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Even Lakeland’s street signs are filled with history. | Photo by LALtoday
The city of Lakeland was incorporated on January 1, 1885, founded by Abraham Munn, who first purchased the land. Now that 130+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.
It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Lakeland’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Lakeland’s streets — specifically how they were named.
Aerial view of the research aircraft at the EAA Fly-in, circa 1990 | Photo via Florida Memory
Airport Road | While not located directly off of Airport Road, the road’s namesake — aka Lakeland Linder International Airport — is located at the intersection on Drane Field Road. Here, the first version of the Florida Air Museum opened at Hangar A, among other historical events.
Eunice Road | Situated between Lake Hollingsworth Drive and South Florida Avenue, Eunice Road has ties to Florida Southern College. It’s named after Eunice Pipkin Barnes (of FSC’s founding Pipkin family), an FSC student from the 1920s who made it into the Honor Walk as the top student of her class. During her married life, Eunice and her husband Zerney B. Barnes lived around the lake and helped develop the surrounding area.
George Jenkins (right) at a Publix opening, circa 1969 | Photo via Florida Memory
George Jenkins Boulevard | This might go without saying, but this historic road was named after George Jenkins Jr., the man behind the popular supermarket chain Publix Super Markets. If you’re unfamiliar with the legend, George incorporated Publix in the 1930s and the chain spread like wildfire across Lakeland and beyond.
Hollingsworth Road | This historic road — which hugs one of Lakeland’s most popular lakes, Lake Hollingsworth — is named after early pioneer John Henry Hollingsworth. John settled in the area back in the 1840s, when it was called “Middle Lakeland.” The Hollingsworth family resided in the area for less than a decade.
Spring Pop-Up Series: Baking Brewer | Wednesday, March 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Treat yourself to savory brunch items, like breakfast sandwiches, infused with craft beer.
“Rhinoceros” | Wednesday, Mar. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $15 | The sublime is confused with the ridiculous in this 1959 commentary on the human condition.
Thursday, March 16
Spring Break: Glow Animals — Jellyfish | Thursday, Mar. 16 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $30 | Put your artistic skills to the test at this guided painting class — bring your own snacks and drinks for the full experience.
“On Your Feet!” | Thursday, Mar. 16 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $57-$75 | This musical tells the inspiring true story of heart, heritage, and two people who believed in their talent and each other: Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
Friday, March 17
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo | Friday, March 17-Sunday, March 19 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $8-$15 | Shop the latest sewing tools, see quilts on display, and show off your own creations in the runway fashion show
Bartow’s Unparade | Friday, Mar. 17 | 5:30-6 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free | This quick-paced, unconventional parade features a “mutt strut” and King of the Un-Parade, SL Frisbie — the parade runs from Nye Jordan Park to Friday Fest.
Saturday, March 18
Florida PolyCon | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland | $0-$30 | Celebrate all things geek with cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and workshops at this convention hosted by Florida Poly students.
St. Patrick’s Day at Molly’s Irish Pub | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 11 a.m. | Molly’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate with a street party featuring live music and traditional Irish food and drinks.
Thursday, March 23
Launch Pitch Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Come experience Catapult’s version of Shark Tank as finalists pitch their business and answer judges’ questions in an effort to win a $10,000 Launch Micro Grant.*
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.
Did you know you can pay your utility bills with cash? Lakeland Electric has replaced outdoor payment kiosks with a new Retail Cash Payment option. Just bring your bill to retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and more to pay with cash at the checkout or customer service counter.
Community
Learn about local trends and insights at Polk Vision’s State of the County event on Wednesday, April 26 at the Polk State College Center for Public Safety (1251 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven). Register now for a free seat at this discussion featuring local leaders in government, education, and health.
Eat
For a taste of the Middle East, check out the new Feasts of Persia food truck around Lakeland and beyond. Find it today at Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven from 5-9 p.m. to try its signature kabob burgers and sandwiches. Read more of the truck’s story. (LkldNow)
It’s your lucky day — La Imperial Bakery is serving up Reuben sandwiches this week to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The sandwiches are made with slow-cooked corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on the bakery’s fresh pan de agua bread.
Concert
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra is offering musical family fun at its free Cookie Concert on Sunday, March 19 at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium. Come at 1 p.m. for free family activities, solve a musical mystery during the concert at 2 p.m., and get free Publix cookies following the show.
Try This
Celebrate the 1990s and early 2000s with Local Motive’s Retro Homecoming on Friday, March 17 from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. at Union Hall. This dance party event will feature a costume contest, dance battle between SHESOLE and NightStorm, and local food vendors. Tickets are available at the door.
Deal
Refresh your spring wardrobe with Monkee’s of Lakeland’s sidewalk sale. Stop by 2514 S. Florida Ave. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to shop discounted items up to 50% off through Saturday. Pro tip: Check out the biz’s Instagram for outfit inspiration.
Plan Ahead
WACO Kitchen’s next All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast is set for Saturday, May 6. Fill your plate with unlimited French toast, shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, mimosas, and more while taking in views of Lakeland Linder International Airport. Limited tickets are available now for $38.
Shop
Our online store Six & Main is now featuring KyLo & Co, a Lakeland-based brand that looks to capture the essence of peace. Explore unique items like this canvas, which is the perfect piece for any room.
Travel
ICYMI, you’ll soon have more cho cho-ices for traveling in Florida. The Brightline rail will soon begin operations in the new train station located off Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The rail will connect 170 miles of track from Orlando to the rest of South Florida. *
Wellness
AG1 by Athletic Greens is so much more than “greens.” With one scoop, AG1 empowers the gut for whole-body health. (And, ICYMI, we can’t achieve a healthier everything else without a healthy gut.) Try it and receive a free one year supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs.*
Watch
It’s time forbiscuits with the boss. Season three of “Ted Lasso” premieres today only on Apple TV+, which means AFC Richmond is hitting the pitch and Jason Sudeikis will surely have somefeel-good life advice for us. Bonus: Get your first week free when you sign up to stream.
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards a more comfortable retirement. Try it out for yourself.*
Cut down your travel time with TSA PreCheck. | Photo via Pexels
Planning a spring getaway? Don’t forget to add TSA PreCheck enrollment to your pre-vacay to-do list.
The government program provides an expedited security lane at 200+ airports for travelers that pass a security screening — which includes a short application and a 10-minute in-person enrollment appointment — and are given a Known Traveler Number. Bonus: The screening is good for five years and costs $78.
The main benefit of enrolling? Save time when traveling. Recent data found that 96% of TSA PreCheck passengers spent less than five minutes at airport security checkpoints.
For me, a new season means a new slate of seasonal drinks to try at Black & Brew. The first of the spring drinks I ordered this year was the pistachio baklava latte — a sweet drink topped with cold foam, nuts, and honey. Next on my list: The Oreo frappe.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. 6AM City may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.