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A swansational story

Swansation: The story of Lakeland’s swan statues
A swan statue with a blue and yellow swirl design
There are all sorts of swans to be found on Lake Morton. | Photo by LALtoday
Any Lakelander will recognize the ~60 iconic swan statues found around town — but do you know where they came from? While our real local swans arrived 100 years ago, their fiberglass counterparts flocked to Swan City back in 2002.

The statues first landed in Lakeland during Swansation, a public arts project held to raise funds for Explorations V Children’s Museum — now known as Florida Children’s Museum. The statues were displayed downtown before being auctioned off and relocated around town in 2003. Businesses originally paid $3,000-$20,000 for the swans, then had artists and students decorate each one in a unique style.

A swan statue with a painted scene

Georges Seurat inspired this swan, “A SwanDay Afternoon.” | Photo by LALtoday

Local artist Rick Olivo created a mold for the fiberglass swans, and this wasn’t his only impact on Lakeland. He was also involved with the current-day Lakeland Community Theatre, taught at Rochelle School of the Arts, and created the Florida Children’s Museum’s Dragon of Toys. You may also have heard of his daughter, Karen Olivo, who starred in “Hamilton.”

The birds bear a variety of styles, from bold designs to intricately painted scenes. Some designs have stayed the same over the past 20+ years and others have changed with the times. Lakeland High School students even had a hand in refurbishing two of the statues in 2019.

A swan statue with a film reel design and photographs of Lakeland

This cinematic swan with long eyelashes is ready for its close-up. | Photo by LALtoday

Today, you can find the swans all over Lakeland. While most stuck around downtown, a few of the feathered friends found new nests in Dixieland, near Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, around Lake Morton, at Common Ground Playground, or even in residential backyards.

Look out for these swansational statues and add them to our community map. Snap a photo and upload it with the statue’s location so others can find them as well. We’ve started you off with the five statues found in this article. Good luck, Swan City.
SEE MORE SWANS 🦢
Lakeland Economic Development Council
 
🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️
Wednesday, March 1
  • Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 10-12 p.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.
  • General Knowledge Trivia with Nick and Super Grouper Food Truck | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Rack your brain for trivia answers for the chance to win prizes.
Thursday, March 2
  • Florida Strawberry Festival | Thursday, March 2-Sunday, March 12 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $4-$8 | Celebrate all things strawberry with rides, concerts, and plenty of fair food at this annual festival.
  • Sing Your Way Home | Thursday, Mar. 2 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $5-$10 | The FSC Chamber Singers will sing music from cultures around the world inspired by the meaning of “home.”
Friday, March 3
  • First Friday: Foodie Fest | Friday, Mar. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Kick off March with small bites from local food makers, shopping at downtown stores, and a Makers Market.
  • Swan City Improv First Friday Show | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these comedy shows with a new format — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 show and the 9:30 show is 21+.
Saturday, March 4
  • Black Diamond Ball presented by Ashley Barnett | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 6-11 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$150 | The third annual Black Diamond Ball will include jazz, custom cocktails, casino games, and entertainment — proceeds support children from Polk County.
  • Bloomin’ Arts Festival | Saturday, Mar. 4-Sunday, Mar. 5 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | Browse displays of fine art, quilts, student art, and classic cars — don’t miss the Bloomin’ Bike Ride on Saturday morning.
Sunday, March 5
Tuesday, April 4
  • Women in Excellence Leadership Development Preview Night | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Lakeland Regional Cancer Center, 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | Free | The Women in Excellence Leadership Development Program is a personalized, transformational growth experience that allows Lakelanders to find and embody their authentic leadership style.*

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.

Click here to have your event featured.
100+ MORE EVENTS
Publix
 
WELLNESS

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Fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, and support whole-body vitality with AG1. | Photo by Athletic Greens
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GET YOUR AG1 NOW
✏️NEWS NOTES✏️

Weather
  • 86º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Arts
  • The Florida Presbyterian Homes assisted living facility is getting a new mural thanks to artist David Collins. While residents in the facility’s west side have views of Lake Hunter, east side residents have faced a blank wall. The mural now gives residents in the memory care unit painted lakeside views. 🎨 (The Ledger)
Sports
  • Southeastern University’s softball team was featured by ESPN after a show of sportsmanship. When a Grand View University player was injured while running the bases after hitting a grand slam, SEU’s players carried her to home plate to score a run, giving up the lead. Go Fire. 🥎
Learn
  • Nominations are now open for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s 40th Leadership Lakeland class. Those selected for the program will meet monthly from October to May to learn about economic development, business, government, and more. Nominate a deserving leader — or yourself — online through Friday, March 24. (The Ledger)
Cause
  • One More Child is helping trafficking victims and children in foster care through its Bundles initiative. Through this program, children and women receive a “bundle” of hair care products to inspire confidence and independence. You can give a bundle to someone in need by donating online.
Traffic
  • A stretch of Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven will be upgraded for safety and traffic flow this spring. The street will be widened and turn lanes will be added at its intersections with US 17 and 1st Street South. Traffic signals and crosswalks will also be updated. 🚦 (The Ledger)
Wellness
  • Speaking of stretches, Stretchlab recently opened at 1547 Town Center Dr. and offers one-on-one assisted stretching sessions. The biz is currently offering free 15-minute stretches to new customers — call or text 813-435-1613 to book your session.
Opening
Eat
  • Tampa favorite food truck I Wanna Wok will join the next Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Wok and roll to downtown Lakeland to try the truck’s Asian fusion menu on Thursday, March 9 from 6-9 p.m.
Plan Ahead
  • Fill your cart after dark at the next Buena Market on Saturday, April 8 from 5-9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. The park’s eateries will stay open late for the free night market, featuring 50+ vendor pop-ups and music by DJ T. Couture. 🌙
Feel Good
Travel
  • What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*
Shop
  • What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Lakeland Regional Health
 
ANSWERED

Sign us up for these puns

Here’s your sign: The Southside Cleaners sign returns
The Southside Cleaners sign reading "Stay Tuned"
We’re staying tuned for more of this sign’s iconic puns. | Photo by LALtoday
A local legend is back. After suffering storm damage during the 2022 hurricane season, the Southside Cleaners sign has undergone repairs. The sign — which simply read “Ouchie!” for the past several months — is known for its punny messages.

We asked our Instagram followers what they would put on the sign for its comeback. Here are a few of our favorites:

“Ian strong ain’t neon strong!” —@cepjr44

“I cracked my self up, yes literally.” —@tatthompson9

“New sign, who dis? #ian” —@jenn.kiel.realtor

“What do you call an Irish spider? Paddy long legs” —@marinagracee

“I miss you” —@sbarthle

“Restaurant on the moon review: Food was great, but no atmosphere” —@melissa_riesenberg.realtor

“Here’s your sign” —@toribrady

Have an idea of your own? Drop it in our comments or send it to our inbox.
6AM City In-house
 
👋 THE WRAP 👋
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s Edition By:
Connor
From the Editor
Welcome to March, Lakeland. If you’re looking for springtime plans, check out our events calendar to fill this month’s agenda. We’ve got everything from trivia nights to painting classes to Strawberry Festival concerts. Pro tip: You can add your own upcoming events here.
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