Development details

• ~$1.83 million price tag paid by Onicx for the lot
• Seven stories of residential, retail, and parking space
• ~200 apartment units and walk-up townhomes
• 1,600 sqft of retail space on Oak Street
• Three-level parking garage for residents
• 100 ground-level public parking spaces

Reader feedback

• “How about an @shopdressup ???” — @blackandbrew
• “Any focus on local business will get support from me!” — @variant_berry
• “A juice acai smoothie spot would be nice. Or salad spot. Anything but fast food chain restaurants.” — @savi_stylezz
• “Chicken salad chick” — @bmines5055
• “Whole Foods” — @mschuma1
• “Trader Joe’s , a salad place and I guess a coffeehouse” — @frankied1109
• “Jersey Mikes” — @mschuma1
• “Trader Joe’s!!!” — @eclecticnature
• “We need more small businesses. No more chains 👀" — @ashleyslooks
• “Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Whole Foods We’re begging at this point” — @jasmineritz
• One user (@theinternetjordan) posed the question: “Should @judeforall go in there?” which got the most likes of any comment, with multiple users saying yes.
• "@modpizza / @blazepizza < the only chains I’d want tbh” — @theinternetkelsey
• @marcosvida_ and @annie_leboeuf chimed in with “@lululemon”
• Reader Barbara K. said “Would love a Trader Joe’s, sprouts and European wax center!!”
• Reader Eric T. shared multiple suggestions, including Cava, bartaco, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, to name a few.
• “A smaller version of a Publix deli! With coffees and pasties!” — Reader Lindy Y.
• Reader Judy H. wants to see an Apple store.

• “I would most like to see development include public art in their designs. Public art creates a sense of place and is free and accessible to all. Most cities have public art ordinances that ensure development includes a space(s) for art work that is site specific, works well with the architecture and becomes a visible identity for the project.” — Reader Cynthia H.
• “I hope to see Florida Friendly Landscaping” — Reader Brittany T.
• “Basketball indoor court, jacuzzi, computer room, late vehicle parking options for RVs/trailers, parking garages and onsite storage options.” — Reader Trese S.

• 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.
• Circus Mutt w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Whether you’re looking for a fresh bite or wanting to hear some live tunes, head to Swan Brewing for Circus Mutt and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express.

• Family Movie Night | Friday, Dec. 16 | 6:30-9 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | Watch the holiday movie “Elf” outdoors with a view of Lake Hollingsworth — bring your own chairs or blankets.
• Lakeland Magic vs Texas Legends | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | The Magic take on the Legends at this Holiday Party-themed game — the first 1,000 fans receive a commemorative Swish snow globe.

• The Joinery Dime | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Shop locally-made art, jewelry, handmade goods, and home decor, meet adoptable cats, and try craft cocktails.
• Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 3-6 p.m. | Downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. | Free | Peruse classic cars and trucks from 1995 and older, shop downtown, and enjoy music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 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.
• Florida Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 2:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $15-$25 | Venture to the Land of the Sweets with the Nutcracker Prince in this traditional holiday favorite ballet.

• New Yoga | Monday, Dec. 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
• Winter Haven Tastes of the World Food Tour | Monday, Dec. 19 | 2 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Follow your tastebuds around Downtown Winter Haven as you try delicious dishes and learn their history.

• 78º | Thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
• Bundle up. A cold front is moving down across Florida following a string of severe storms. Highs are forecasted to be in the 60s this weekend, and we can expect strong winds and lightning starting today. ⛈ (The Ledger)

• A new foodie destination is coming to downtown Mulberry. Meet Depot 303, an indoor/outdoor food hall for up to seven micro-restaurants (think: The Joinery in Lakeland). The city of Mulberry plans to complete the $1-2 million project by late 2023 to revitalize the downtown area. (The Ledger)

• The best way to spread Christmas cheer is at Bonnet Springs Park’s first Movie on the Lawn on Sunday, Dec. 18. Wear an ugly sweater and bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch “Elf” — free family activities begin at 5 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m. 🍿
• Santa Claus will be making another appearance this weekend. RSVP online to get free photos with Santa and a chocolate chip cookie at La Imperial Bakery on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Talbot House Ministries has named María Cruz as its new Executive Director, effective in January. As temperatures drop, the nonprofit is seeking donations of urgently needed items for those experiencing homelessness. You can drop off clothing, hygiene products, and food Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 814 N. Kentucky Ave.

• Mason Dalton is scoring big on the soccer field. After winning Player of the Year in 2020 at Lake Gibson High School, Mason began playing for the local team Lakeland United. He’s led the team to the finals — and even earned a pro tryout with Gold Star FC. ⚽️ (The Ledger)

• The concert “Time Barrier Express Rockin’ You Back to the ‘50s, ‘60s, & ’70s,” scheduled for Jan. 21 at the RP Funding Center, has been canceled. Pro tip: You can enjoy Beatles covers at “The Fab Four The Ultimate Tribute” on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the RP Funding Center instead.

• Need a host gift to bring this holiday season? Try Keel & Curley’s newest offering, Black Cherry pinot noir. The wine will be available online and in the Keel Farms tasting room (5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City) starting tomorrow, Dec. 16. 🍷

• Today is the last day that Lakelanders can vote for their favorite local entrepreneur in the first voting round for Catapult’s Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards People’s Choice Award.*

• Don’t rely on payday loans to get through the holidays. A Personal Line of Credit from PEFCU can help you bridge the gap and make the holidays special for your family. Pro tip: You can apply online.*

• 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. ☕ *