Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

Here’s a historic hotel

The 50-year history of Lakeland’s Hotel Thelma

The Hotel Thelma, circa 1950 | Photo via Florida Memory

Do you know the name of Lakeland’s first modern hotel? If not, it’s probably because the lifespan of the lodging was just short of 50 years.

Kibler Hotel, later named the Hotel Thelma, was constructed on November 10, 1913 at the northeast corner of Kentucky Avenue and Lemon Street by twin brothers Adolphus and David Kibler.

rc04972 — Hotel Kibler, facing north on Kentucky Avenue, circa 1920 | Photo via Florida Memory

According to “A Guide to Historic Lakeland, Florida” by Steve Rajtar, “the first floor was set off by an arcaded loggia and the roofline was topped by pedimented corner pavilions, giving it the appearance of a French house from the 1600s.”

After just six years of ownership, the Kibler brothers made the decision to sell their flagship hotel to Henry B. Carter — a real estate developer responsible for the development of Dixieland in 1907 alongside C. W. Deen.

Throughout his ownership, the spot was a revolving door to greats of the mid-1900s like the Cleveland Indians, who took up residency at the hotel during baseball spring training at Adair Field in the 1920s. Other notable guests to walk through the threshold include Thomas Edison and Theodore Roosevelt.

unna42med — Hotel Thelma, circa 1920 | Photo via Florida Memory

Henry passed just a few years later in 1924, about a year prior to the opening of the Palace Theater, now home to Palace Pizza, which Henry purchased and renamed after its 12-year stint as the Casino Theater.

The following 40 years of Hotel Thelma were successful, but the rise of motels in the 1950s forced the hotel to shut its doors in April 1962. The building was torn down just a month later.

Today, the plot of land where the Hotel Thelma once stood is home to the popular shops and restaurants (think: Frescos) that dot Kentucky Avenue.

Read the full story

Events

Tuesday, April 25

Fun Run, Music Bingo & SB&B Food Truck | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Lace up your shoes for a run with Fleet Feet before relaxing with a game of music bingo.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

Wednesday, April 26

Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 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.
Trivia Night | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas at Union Taproom while showing off your general trivia knowledge.

Thursday, April 27

Baby Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd., Lakeland | $5-$25 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.
Skincare with SkinBetter Science Event | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Medical Spa at Watson Clinic, Bella Vista Building, 1755 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Get a consultation with a licensed aesthetician or anti-aging specialist, and enjoy discounts on skincare products.

Friday, April 28

Swan Derby | Friday, Apr. 28 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free | Wear your best derby hat for swan boat races and live entertainment — don’t forget to stay for the fireworks show.
Harrison School for the Arts Spring Jazz Concert | Friday, Apr. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $9-$12 | Hear jazz standards spanning four decades of musical history, including hits like “Round Midnight,” “Spain,” “How High the Moon,” and others.

Saturday, April 29

2023 March of Dimes: March for Babies | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 8-11 a.m. | Lawn of First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | Walk around Lake Hollingsworth to raise money for mother and baby health.
Making Love Work: Couples Workshop | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | My Office & More, 122 E. Main St., Lakeland | $325 | Couples can learn tools and skills for problem-solving, intimacy, and more — cost includes workbooks, lunch, and door prizes.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Flying out of MCO? Here’s your food + drink cheat sheet.

scene of Cask & Larder restaurant at Orlando International Airport

Cask & Larder is just one of a plethora of regionally flavored + locally-grown restaurants and bars at Orlando International Airport. | Photo provided by Orlando International Airport

Calling all travelers — consider this your excuse to get to the airport early. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is sharing their recs on where to eat and drink before flying out, including new + upcoming restaurants in the recently-opened Terminal C.

Pro tip: Find the restaurants + bars closest to your gate by looking up your airline before heading to the airport.

