Plus, finding the RP Funding Center's new director
 
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Today’s Forecast

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

Moon soup, anyone?

The history of the now-extinct Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales
Photo of Chalet Suzanne in 2009
Historic Chalet Suzanne in its final years as a fully operational restaurant and inn, circa 2009 | Photo via Florida Memory.
What do Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford, Johnny Carson, and Kevin Costner have in common? They all dined at Chalet Suzanne, a Lake Wales restaurant and inn that served up lavish French cuisine on one woman’s eclectic china from 1931-2014.

Bertha Hinshaw opened Chalet Suzanne in the wake of her husband Carl’s passing in 1931, and it quickly became a quintessential landmark of Lake Wales. A newly widowed mother of two young children, Bertha resolved to support her family by capitalizing on her hobby of gourmet cooking.

After opening the restaurant from her home, she routinely convinced guests to stay for their vacations and honeymoons, resulting in some of the most popular accommodations in Central Florida.

Honeymooners in a carriage at Chalet Suzanne.

Couple enjoying their honeymoon at Chalet Suzanne, circa 20th century | Photo via Florida Memory

Sitting on 100 acres, Chalet Suzanne was not only a restaurant, but also a successful inn, soup cannery, vineyard, shooting range, and public airport and runway — convenient for its many high-rolling patrons.

In 1943, the chalet was nearly ravaged by a kitchen fire but was rebuilt by Bertha’s son, Carl Jr., who used salvaged stable wood and materials from other buildings on the property. This remodel resulted in an unusual layout with 14 different levels.

Some might say that Chalet Suzanne’s finest hour came in 1971, when astronaut and regular patron James Irwin requested some of the chalet’s “Soup Romaine” be sent to the moon with him on Apollo 15.

Chalet Suzanne's courtyard in 1931.

Chalet Suzanne’s courtyard, circa 1931 | Photo via Florida Memory

When faced with the changing times and a booming housing market, the restaurant’s signature clientele and exclusive atmosphere dwindled. In 2014, Carl Jr.’s son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Dee Hinshaw, announced that Chalet Suzanne would be closing its doors.

Today, the Hinshaws retain most of the property with the exception of some parcels that were sold at auction in 2014. The former chalet is now known as Refuge on the Ridge, a drug + alcohol rehabilitation center.

Locals still remember Chalet Suzanne as a beloved staple of the Polk County community.
Watson Clinic
 
Events
Thursday, July 6
  • Summer Movie FunFest: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” | Thursday, July 6 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | See a new discounted family movie every week — tickets are only available at the box office.
  • Night Market | Thursday, July 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Shop from local vendors and pour your own draft beers in the taproom.
Friday, July 7
  • Relay for Life of Polk County | Friday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Raise funds for the American Cancer Society — a luminaria ceremony will commence at 8:30 p.m.
  • First Friday: Bike Night | Friday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of a new month by browsing a motorcycle show, shopping from downtown vendors, and enjoying entertainment.
Saturday, July 8
  • Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, July 8 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market — the market will take an annual hiatus in August.
  • Rusty Wright Band | Saturday, July 8 | 8 p.m. | Music Ranch, 1920 Banana Rd., Lakeland | $25 | This local blues, jam, and rock band will take to the stage.
Sunday, July 9
  • Paris Blossoms | Sunday, July 9 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $41 | Oui hope you’re ready to paint the Eiffel Tower — bring your own refreshments to add to the fun.
  • TJTrainwreck, The Kutoffs, Daspiens, AEmaru | Sunday, July 9 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$13 | Doors open at 7 p.m. for this live concert featuring local punk rock bands.
Monday, July 10
  • Auditions: “Nunsense” | Monday, July 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your own sheet music to try out for the community production of this musical.
  • Hip Hop Fitness | Monday, July 10 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Pop, lock, and drop in this upbeat fitness class for ages 16+ — just bring your own water, towel, and mat.
Events calendar here
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Southeastern University
 
