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$635 million for I-4 lanes in Polk
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The best part of I-4? The occasional stellar sunset. | Photo by LALtoday
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently proposed a $7 billion transportation initiative — Moving Florida Forward — which includes $635 million for more I-4 lanes in Polk County. If the Florida Legislature gives it the green light, the initiative would bring new I-4 lanes and an express lane between ChampionsGate and US Highway 27. This particular project would be one of 20 congestion relief projects identified in the proposal.

A Google Maps screenshot showing I4

The area in red shows where new lanes could be added to I4.

Map via Google Maps


While we can’t yet say whether or not this proposal will come to fruition, we can point you to projects currently in progress, right here in Swan City.

The City of Lakeland keeps a running list of public works projects — from those already underway (like the Lake Hunter Drive project) to projects slated to begin in early 2023 (like the Olive Street sidewalk). Here are a couple to note:
  • Improvements to County Line Road at US 92 — This $1,570,500 project added a north-bound right turn lane with the aim to “increase the capacity of the intersection.”
  • Drane Field Road and Don Emerson Drive roundabout — To ease congestion near the Publix Super Markets corporate offices and Lakeland Linder International Airport, a single-lane roundabout was funded jointly by the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Lakeland, which put up $2.2 million and $750,000, respectively.
  • Road pavings — The City of Lakeland’s Fiscal Year 2023 road pavings list has been released. While exact dates are TBA, you can view the list to see which roads will be paved, including the start and end point of construction.
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Thursday, Feb. 2
  • John Frinzi w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Musician John Frinzi takes the stage while you chow down on seafood and locally brewed drafts.
  • A Winter Reflection | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your favorite refreshments to hang out with friends while painting a snowy mountain step by step.
Friday, Feb. 3
  • Family Friendly Comedy Show | Friday, Feb. 3 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with Swan City Improv as they make up comedic scenes with audience suggestions in a new performance venue.
  • 19th Annual Rotary Twilight 5K 2023 | Friday, Feb. 3 | 7 p.m. | 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20-$35 | Join a sunset run around Lake Hollingsworth to benefit maintenance at Common Ground Playground.
Saturday, Feb. 4
  • Beacon Hill Fellowship Annual Yard Sale | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Beacon Hill Fellowship, 220 W. Beacon Rd., Lakeland | $1-$150 | Shop and barter for home goods, furniture, collectibles, and more in this multi-family yard sale — cash only.
  • Exotic Car Show | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Head to Bonnet Springs Park for its first car show, featuring exotic and sports cars while supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida.
  • Open House at Polk County Bully Project | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Polk County Bully Project, 5840 Brannen Rd. W., Lakeland | Free | Tour the Bully Project’s new facility to meet the staff, dogs, and vendors.
Sunday, Feb. 5
  • Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 1-2 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | $5-$20 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.
  • Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.
Monday, Feb. 6
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Feb. 6 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., 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.

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

Weather
  • 85Âş | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
Civic
  • The City of Lakeland is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste and End of Life Electronics event on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring your old motor oil, fax machines, and everything in-between to dispose of them responsibly. There is no charge for dropping off items. đź“ş
Community
  • Gregory Smith is aiming to create a violence prevention program in light of the Monday shooting that injured 11 people. Gregory grew up on North Iowa Avenue, where the event took place, and hopes that investing time in the community will help prevent future acts of violence. (Fox 13 News)
  • Calling all readers — The Lakeland Book Crawl is officially on the books for Monday, April 24-Friday, April 28. Check out the map and view the schedule online to plan your route. Each day means a unique deal at the featured bookshop. đź“š
Cause
  • Peace River Center’s Full Moon Howl fundraiser is underway — and your donations could be matched. Give online through Saturday, Feb. 11 and your donation will be matched up to $50,000. Peace River provides emergency psychiatric care, and in 2022, it gave $365,000 of care to area individuals.
Stat
  • 70%. That’s how much Aladdin Market donates from the proceeds of inside purchases to the community. Co-owner Sam Rabi lowers gas prices according to store sales. On Tuesday, the station offered gas for 99 cents per gallon for three hours. Follow Aladdin Market to learn more. ⛽️ (Fox 13 News)
Development
  • Ground has broken on Polk State College’s new Mindful Path Project — an 18-ft long, maze-like walking path. Humanities professor Mary Ann Murdoch hopes it will be a place of contemplation and reflection for students at Polk State. Construction is slated to wrap around the end of February.
Arts
  • Polk Museum of Arts’ program Access Art: Special Needs is returning today from 2-3:30 p.m. Individuals of varying abilities can register online to partake in a discussion and art activity with educator Tinia Clark. 🎨
Drink
  • Bring on the pink drinks, February. Cafe Zuppina is serving up strawberry cream soda and strawberry lemonade slush. Whether you’re craving something sweet or slushy, stop by today from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 🍓
Edu
  • Applications are now open for The Youth Leadership Polk Class VI. Students entering their junior or senior year during the 2023-2024 school year can apply now through Wednesday, March 15 at 5 p.m. The program aims to develop leadership skills in young Polk county citizens.
Finance
  • You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to figure out whether an offer like this can work out for you — without getting confused. Here’s how to decide. đź’¸ *
Traffic
  • What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*
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Your wish is our... wait, we can’t do that

Asked: Which major local project would you want finished immediately?
A rendering of a dog park in Munn Park.
A dog park is one possible outcome of the Munn Park redesign. | Rendering via the City of Lakeland
But we would if we could. If you had the power to instantly finish a major local infrastructure or development project, which project would you choose?

We’ll make it a bit easier by giving a few suggestions:
When you have your answer, let us know here and we may share it in an upcoming article.

As for the two of us? City Editor Connor would probably choose to see the future of the Downtown West Gateway, and City Editor Rilee would love to see what shopping at the bodega Market is like.
WAVE YOUR MAGIC WAND 🪄
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: The Florida State Fair is just around the corner. I’m preparing a guide to the fair — from can’t-miss foods, shows, and rides, to tips on parking and photo ops. This guide wouldn’t be complete without your tips, so send them my way to help your fellow Lakelander fare well this year. 🎡

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We turned our attention to the skies for celestial events in 2023, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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