Plus, farm tours, symphony concerts, and art classes
6AM City In-house

Game on, Lakeland

Get your head in the game: Lakeland’s sports team guide
Is there anything more classic than a baseball game on a sunny day? | Photo by @kvb05
Here in Lakeland, you don’t have to travel to a big city to find exciting sports. Swan City is home to three professional and minor league sports teams that bring major excitement. Whether you consider yourself a hooper, batter, or striker, there’s a team for you to root for.

The beautiful game ⚽

You can find the Florida Tropics Soccer Club playing arena matches indoors at the RP Funding Center and outdoor matches at Auburndale’s Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. The team was the United Premier Soccer League championship winner in 2019. Their season lasts from December-April, and you can purchase tickets to their four remaining home games now.

Fun fact: The Tropics organization also oversees a youth soccer league, the newly named Swan City SC.

A furry yellow mascot in a basketball jersey cheers with fans in the stands at a Lakeland Magic game.

Look out for Swish, the Magic’s mascot. | Photo via The Lakeland Magic

Nothin’ but net 🏀

Catch a Lakeland Magic game, the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic. The team typically plays from November-April at the RP Funding Center, and the Magic won their first G League Championship in 2021. Keep an eye out for their upcoming promotional games, and support the team by wearing Magic blue, black, and silver.

Fun fact: The Lakeland Magic was previously based out of Erie, Pennsylvania and was called the Erie Bayhawks.

Is there anything more classic than a baseball game on a sunny day? | Photo by @kvb05

Take me out to the ballgame ⚾

Root, root, root for the home team at a Lakeland Flying Tigers game. The Flying Tigers are the minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, who also play their spring training games in Lakeland. Head to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium wearing your Tigers merch from April-September, where each game has a different promotion.

Fun fact: The Flying Tigers’ relationship with the Detroit Tigers is the longest-running unbroken affiliate relationship in professional baseball. You can also find the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland for spring training.

What is the most popular sport in the US (according to viewership and TV ratings)?

A. Baseball
B. Soccer
C. Basketball
D. Football
THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT
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Tuesday, Feb. 21
  • Fun Run, Music Bingo w/ Fat Maggie’s | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Take part in a fun run at 5:30 p.m. and play along with music bingo at 6:30 p.m.
  • Twilight Mountain Retreat | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Put paint to canvas while enjoying your favorite beverage — this class will paint a starlit beach.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
  • Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Presbyterian Homes, McArthur Building, 810 Lakeside Ave., Lakeland | Free | Meet other caregivers and learn more about caring for loved ones at this monthly meeting.
  • The FSC Studio Orchestra Returns | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Florida Southern College’s jazz and orchestra programs are highlighting classic compositions by Black jazz composers.
Thursday, Feb. 23
  • Fine Jewelry, Permanent Jewelry, and Decadent Desserts! | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 3-6 p.m. | COhatch, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Shop jewelry from The Jewelry Box and pastries from DOU Bakehouse at this pop-up — make an appointment for permanent jewelry.
  • Lecture Series: Henry Bradley Plant | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the “King of Florida,” Henry B. Plant, who built the railroad that put Lakeland on the map.
Friday, Feb. 24
  • Black Artisan Market and Movie on the Lawn | Friday, Feb. 24 | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Shop from Black-owned businesses at the Handmade & Homegrown artisan market and watch an outdoor showing of “Black Panther.”
  • A Tour of New England Seafood | Friday, Feb. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $75 | Sit back and relax at this demonstration-style cooking class as expert chefs cook lobster rolls and more.
Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Historic Walking Tour | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | $10 | Take a narrated tour inside and outside of historic downtown buildings — tour includes $10 worth of Farmers Market Bucks to spend.
  • Plantae-palooza Garden Festival & Plant Sale | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Browse and purchase a variety of plants grown by vendors from across Florida.

