Let’s do the time warp again

Answered: Which day in Lakeland’s history would you relive?

A vintage postcard with an illustration of Downtown Lakeland and Lake Mirror from an aerial view

How far back in Lakeland history would you go? | Photo via Florida Memory

As Punxsutawney Phil was seeing six more weeks of winter in our future last month, we were looking back into the past. Inspired by the movie “Groundhog Day,” we asked our readers which day in Lakeland’s history they would relive. Plug these answers into your time machine and let’s go for a spin down memory lane.

Readers Michael S. and Michelle W. would slip on their blue suede shoes and see Elvis in concert again. The rock ‘n roll superstar visited the Polk Theatre on August 6, 1956 to perform his new hit song “Hound Dog” — you may have heard of it. You wouldn’t have to save up for this concert either, since tickets were only $1.50.

That’s not the only concert that has our readers reminiscing. Reader Buzz W. still remembers the Florida Sunfest that took place in April 1977. Over 90,000 music fans flocked to the Lakeland International Racetrack to hear Jimmy Buffett, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Canned Heat, and more. If you’ve got memories of this event, we want to hear all about it.

A Lakelander at the Lakeland rail yard circa 1890. | Photograph via Florida Memory

All aboard. Reader Carol O. is punching her ticket for the arrival of the first passenger train. Lakeland founder Abraham Munn persuaded Henry Plant to add a stop on his South Florida Railroad in 1884, effectively putting our town on the map. Today, you can hop on an Amtrak train, and SunRail is considering adding a Lakeland stop.

Do you remember the days of dressing up for a big show at the newly-opened Lakeland Civic Center like Reader Mary Ann C.? Her favorite band to see was KISS, who stopped here on tour in the 1970s. Don’t miss these upcoming performances at the RP Funding Center, formerly known as the Lakeland Civic Center.

🤔 ASKED 🤔

Don’t see your favorite day in LAL history?

Let us know which day you want to relive again and again.

TIME TRAVEL THIS WAY

🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️

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 p.m. show and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.
Halestorm | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $45 | Grammy award-winning band Halestorm will bring rock ‘n roll to the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Saturday, March 4

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, March 4 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 9-10 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard and stay to visit the tasting room or restaurant.
Black Diamond Ball presented by Ashley Barnett | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 6-11 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$150 | This annual ball will include jazz, custom cocktails, casino games, and entertainment — proceeds support children from Polk County.
Key Sound Soul w/ Quit Smackin | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Key Sound Soul will be bringing live tunes to the shores of Lake Wire — grab fresh eats while you enjoy live music.
Ludacris | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $40 | Rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will take the stage to perform his biggest hits.

Sunday, March 5

Bricks & Brews — A Family Friendly Lego® Bricks Building Competition | Sunday, Mar. 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $10 | Compete against other parent-child teams in this bricks building competition — Lego® bricks are provided.
F.I.R. Expo — Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show | Sunday, Mar. 5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $6-$15 | Peruse exotic animals, reptiles, and pet supplies at this expo.

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

✏️NEWS NOTES✏️

Weather

88º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Traffic

Part of North Florida Avenue between Main Street and the CSX railroad tracks will be closed from Monday, March 6-Friday, March 10 for sewer repair. Northbound lanes will be closed and traffic will be shifted into the southbound lanes, so expect delays and plan to use another route if possible.

Edu

Lakeland Christian School’s robotics team will compete for the state championship this weekend in Winter Haven. Students on Team RISE 7719 are learning robotics, coding, and design — they even won first-place at last month’s competition. 🤖 (The Ledger)

Cause

Lakeland Electric’s C.D. McIntosh Unit 3 boiler will be imploded on Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. You can watch the implosion via live stream by donating to select nonprofit organizations benefitting veterans. If you’d prefer to watch in person, head to Lake Parker Park tomorrow. (The Ledger)

Arts

The Polk Museum of Art’s upcoming pop-up exhibition, “Jerry Uelsmann: Dreams from the Darkroom,” will feature the artist’s surreal photographs. Register for a lecture and book signing with historian Moa Petersén on Tuesday, March 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to learn about Jerry’s life and work. 📷

Festival

These students have the write stuff. The Polk County History Center is hosting its first Festival of Writing, showcasing poetry and short stories by Southeastern University’s creative writing students. See their work on display from March 4-March 31. 📝

Answered

Yesterday, we asked you to manifest Lakeland’s next eatery. Readers Doug K. and Michael W. are hoping for a Chicken Salad Chick, and Reader Stephanie C. would love a Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Another reader suggested La Madeleine open one of its French cafes in North Lakeland. Is it lunchtime yet?

Sports

Florida’s top boy’s high school basketball players have arrived in Lakeland for the FHSAA state championship tournament. Visit the RP Funding Center today and tomorrow to see which teams take home the title. 🏀

History

DYK Velazquez Cigar Company’s location was once home to the Main Street Diner? The biz shared a throwback photo of the former restaurant, and it’s got us thinking of the 13 other bygone eateries our readers would bring back.

Job

Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.

Biz

Curious where hundreds of entrepreneurs and multiple companies got their start? Check out the stories of Catapult startup members, who used the creative coworking + Maker Space to launch their ideas. Pro tip: Sign up for a membership and you could become their next success story.*

Eat

Is this the luck of the Irish — or just the luck of finding a creative date night idea? Cook side-by-side with your honey at Couples Cooking: Irish-Style with a Twist, a hands-on cooking class happening Monday, March 13. On the menu: Curried carrot soup, leg of lamb, raspberry soda bread cake + more. 🍀 *

Travel

Here’s some big news for Orlando travelers: Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been awarded $69 million in federal funds to be used for two passenger-improving expansions in Terminal C. See which two expansion projects the new funds will make possible. ✈️ *

Stat

1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, according to the CDC. Your CBD Store is aiming to change that by offering a “Sleep Month BOGO” 50% discount on all sleep products. Pro tip: Score free shipping + free local delivery when you call the store. Snag the deal. 💤 *

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment. *

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COMING SOON

What’s all that bracket?

LALtoday’s mural bracket

Mural of oranges, flowers, and blue design by Gillian Fazio in Lakeland, FL

Orange you glad you can add this to your Instagram? | Photo by @gfazioart

Last March, we got in on the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments bracket action with a face-off of our own. We asked which Lakeland mural was the best of the best — after a close battle, the Orange Mural by Gillian Fazio was named the best mural in Lakeland by our readers.

Don’t miss this year’s upcoming bracket challenge. After seeing how passionate Lakelanders are about their favorite pizza joints, we’ve decided to find the best slice in Swan City. Check your inbox next week for more of the details.

👋 THE WRAP 👋

Today’s Edition By:
Connor

From the Editor

I can’t wait for you to see our new bracket challenge next week. As unofficial pizza connoisseurs, we’ll be trying out your recommendations to find the pie with the best crust, sauce, and toppings — it’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it.

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