Take the survey to share your thoughts on SunRail
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Time to talk trains 🚆

SunRail may be expanding to Polk County
SunRail train
Alllllll aboard. | Photo via @mrmatthewrobertedwards
5.2 million. That’s how many people are projected to live in the seven Central Florida counties by 2030, 800,000 more than in 2018. To accommodate for more residents, the FDOT has been exploring options for commuter transportation since 2019. US Rep. Darren Soto proposed SunRail stops in Polk back in 2021 — and that’s still on the table.

Fast-forward to 2023, the county’s transportation planning organization is still considering a SunRail expansion in Polk. Here’s what you need to know:

Where would it stop?
SunRail may run through nearby cities like Davenport and Haines City before reaching Lakeland, where stops near the RP Funding Center and downtown Lakeland are being considered.

When would it be complete?
According to George Lindsey — a county commissioner and board chair who resides in Lakeland — an informed decision on the rail’s future in Polk most likely won’t be made for two to three years.

A screenshot of the SunRail extension survey

Take the online survey to share your thoughts.

Image via metroquestsurvey


Where are we at in the process?
A study is underway to determine the feasibility of extending SunRail’s line from its current southernmost point — Poinciana — to Lakeland. The study goals include:
  • Create cost effective investment
  • Ensure equitable mobility for all
  • Improve economic growth and access
  • Attract riders
  • Ensure environmental stewardship
  • Improve access to affordable housing
  • Ensure continued movement of goods
  • Enhance resiliency
  • Increase public awareness
Why add high-speed rail stops in Polk?
With a goal of increased connectivity and easier access to jobs similar to what larger metro areas offer, the intercity rail system has the potential to provide new modes of transportation to Polk County residents.

What can I do?
Now through the end of February, Polk County is seeking input on an online survey. In just a few minutes, you can learn about the study’s goals, mark station locations you’d like to see, and share what features are important to you.

How would you most often use a commuter train in Polk?

A. Frequently for recreation in Tampa and/or Orlando
B. Frequently to commute to and from work
C. Occasionally for recreation
D. Not often or never
DON'T CON-TRAIN YOUR THOUGHTS
GreenWise Market

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Feb. 14
Wednesday, Feb. 15
  • Celebration of Black Jazz Composers | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | FSC’s Jazz Ensembles will perform arrangements of music by Black jazz composers like Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk.
  • Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 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.
Thursday, Feb. 16
  • Author Talk with Grace M. Cho | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Hear from this award-winning author as she discusses her memoir and answers audience questions with the Lakeland Public Library.
  • T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know and enjoy an extra long happy hour.
Friday, Feb. 17
  • “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” | Friday, Feb. 17-Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Take flight at this musical based on the beloved children’s movie.
  • MAP Student-Led Tour | Friday, Feb. 17 | 1-2 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Tour the Polk Museum of Art with student docents from Florida Southern College — registration is required.
Saturday, Feb. 18
  • Gone Country for kidsPACK 2023 | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | White Horse Ranch, 5718 Yates Rd., Lakeland | $0-$100 | Break out your Western wear to enjoy dinner, games, auctions, and entertainment — proceeds benefit kidsPACK.
  • Book Launch Party with Sofia Simpson | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Pressed Lakeland, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the release of the new young adult fantasy book “Terra, An Elemental Series” by a local author.
  • Black History Festival | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park and Coleman Bush Building | 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate Black History Month with dance performances, artisan vendors, and a neighborhood history walk.
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
Orlando International Airport

Baseball + BBQ: A home run event. âšľ
Tiger BBQ 2
Pulled pork, ribs, and coleslaw…oh my. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida
This event is sure to be a hit, Lakeland. To welcome back the Detroit Tigers and usher in Spring Training, Polk County is hosting an old-fashioned barbecue — and you’re invited.

