08.03.2023

Today’s Forecast

63º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:45 p.m.

🪄 When you wish upon a swan...

Tell us your wishlist for North Lakeland

An aerial shot of North Lakeland shows the Lakeland High School football and baseball fields

What would you add to north Lakeland? | Photo by LALtoday

In the last few months, we’ve covered new restaurants, hospitals, and housing developments coming to the city of Lakeland. While we do our best to cover everything from north Lakeland to south Lakeland, we can’t help but notice that the south side has welcomed a hefty amount of those developments (think: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Aldi, Fresh Kitchen, etc.). It’s safe to say that you’ve noticed it too:

Instagram comments about North Lakeland pasted over an aerial shot of Lakeland. — Our Instagram followers are hoping for fresh things on the north side.
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Photo by LALtoday

If you live on the north side, here are a few things you can keep your eyes on or try for yourself:

Crumbl Cookies, 919 Lakeland Park Center Dr., Ste. 370 | While an opening date is TBA, you can already find signage between PetSmart and Van Spa & Nails, just a short walk away from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross, Ulta, and more.
Miller’s Ale House, 919 Lakeland Park Center Dr. | A north Lakeland location for this American-fare restaurant was announced last year. According to plans for Lakeland Park Center, it will sit next to Ford’s Garage, just off of US-98 and Lakeland Park Center Drive.
Jona-Bells Cafe, 3135 Knights Station Rd. | The wait is over for fresh-squeezed juice, açaí bowls, coffee, and matcha on Lakeland’s north side.

An illustrated map sits beside a satellite map of the same spot; pins point to the location of a future Miller's Ale House in north Lakeland. — Plans for Lakeland Park Center’s future Miller’s Ale House location, left; satellite map of the same site, right
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Plans via RPT Realty; Satellite map via Google Maps

Here’s where you come in — we want to know what you want to see on Lakeland’s north side. While we don’t have the power to will your ideal shopping center, restaurant, or attraction into existence, we can put together the ultimate wishlist for the north side.

Answer this two-minute survey to tell us what you want to see come to north Lakeland. Your answers may appear in a future article.

Asked

What business would you add to north Lakeland?

Make your wish

Events

Thursday, Aug. 3

Sound Bath with Crystal Singing Bowls | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $25-$35 | Register for this meditation where Himalayan and crystal singing bowls and tuning forks are used to de-stress, restore balance, and bring well-being to the body and mind.
Night Market | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 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, Aug. 4

First Friday: Back to School | Friday, Aug. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Prepare for another school year with this family-friendly event featuring a car show, food, and downtown shopping.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, Aug. 4 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate summer by dancing to a live DJ on The Joinery’s front patio.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Birding on the Boardwalk | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon during this monthly event — binoculars and birding guides are provided.
End of Summer: A Sorting Hat Celebration | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | $10 | Head to this end-of-summer event for a sorting hat ceremony, magic show, food trucks, and other magical activities fit for the wizarding world.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Pets

How to protect your pet from heartworm

Preventative veterinary care extends the quality + longevity of your pet’s life, and New Life Veterinary Hospital can help you keep your pet in tip top shape by catching diseases early. | Photo via Pexels

Heartworm disease is an invisible, silent killer — which makes protecting your pet a year-round necessity.

Pets contract heartworm disease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Heartworm is, unfortunately, a deadly disease, and in most cases, pets won’t show symptoms until it’s too late.

So, how can you protect your furry family member? Prevention is key, so use one of the several monthly or yearly preventatives available and get your pet tested for heartworm disease.

Schedule a test today

News Notes

Number

$164.23 million. That’s the City of Lakeland’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024. While the budget — which takes effect Oct. 1 — is unfinalized, the city does not plan to raise property tax rates. Learn more about priorities including affordable housing, another fire station, and increased compensation for city employees. (LkldNow)

Real Estate

According to a recent study by Zumper, Winter Haven and Lakeland are the cheapest of 13 Tampa Bay-area cities for renters. Winter Haven and Lakeland have average one-bedroom rents of $1,250 and $1,340, respectively. Venice is the priciest renter city with an average rent of $2,260. (WFLA)

Sports

The first Polk Hoops Alumni Tournament took place last Saturday at Polk State College, with Bartow, Kathleen, Haines City, and Lake Wales making it to the final four. Teams reawakened old rivalries on the court, but only one — Lake Wales — could take the title. The event will return next year. (The Ledger)

Learn

SCORE Central Florida is holding a presentation on finding small business funding on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 9:30-11 a.m. at My Office & More (122 E. Main St., Lakeland). Attend to learn about SBA loans and other tips for funding a small business. Tickets are $10 — register online.

Feel Good

Residents at The Estates at Carpenters are making toys for children in emergency situations. First responders deliver the toys as a token of support when they arrive on the scene. Each car takes eight to 10 hours to make; so far, they’ve made 100+ cars and ~70 teddy bears. (Fox 13 News)

Eat

Honeycomb Bread Bakers is celebrating two years of fresh bakes. Join in the festivities at 140 6th St. SW, Winter Haven on Friday, Aug. 18. The bakery will have raffles, a croissant guessing game, live music, guest vendors, and a special anniversary menu.

Asked

Are you always hunting for drive-thrus during the rainy season? In Lakeland, you can find them at spots like happyfastdelicious, Fresh Kitchen, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, and Black & Brew. Take this two-minute survey to tell us your favorite local drive-thru and where you’d install one.

Fun Fact

Indiana University is giving us a reason to smile. Why? They’re home to the invention of Crest toothpaste, the cure for testicular cancer, and the nation’s first school of informatics. Bonus: They also offer the most languages taught (80+) at any American university — from Arabic to Zulu. Discover your potential at IU.*

Travel

Where in the world does MCO fly? See Orlando International Airport’s international flight map — plus get travel tips for planning your next global destination (San Salvador, London, or Amsterdam anyone?).*

Featured Job

Are you creative, organized, and dreaming of being a part of a company that ignites a thriving community of entrepreneurs and professionals in Lakeland? Catapult is hiring an Event & Marketing Manager to organize events, build strong relationships, and create effective marketing campaigns. Learn more + apply.*

Wellness

Start with yourself

Celebrate yourself with a stop at one of Lakeland’s wellness spots

Book an appointment at Woodlund Salon for a pampering experience. | Photo via Woodlund Salon

Did you know August is National Wellness Month? Countless Lakeland spots aim to celebrate and care for your mind and body.

Pura Vie Holistic Studio | 115 Traders Alley | This holistic wellness spa offers sound baths, integrated massage therapy, energetic healing, and more.
Salt Room Lakeland | 6030 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 125 | Salt therapy is a natural treatment that can help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies, cystic fibrosis, and ear infections. Pro tip: Try a 45-minute salt therapy session.
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen | 1439 E. Gary Rd. | Pick up grab-and-go meals or stop in for a bite in the cafe at this fully vegan eatery — the menu rotates weekly, check it out online.

7 more spots for self care

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Take a candle pour class with Cozy Bee Wicks at Keel and Curley Winery on Monday, Aug. 21, 7-9 p.m. Register online to hold your spot.

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