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

 
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City

Changes coming to downtown Lakeland

A rendering of a dog park in Munn Park.
Munn Park will likely get a new look in the future. | Rendering via The City of Lakeland
It’s no secret that downtown Lakeland has been undergoing lots of change. Here’s what we’re tracking when it comes to new developments, park beautification, parking and shuttle services, and more.

Munn Park Revitalization Project

Background: Lakelanders were presented with potential outcomes for a Munn Park revitalization effort in January 2023. Keep reading for a recap of proposed ideas.

What’s next: Shortly after plans were shared, city officials went back to the drawing board to consider possibilities like expanded sidewalks or a pedestrian plaza. It is unclear when Lakelanders will see Munn Park’s next iteration begin to take shape.

Publix’s Information Technology campus

Background: Publix Super Markets recently acquired another building for its new technology campus in downtown Lakeland.

What’s next: Publix has requested to demolish the old Florida Citrus Mutual building at 411 E. Orange St. to make way for surface parking for IT campus employees. If approved, Publix would be responsible for further development. The public is invited to the City Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 21 to hear and comment on Publix’s proposal before a commissioner vote.

An eight-seat golf cart used by Citrus Connection for The Squeeze service.

Lakelanders can ride the open-air “Squeeze” shuttles for free.

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Photo via Citrus Connection

The Squeeze

Background: The Squeeze launched in November 2021 as a pay-per-ride shuttle service in downtown Lakeland. At the time, it offered lunchtime and evening rides. Since then, the shuttle made rides free and was made available during evenings and special events only.

What’s next: The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority is considering relaunching lunchtime hours of operation from Wednesday to Friday this fall.

A three-story parking garage in downtown Lakeland

Did you know we have a whole guide to free parking in downtown Lakeland?

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Photo via Google Maps

Traffic and parking

Background: The City of Lakeland began conducting a public parking study in February 2023.

What’s next: City officials are planning to present the results of the parking study this fall. It is expected that the study will help inform decisions around potential changes to street parking, particularly those that would arise if the city chose to widen sidewalks around Munn Park.

Is there something else you want us to track? Tell us about it.
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 9
  • Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Boot scoot boogie on down to Union Hall for free line dancing lessons followed by karaoke at 8 p.m.
  • Trivia Night | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas while showing off your general trivia knowledge.
Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Storytime at the Jackson Branch Library | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Kids aged 2-5 are invited to this storytime featuring songs, rhymes, crafts, and more to promote verbal and listening skills.
  • Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels.
Friday, Aug. 11
  • Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, Aug. 11 | 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. 12
  • 28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 7-9 a.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20 | Join the final race in this series of summer 5Ks that benefit scholarships for local students.
  • Caffeine & Gasoline at BSP | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee while you stroll through this car show — no registration is required to show off your ride.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • You may know about Auburndale’s new luxury condo complex for car enthusiasts, but did you know it’s opening this December? The 75-unit complex with a 1.7-mile track has luxury living quarters ranging from $460,000-$1.8 million. (Business Observer)
Civic
  • The Polk County Planning Commission green-lit the Creek Ranch single-family development in a 4-3 vote last week. Following the approval, some residents opposed the vote, citing environmental concerns, traffic, and incompatibility. Next, the Polk County Commission will review the decision. (The Ledger)
Closing
  • In preparation for its move to the Kelly Recreation Complex (404 Imperial Blvd.), the eLibrary South Lakeland (4740 S. Florida Ave.) is closing on Saturday, Sept. 2. The $140,948 project will open on Monday, Sept. 18 with a new seating area and library materials in the Activity Room.
Sports
  • The Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are facing off this Saturday, Aug. 12 for the Lakeland Flying Tigers’ “Battle of the Badges” charity softball tournament. The first pitch is at 3:45 p.m. — admission includes the Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Rays game at 6 p.m.
Talk
  • Meet up with other readers during the next Graphic Novel Talk at Revival on Tuesday, Aug. 15. This month’s discussion will cover “Nimona,” a graphic novel-turned animated Netflix film — the meet-up begins at 7 p.m.
Sports
  • Richard Tate has gained 35 years of coaching experience with many Polk County high school football teams, including Kathleen, George Jenkins, and Bartow. This year he’ll return to lead the Ridge Community High School team, which he was the first to coach in 2005. (The Ledger)
Open
  • EverLoved Vet Care, an at-home pet care service owned by two lifelong Lakelanders, is now open. The business provides end-of-life services for dogs and cats. Additionally, it cares for owners by offering free online grief support sessions for bereaved pet owners.
Learn
  • Sometimes prevention is the best medicine. Join Lakeland Regional Health for a free, monthly Heart Smarts class to learn how lifestyle changes can improve cholesterol, help control blood pressure, and reduce certain health risks like heart disease. The next class: Friday, Aug. 18. Learn more + register.*
Edu
  • Is your child ready to explore their higher education options? Enter: Indiana University. Once you step foot on IU’s stunning Bloomington campus, you’ll fall in love — and never want to leave. Students get to enjoy all seasons, outdoor adventures, international cuisine, and more. Take a tour.*
Shop
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.*
 
Community

What will Munn Park look like?

The future of downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park

A rendering of colorful pod swings in Munn Park
Would you grab a seat on one of these colorful pod swings in Munn Park? | Rendering via The City of Lakeland
That’s the question on many a Lakelander’s mind. The City of Lakeland’s public forums surrounding Munn Park took place in January, and while we’re still not sure what the next iteration of our town square will look like, here are some of the proposed ideas.

The city is considering multiple options, and while not all of these will come to fruition, it’s possible that downtown Lakeland could soon have one of the following features:
  • A large front lawn
  • A concessions area featuring permanent shipping container-style eateries
  • A fully-enclosed dog park
  • A special events stage
Designers are focusing on potential interactive elements like bocce ball, cornhole, and giant checkers, to name a few.

As for design elements, bench seating surrounding the lawn’s perimeter, decorated planters, and historical markers were suggested.

Pro tip: You can view all of the potential features on the City of Lakeland’s website.
More proposed ideas this way
Shop
Read
  • The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.
Trending
  • The buzziest deodorant in the beauty scene: Lume whole body deodorant. Free of aluminum or baking soda, it offers odor protection anywhere and everywhere.
Award
  • The 2023 Etsy Design Award Winners are here. Check out extraordinary, imaginative items including cactus leather bags, whimsical dandelion lamps, and donut mugs.
Pets
  • Want to give your pup a paw-sitive surprise? Spoil them with treats from Botanical Bones – guaranteed to fit any pup’s personality.
 
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor
In case you missed it, we’re creating the ultimate north Lakeland wish list. It’s not too late to add your own wish.
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