A tradition since 1947, the 76th Annual Tiger BBQ, presented by Rodda Construction, brings the community together for an all-you-can-eat, family-friendly event at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 6-8 p.m. Grab some friends or bring the kids along for:
  • A BBQ buffet: Featuring all the classics like pulled pork, grilled chicken quarters, ribs, sausages, coleslaw, drinks + more.
  • A keepsake: Take home a Souvenir Tigers Mug to commemorate the event.
  • A celebration: Kick off Spring Training right.*
SNAG TIX

Weather
  • 79Âş | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
History
  • A 1964 mosaic by John Garth at the former Searstown Shopping Center has been restored after being painted over in 2016. The mosaic was originally commissioned by George Jenkins for the (at the time) Publix Super Market. Get an up-close look at the restored mosaic here. đź–Ľ (LkldNow)
Civic
  • The Lakeland Police Department may be loosening tattoo restrictions. Currently, officers cannot have any tattoo that covers 50% or more of their arm, but Police Chief Sam Taylor is considering allowing all arm tattoos to fill vacancies on the force. Restrictions on face, neck, and hand tattoos will remain in place. (The Ledger)
Number
  • $16.2 million+. That’s how much Polk State College was allocated during the 2022 Legislative Session for renovations to its 1977 Winter Haven Fine Arts Building’s classrooms, dressing rooms, band rooms, and more. The school is preparing to begin renovations this spring, with summer and fall classes being relocated. 🏗
  • $17,000. That’s how much is on the line in prize money for this year’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake. The juried fine arts festival is looking for participating artists — apply online by Wednesday, March 1.
Shop
  • Last week’s Valentine’s Night Market was rained out, but you can shop for holiday goods in Munn Park tonight at 5 p.m. Come back for Friday Night Live on Friday, Feb. 17 for more local shopping and live music. 🛍
Kids
  • Dinosaur World’s new splash pad will open on Saturday, Feb. 18. Stop by daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for life-sized dinosaurs, boardwalks through native Florida flora, and more. Pro tip: Pack a cooler of your favorite snacks for this excursion — Fido is welcome, too. 🦖
Active
  • Begin training for the Mayfaire 5K at the Lakeland Runners Club’s Spring Ahead 5K training on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 a.m. at Black and Brew Lake Morton (100 Lake Morton Dr.). The $45 training fee includes your Mayfaire 5K registration, weekly training, and more — register online.
Eat
  • Staying in for Valentine’s Day? Make an at-home date with your sweetie (or yourself) special with a wine pairing. Publix GreenWise Market has BOGO wine deals on Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling RosĂ© + more through Wednesday, Feb. 15. Bonus: Artisan cheeses and meats are on sale, too. 🍷*
Finance
  • If you’re like us, getting more financially fit (read: Saving more money) tops your 2023 resolutions. From year-round budgeting for the next holiday season to a free financial coach, here are four ways to reach your financial goals this year. đź’¸ *
Shop
  • What’s getting us through February: Our humidifiers. We love the Levoit Blue Cool Humidifier for its quiet design, multiple mist levels, and how easy it is to clean. Do your skin (not to mention, your houseplants) a favor and up your home hydration.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Publix Employees Federal Credit Union

Put those tablets away, kids

Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
Gator + Snake at Circle B Bar Reserve
You never know what you’ll see at Circle B. | Photo by Linda Waring at BirdWalk Photography
ICYMI, we shared kid-friendly activities around Lakeland last week. From viewing wildlife to cooking classes, indoor activities, and after-hours haunts, there’s something for every family.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Here are two more family activities submitted by our readers and followers:

📸 “We are offering boat tours on the same lake as Circle B. (Lake Hancock) It’s a crazy cool and unique way to see Eagles, Osprey and so much more! Oh and alligators! Yea lots of those guys! Prices for a 1.5hr trip is only $24.99! Check us out!” — @photos_by_joeleduc

Book a boat tour to capture your own images.

🌳 “There is also Tenoroc Wildlife Management Area on Combee Road. They have an upcoming event on the first Saturday of April (repeats every year), kid’s fishing derby. There are hiking trails, fishing docks, kayaking trails.” — Reader Nancy F.

Learn more and register by Friday, April 1.
20 MORE KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Nothing says “Lakeland love story” like getting engaged at Silver Moon Drive-In, dates by Lake Mirror, or meeting between the stacks in SEU’s library. Read some of our readers’ Lakeland love stories. 💕

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’re saving the day with eight last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas, 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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