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
  • 83º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Stat
  • 2.25%. That’s how much Lakeland Electric’s base rate will increase this April, followed by another 2.25% increase in October 2023 and a 2.25% increase in October 2024. The increase was unanimously approved by City Commissioners in yesterday’s meeting. With fuel charges decreasing, average customers can still expect lower monthly bills. (LkldNow)
Number
  • $219,000. That’s how much customers saved on unpaid court fines at the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Operation Green Light in 2022. Visit the Polk County Courthouse on Saturday, March 11 or call in to pay fines without collection fees and get your driver’s license reinstated.
Learn
  • Cow Creek Farm in Plant City is using agritourism — and fluffy Highland cows — to teach visitors about the need for farming. Book a tour during March weekends to get up close and personal with the cows and learn about the importance of farm life. 🐮 (Fox 13 News)
Arts
  • Harrison School for the Arts students will perform in the Symphony Strings Concert on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. This concert will feature string music by the Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and chamber ensembles.
Sports
  • The Florida Tropics are playing the Tacoma Stars on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3:05 p.m. at the RP Funding Center for the team’s Veteran Appreciation Night. Veterans can score complimentary tickets by calling Kevin Curtain at (760) 403-9363. ⚽️
Deal
  • Here’s the inside scoop for college students: Take a study break and bring your student ID to Mimi’s Italian Ice (3120 S. Florida Ave.) today for $1 off any item, including ice cream, gelati, and more. Study up on the shop with a sneak peek before your visit.
Plan Ahead
  • The March class schedule at PicassoZ Art Cafe is now live. Express yourself with workshops in pottery, mosaic art, and painting. We’ve got our Lakeland-loving eyes on this swan coil pot class. Pro tip: Class sizes are limited, so reserve your spot today. 🏺
Drink
  • End the day with a glass of locally made wine, cider, or sangria during trivia tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Keel Farms. For a berry sweet weekend, visit the Strawberry Bash Saturday-Sunday to taste the new Strawberry Blush wine and Strawberry Shortcake cider.
Try This
Community
Lakelander
  • Meet Taylor Ard. She’s the founder + owner of East Of These, a Lakeland business that employs recovering homeless women to make quality apparel products for boutique retailers. Taylor got her start at Catapult — like so many Lakeland entrepreneurs. Find out how Catapult can help you launch your business idea.*
Eat
  • #TerraceTabletop: To mark the arrival of the iconic Strawberry Festival, the Terrace Grille is launching new specials featuring winter produce’s superstar — strawberries. Sweeten your next visit with a strawberry shortcake, or enjoy themed cocktails bespoken for the fruity favorite. Make a reservation. 🍓 *
  • Every dinner’s a party when the food tastes good. Home Chef’s meal kit delivery service takes the stress out of mealtimes with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards, delivered right to your door. Order your first box — for 75% off.*
Finance
  • A high credit score makes it much easier to be approved for loans, make large purchases, take on financial assets, and even rent an apartment. If improving your credit score is on your spring to-do list, here are 10 tips that can help improve your score by summertime. 💸 *
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6AM City In-house

Eat your way through Tampa Bay

Hit the Road: a foodie foray to Tampa Bay
A flaky pastry filled with bright red guava filling and a layer of cream cheese
A guava cheese turnover a day keeps the cravings away. | Photo by @lasegundabakery
Planning an outing to the Florida State Fair or the Florida Strawberry Festival? Extend your trip with a foodie foray into the Tampa Bay area from our Hit the Road series.

🎟️ Things to do

Tampa Bay Food Tours
Enjoy fine food and drink on this 3.5-hour walking tour around downtown Tampa.

Splitsville
This isn’t your typical bowling alley fare. This dining and social club has full-service bowling and offers cuisine like sushi, shrimp cocktails, and gourmet burgers.

🍲 Memorable eats

La Segunda Bakery
This bakery has been considered the gold standard for Cuban bread. Get your sandwich to go and then picnic at Centennial Park.

Columbia Restaurant
Established in 1905, this is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.

🏨 Accommodations with noteworthy cuisine

Hotel Haya, 1412 E. 7th Ave.
This boutique hotel features Flor Fina, a restaurant showcasing the coastal cuisines of Latin America and the Mediterranean.
13 MORE RECS
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: I’m super excited to watch one of my favorite superhero movies on the big screen at Bonnet Springs Park this Friday. December’s Movie on the Lawn event was a ton of fun, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the park ups the ante with an artisan market before the show.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get deals and discounts by becoming a member at eight Lakeland spots, 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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