Terminal A - Gates 1-29 + 100-129

Lounge: The Club MCO
Sit-down: On The Border, Cask & Larder
Quick: Urban Crave, Le Grand Comptoir, La Madeleine, Villa Italian Kitchen, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, McDonald’s, Green Leaf’s

Terminal B - Gates 30-59 + 70-99

Lounge: American Admiral’s Club, United Club, Delta Sky Club, Club at MCO
Sit-down: Ruby Tuesday, Bahama Breeze, Outback Steakhouse
Quick: Camden Food Co., Nature’s Table, Qdoba, Wendy’s, Vino Volo, Nathan’s, ZaZa’s, Tacos Locos

Terminal C - Gates C230-C245

Lounge: Plaza Premium Lounge
Sit-down: Summer House, Sunshine Diner, Cask & Larder
Quick: Desano Pizzeria, Wine Bar George, Shake Shack, Greenbeat, Olde Hearth, Chick-fil-A

Hyatt Hotel

Located “before security” between Terminals A + B

Sit-down: McCoy’s Bar & Grill, Lobby Bar, Hemisphere
Quick: McCoy’s Bar & Grill To-Go*

See hours, menus + more

News Notes

Legacy

The Polk County School Board is set to vote on the renaming of George Jenkins High School’s football field in honor of late coach Jerry May, who died last July. Jerry coached at the school for 20 years, impacting hundreds along the way. (LkldNow)

Lakelander

George Jenkins High School track runner Chelsi Williams is making headlines once again — this time for ranking nationally in the 100-meter hurdle and the triple jump. In 2022, Chelsi claimed two gold medals and the title of The Ledger’s 2022 Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year. (WFLA + The Ledger)

Civic

Lakelanders are already putting their names in the hat for positions on the Polk County Commission and Polk County School Board ballots in 2024. While primary elections are 15 months away, you can brush up on your voter how-tos here. (The Ledger)

Community

Flight to Honor takes off today. The one-day trip will take 87 veterans and their guardians to Washington, DC to see monuments in their honor. Welcome the travelers home at Lakeland Linder International Airport at 7:30 p.m. A live band and food trucks will be on-site.

Coming Soon

Bahia Bowls — a fast-casual, fresh-to-order eatery — is opening a location in Lake Miriam Square. Bahia Bowls serves smoothies, toasts, bowls, and salads that are free from dairy, added sugars, preservatives, and fillers.

Learn

Pull out your “Notebook” and take “A Walk to Remember” over to Florida Southern College, because Nicholas Sparks is speaking at the 8th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon on Wednesday, May 10. Register online by Monday, May 1 to attend.

Eat

Bandidas is making a surprise appearance on the Catapult patio (502 E. Main St.) today from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by to purchase pollo asado tacos, empanadas, buñuelos, and kombucha.

Sports

Cheer on the Lakeland Flying Tigers today through Sunday as they face off against the Palm Beach Cardinals. Tonight’s game is at 6 p.m. — get your tickets.

Arts

Kate Hall (AKA the artist behind this mural on the side of Low Country Vintage) is hosting a Mother’s Day Creative at Union Hall. Sign up to create themed crafts including an 8x8 painting with a mom in your life on Tuesday, May 9.

Biz

Looking for a way to bring your ideas to reality? Catapult’s Maker Space provides the tools to get the job done (think: Commercial grade manufacturing equipment for a wood shop, metal shop, 3D printing lab, and assembly area). Learn more about the space — and fellow makers.*

Wellness

In a world where prescription meds seem to be the only option, Thesis helps thousands of people improve cognitive functioning and eliminate distractions with natural adaptogens. Take their three-minute quiz to find your personalized blends — then get 15% off your order with code 6amcity.*

Kids

Two words: Free bowling. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free to connect with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling everyday this summer. Plus, grab a Family Pass + up to four adults can join in on the fun.

Eat

🥨 We’re going knots

Celebrate Pretzel Day in Lakeland

Stanley from "The Office" loves Pretzel Day.

Stanley from “The Office” said it best. | Gif via Giphy

Fans of “The Office,” this one’s for you. If you love pretzels as much as we do, every day is Pretzel Day — AKA Stanley Hudson’s favorite day of the year. Naturally, there is only one way to properly celebrate the occasion — with a soft pretzel. Here are a few places around town where you can cure your pretzel hankerings:

Ford’s Garage, 879 Lakeland Park Center Dr.
Grillsmith, 1569 Town Center Dr.
The Brass Tap, 1515 Town Center Dr.

Want to enjoy pretzels from the comfort of your own home? Order a gourmet soft pretzel box or make your own with this baking kit.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

I’m excited to host some family from out of town this weekend — I’ll be introducing them to my favorite eateries and showing them the can’t-miss attractions at Bonnet Springs Park.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We outlined the 2023 Lakeland Book Crawl.

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