News Notes
Civic
  • The City of Lakeland has narrowed its search for the RP Funding Center’s next director from 83 applicants to four finalists — one internal candidate and three from outside of Lakeland. Interviews will be conducted this week, but there is no guarantee that a director will be chosen from this pool. (LkldNow)
Edu
  • City commissioners formed a Youth Council following a unanimous vote on Monday, July 3. The council of 15 high school students will discuss issues that affect Lakeland teenagers, research possible solutions, and present them to the commission. Applications will be available through the city and high schools this fall. (The Ledger)
Tech
  • Lakeland Electric moved forward with demolition plans for the McIntosh Power Plant on Lake Parker yesterday afternoon when Unit 2 was pulled down with cables. The next phases of demolition will include removing the coal conveyor on Saturday, July 15, and the water tower later on. (LkldNow)
Talk
  • Registration is now open for the 13th Annual Mayors Roundtable. Attend on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 9-11:30 a.m. to hear Polk County mayors and city leaders discuss topics impacting local communities. The in-person event will be held at 1251 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven.
Kids
  • Children will soon enjoy a new playground at the Florida Air Museum (4075 James C. Ray Dr.). Leaders from the Aerospace Center for Excellence hope the aviation-themed attraction will inspire future aviators; a tentative summer groundbreaking and an early 2024 opening are set. (LkldNow)
Weather
  • Meteorologists expect the tropics to see more activity as soon as mid-July. While they remain quiet now, forecasters have their eyes on unusually high water temperatures, which are conducive to cyclones and other weather events. Stay prepared for hurricane season with our guide. (The Ledger)
Ranked
  • No. 6. That’s what Lakeland ranked on Newsweek’s list of cities where Airbnb revenues are dropping the fastest. According to AirDNA data, Lakeland’s Airbnb revenues fell 6.3% between May 2022 and May 2023. (Newsweek)
Community
  • The Lakeland Hispanic Festival is celebrating 25 years on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Lake Mirror from 1-9 p.m. Mark your calendars for live music, dancing, and an appearance by renowned announcer El Búho Loco. To purchase tickets, call 787-525-5213.
Legacy
  • Honor the life of Lakeland runner Rob Mason by registering for Run For Rob on Saturday, July 15. The un-timed memorial run/walk will depart from Swan Brewing at 7:15 a.m. All proceeds will go towards pancreatic cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Research Center.
Lakelander
  • If you visit Catapult’s Makerspace, you may meet member Honor Brandao from Nexyan Technologies. Honor works out of three micro factories to assemble machines used to house water filters. Discover how you can utilize the Makerspace, too.*
Shop
  • If you’re looking to buy a new pair of sunglasses this summer, you’re in luck. Our online store (Six & Main) has you covered with a variety of polarized, floating sunglasses… that’s right they float in the water. Find your perfect pair now.
 
Answered

We recently asked you some Lakeland trivia questions, here’s how you did:

It comes as no surprise to us that our readers are especially adept when it comes to knowing Lakeland trivia. We recently posed some questions about Lakeland’s Electric’s history and Lakeland’s annual Red, White & Kaboom event. Many of you knew your stuff.

Q: In what year was Lakeland Electric purchased by the City of Lakeland?
  • 53% correctly answered 1904.
Q: How much did the City of Lakeland pay for the power plant?
  • 31% correctly answered $7,500.
Q: What year did Red, White & Kaboom begin?
  • 45% correctly answered 2004.
Are you ready to be on the other side of the trivia game? Give us your best Lakeland trivia questions — from Lakeland history to local events, businesses, and more. We might just pose them in upcoming newsletters.
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The Wrap
 
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Rilee
From the editor
It’s been too hot outside lately to miss out on this deal — enjoy a free sundae at Publix GreenWise Market today from 4-6 p.m. Choose from an organic chocolate or vanilla base, select toppings, and enjoy your treat.
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