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64º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 5:31 p.m.
 

Let’s play the name game

What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Abraham Munn also secured a railroad stop in Lakeland — today it’s near the park that now bears his name. | Photo by LALtoday
How well do you know the stories behind Lakeland’s most famous landmarks? We’re uncovering the meanings behind the monikers our readers asked about — count how many you already knew.

Munn Park

The park at the center of downtown Lakeland is named after one of the city’s first settlers. Kentucky native Abraham Munn bought 80 acres of land in Central Florida in 1882. Although the name Munnville was floated for the land, it was incorporated under the name “Lakeland” in 1885. Munn’s name lives on downtown, just look for it at the park’s entrances.

Gladys Leggett and neighborhood president Morris Chestang pose next to the neighborhood's sign

Gladys Leggett and Neighborhood Association President Morris Chestang

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Photo via City of Lakeland

Gladys Leggett Neighborhood

This north Lakeland neighborhood is bordered by Kathleen Road, 10th Street, and the CSX railroad tracks. Its namesake was community leader Gladys Leggett, who was born in 1920 and died in 2018. Leggett worked with the NAACP and fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement.

A white fountain moves water from pool to pool, framed by palm trees.

Pro tip: It’s always free to visit Hollis Garden.

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Photo via @thewanderingconk

Hollis Garden

Mark C. Hollis was the president of Publix from 1984 to 1996, and his family has been invested in local philanthropy for years. In addition to this public garden overlooking Lake Mirror, you can also find the family’s name on other landmarks like Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center and Bonnet Springs Park’s Hollis Family Welcome Center.

Dog Leg Woods

The name of this Cleveland Heights dog park may seem simple on the surface, but golfers might recognize another meaning. On a golf course, a “dogleg” is a challenging hole with a crooked green, similar in shape to a dog’s leg — the perfect name for a dog park by a golf course.

Is there another name you want to know the history behind? Drop us a line and we’ll see what we can find.
5 more names to know
Asked

Did you know the stories behind these names?
A. Yes, I’m a local expert.
B. I knew some, but some were surprising.
C. No, I learned something new.
Show what you know
 
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 6
  • Salsa y Bachata Class | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 6:15-8:15 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn two Latin dances in an hour-long class, then show off your moves in a social.
Thursday, Dec. 7
  • Jukebox Bingo & Cousins Maine Lobster | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Listen for the songs on your bingo card to win $10 off your tab.
  • The Lakeland Christmas Parade | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 7-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | See floats decorated with this year’s “Christmas in Candy Land” theme.
Friday, Dec. 8
  • Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Dec. 8 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Night Market, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local makers at this monthly night market.
  • Festive Flix | Friday, Dec. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to watch “The Polar Express” lakeside — snacks will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Dec. 9
  • Pet Fest | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Polk County Animal Control, 7115 De Castro Rd., Winter Haven | Free entry | Adopt a pet for free, shop for pet-friendly products in the vendor market, and take pet pictures with Santa.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
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News Notes
Civic
  • Did you vote? Runoff election day was yesterday, and the votes are in. Lakelanders made their voices heard by voting for the District A Northwest City Commissioner. Official election results are yet to be announced, but you can check the unofficial results.
Number
  • $10 million. That’s how much it costs to replace the reciprocating internal combustion engine damaged en route to Lakeland Electric’s power plant in October. MAN, the engine’s manufacturer, will foot the bill and deliver a new engine in the spring. (The Ledger)
Development
  • The City of Lakeland will apply for state funding to add a walking + biking trail on Ingraham Avenue, between Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Bartow Road. Construction could begin within three years on the proposed trail. (LkldNow)
Community
  • Polk County will end curbside recycling pickups for unincorporated Polk residents in October 2024. County commissioners cited rising costs as the reason for canceling collections. (Fox 13 News)
Number
  • $239,800. That’s how much the City of Lakeland will pay to replace 16 shuffleboard courts at Lake Parker Park. The courts are regularly used by Lakeland Shuffleboard Club members, who also maintain the courts and facility. (LkldNow)
Cause
  • Roblox, Bluey, Squishmallows — those are the top toys kids are requesting this year, according to Polk County Toys for Tots. The organization aims to provide toys for 4,816 families this year, but it’s still in need of donations + volunteers to reach its goal. (The Ledger)
Edu
  • Harrison School for the Arts will roll out the red carpet at its annual fundraiser on Feb. 9, 2024. Tickets are on sale for the event featuring performances by students in the dance, music, theater, and film departments.
Real Estate
Giveaway
Edu
  • Hey, Floridians: How does going to college for free sound? Florida has robust financial aid programs that can cover much (or all) of the cost of college tuition. See an example of how college can be more affordable than you think.*
Finance
  • There’s cash back, and then there’s unlimited 1.5% cash back. This card has that, plus a $200 bonus and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Oh, and did we mention the annual fee? No — because there isn’t one.) Learn more + apply.*
Shop
  • Health.com called this vibrator the “Rolls Royce Of Sex Toys” — and it’s also clinically proven to improve arousal and alleviate dryness. Get it for 30% off ahead of the holidays.*
 
Community

Become a Dixieland expert

Neighborhood guide: Dixieland in Lakeland, FL
A colorful mural showing Dixieland icons like retro signage, a cardinal, and a woman with a bicycle.
Artist Ahmad H. Taylor captured many Dixieland icons in this mural. | Photo by LALtoday
Whether you’re looking to move in or just visiting, there’s something to delight you in Dixieland. The historic neighborhood provides a perfect combination of old Lakeland charm and modern hustle + bustle.

What we love

  • If you need a gift for a friend or an addition to your wardrobe, stop by Bungalow Boutique & Gifts. The shop specializes in clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
  • The Feasts of Persia food truck has a new permanent home in Dixieland. Grab a bite and enjoy it on the shaded patio behind Union Hall.
  • If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, these historic options are currently on the market: 509 W. Park St. and 202 Lenox St.
Feeling like you love this ‘hood too? Would you ever consider changing neighborhoods? Let us know.
Read the full Dixieland guide
The Buy

The Buy 12.06.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Anything on sale for Six & Main’s Deal of the Day. Each day, unlock a new deal on a specialty, locally-made item. Today’s deal? Get 20% off our earring collection.
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The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Discovering local history never disappoints. Here’s another fun fact I learned about Gladys Leggett: She was born in Tallahassee before moving to Lakeland, just like me.
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