 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | $20 | Get your flow on with a beginner-friendly yoga class surrounded by baby goats.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | Saturday, Dec. 24, Saturday, Dec. 24 | 5 p.m. | Trinity Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Everyone is invited to Trinity Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.*

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

Center for Independent Living in Central Florida

NEWS NOTES

Weather

81º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Opening

Silver Ring fans, rejoice. The Lakeland staple formerly at 217 N. Kentucky Ave. is reopening at VFW Post 2297 (306 S. Central Ave.) tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 15. The biz closed its doors earlier this year and had plans to move in with Crispers across Munn Park, but Crispers closed shortly after. 🥪

Number

13,000. That’s how many building permits were approved in Polk County last year. As Florida’s fastest-growing county and the fifth fastest-growing county in the nation, Polk (and particularly, the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metro Area) is home to many upcoming developments — here are a few we have our eyes on. (Forbes)

Biz

The Phillips Photographers building (1505 S. Florida Ave.) is being sold to Patterson Publishing, the publishers of Lakelander Magazine, this week. Robin Phillips, who inherited the business from his father, Dick Phillips, plans to move from wedding photography into photo restoration and no longer needs the building. 📸 (LkldNow)
Voting is open for Catapult’s Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards, an annual celebration of the startups in our community and those who support them. Lakelanders can vote for their favorite local entrepreneur for the People’s Choice Award during the first voting round through Thursday, Dec. 15.*

Development

The Bartow City Commission will make a decision on a possible affordable housing project in east Bartow next month. Presently, the development would include 250 units for older adults and workforce residents near a tentatively to-be-rehabilitated historic cigar factory. (The Ledger)

Holiday

If your ideal holiday includes some fresh air, Bonnet Springs Park will be open on Christmas Eve (Saturday, Dec. 24) from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Christmas Day (Sunday, Dec. 25) from 12-6 p.m. 🎄
Holiday events are popping up at The Terrace Hotel. Make your reservations for the Christmas Day Grand Buffet, with seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ring in the new year at their New Year’s Eve Grand Buffet & Afterparty for a buffet, countdown, and midnight afterparty.

Health

Holiday cheer isn’t the only thing spreading this season. The CDC reported “high” flu activity in our state this season. Find a flu vaccine near you — there may even be a needleless option. (Verywell Health)

Award

S&D Real Estate Services agent Tammie Hampton was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2022 at The Lakeland Realtors’ Installation and Awards luncheon Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 12. Tammie is known for devoting her time and talents to those around her. Congratulations, Tammie. 🏆

Shop

What gifts are on the radar this season? City Editor Rilee is ready to sport this best city rainbow crewneck sweatshirt, and City Editor Connor is ready to show off this LALtoday knit beanie. Shop these unique gifts + more at our online shop Six & Main. 🛍️

Drink

It’s time for a holiday cheers. Make this coconut-based cocktail (a classic Puerto Rican holiday drink similar to Egg Nog) for your next at-home happy hour.*

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*

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HISTORY

On the subject of colder days...

”Willy Wofson, left, is surprised and delighted with the light dusting of snow that fell in Lakeland, Florida in January 1982. Snow was a rare occurrence in Lakeland, having previously snowed in 1977.” | Photo via the Lakeland Public Library

...raise your hand if you remember FL’s “great snowfall” of 1977. ✋

In case you missed it, or don’t remember, here’s what happened: On Jan. 19, 1977, Floridians (Lakelanders included) awoke to snowfall, bringing in two inches in some spots.

While the snow day did cause a few mishaps for Florida residents (like car accidents and a few frozen crops), it seemed as though most celebrated the once-in-a-lifetime snowfall with activities like catching flakes on their tongues and making hot chocolate.

Click the button below for three snowtable facts about Florida’s relationship with snow days.

FLORIDA'S WHITE CHRISTMAS AND MORE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Writing history pieces is one of my favorite parts of my job. The first time I was ever really excited about something I wrote was when I published this piece on the now-extinct Chalet Suzanne. A few other history must-reads (in my opinion) are:

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared some holiday activities based on your Enneagram type, 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.

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