Plus, Wonder House holiday tours.
 
12.18.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

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

Be neighbors with nature

Welcome Canary: Lakeland’s new wellness-focused apartment complex
A rendering of the living space at Welcome Canary, including a living room and kitchen
Lakelanders can soon say “welcome home” to this new apartment complex. | Rendering provided by Welcome Canary
Consider us the little bird telling you about Lakeland’s newest apartment complex. Meet Welcome Canary, a 160-unit, wellness-focused luxury complex set to open in January 2024.

Welcome Developments built the complex at 1030 Browning Rd., just off of Old Tampa Highway, due to its proximity to the booming logistics industry in west Lakeland. It doesn’t hurt to be near the Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeside Village, or the airport, either.

A rendering of the gym at Welcome Canary, featuring a treadmill, weights, and greenery wall

Step up your fitness game in the biophilic gym.

|

Rendering provided by Welcome Canary

There’s more than residential units going in at Welcome Canary. Holistic wellness is the name of the game here, with amenities and community programs galore. Here are just a few that residents have access to:
  • A biophilic gym (think: Working out surrounded by natural light and live plants)
  • The “Zen Den” with infrared light therapy
  • Relaxing lounge areas + a clubhouse
  • Outdoor spaces including a pool, summer kitchen, community garden, and natural playground
You can also lean into the “rhythms” of life with several community health + wellness programs. Join in on a sound healing or poolside yoga session, meet neighbors for communal dinners, set monthly intentions together, or rent a complimentary bicycle for a nature ride.

A rendering showing a clubhouse lounge space with seating and hanging plants at Welcome Canary

Connect with nature + neighbors in the lounge spaces.

|

Rendering provided by Welcome Canary

Let’s talk floor plans. Each one includes at least two bedrooms with modern finishes, and primary bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. They also offer balcony or patio access, plus in-unit laundry hookups. Here are the three options:
  • 2 bed, 2 bath on the ground floor
  • 3 bed, 2 bath on the ground floor
  • 3 bed, 2 bath on two stories
Considering a move? Check it out for yourself by booking a tour to learn more about the floor plans and get the most up-to-date pricing information.
 
Events
Monday, Dec. 18
  • Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Class | Monday, Dec. 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Get off the wall and on the dance floor at this weekly class.
  • Light Up BSP | Monday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the season with free nightly holiday-themed events, including live music concerts, visits with Santa, seasonal food + drinks, family-friendly activities, and so much more.*
Tuesday, Dec. 19
  • Jamming Out for the Holidays Canning Class | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | Times vary | UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow | $18 | Learn to make + can your own jam in a two-hour class at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. — spots are limited.
  • Tasty Tuesday + Tunes in Munn Park | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Try small plates from downtown restaurants while a musician plays live in Munn Park.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
  • Santa Tea Party | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Honeyman Pavilion at Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $35-$40 | Join Santa and other royal guests for treats, tea, storytime, and a holiday sing-along — tickets are limited.
Thursday, Dec. 21
  • Yogadance | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 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.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Number
  • 1.6 million. That’s how many people are expected to fly out of Lakeland per year if an agreement with Avelo Airlines is approved in today’s City Commission meeting. Learn more about Avelo, a low-cost airline with 40+ destinations and 27,000 flights under its safety belt. (WFTS + The Ledger)
Sports
  • The Detroit Tigers will begin spring training in Lakeland on Feb. 24, 2024, with games scheduled against the Yankees, Rays, and more. Single-game tickets and season passes are now available for fans hoping to see them play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Open
  • The Abundant Love & Care assisted-living center is now open at 825 Plum St. Owner and registered nurse Gladis Vaccianna hopes residents can live out their “Golden Girls” dreams at the facility, which includes 23 beds, a beauty room, and a dining room. (The Ledger)
Holiday
  • Bonnet Springs Park will hold two Sensory Friendly Quiet Hours during the Light Up BSP event. Visit on Thursday, Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m. to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, or Tuesday, Dec. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. to enjoy a soft play playground.
Ranked
  • Several Polk County-based banks were featured on Tampa Bay Business Journal’s list of area community banks with the most assets in 2023. Winter Haven’s SouthState Bank ranked at No. 1 with $44.93 billion in assets, and Lakeland-based Bank of Central Florida came in at No. 6 with $1.03 billion. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Seasonal
  • It’s the most Wonder-ful time of the year for a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow. Christmas tours are now available to book through Jan. 7, including both daytime and evening options — plus tours including homemade holiday treats.
Biz
  • Allow us to introduce you to Evano’s Family Kitchen, the new name of Britt’s Café’s northside location at 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd. The location will offer an expanded menu along with the new name, but the same owners will operate the restaurant.
Eat
  • Don’t wait until festival season for your favorite fair food. Funnel Feasts launches this Wednesday, Dec. 20 from the Feasts of Persia food truck at Union Hall. Order a classic funnel cake, try a new flavor like birthday cake, or add toppings like cheesecake bites + ice cream.
Active
  • Experience the magic of a Winter Wellness Walk this Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. Reserve your spot to stroll under the twinkling Canopy of Lights at Light Up BSP, and then stop by Lakeland Regional Health’s festive tent for holiday-themed wellness tips and a holiday treat.*
Biz
  • Calling local businesses, the upcoming Shops at Lake Wire is looking for local tenants to help build a community-centered destination in 2024. Perks include customizable retail spaces, outdoor patio availability + lake views, and proximity to 300 brand-new apartments. Pics and details this way.*
 
The Buy

The Buy 12.18.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A great game you can break out with the family this holiday season. Learn the rules to “Ransom Notes” in under a minute and get ready for belly laughs.
Answered

Where are you hoping to fly to from Lakeland?

Lakeland Linder International Airport will offer commercial passenger flights
A gif slideshow showing skylines and photos of Chattanooga, Asheville, Key West, Greenville, and Nashville.
Consider our bags packed. | Gif by Giphy, photos by Chattanooga Tourism Co. via NOOGAtoday, AVLtoday, LALtoday, @james_simpson_photography via GVLtoday, and NASHtoday
The agreement between Lakeland Linder International Airport and Avelo Airlines is up for approval in today’s City Commission meeting, but our readers are already planning their flights.

We asked you to rate your excitement for the new opportunity to catch a flight from Lakeland, and of the 300+ who responded, 95% said you were very excited or kind of excited. Here are the top 10 destinations you’re hoping to visit:
  • Greenville, SC
  • New Haven, CT
  • Asheville, NC
  • Columbus, OH
  • Wilmington, DE
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Key West, FL
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • Nashville, TN
If you chose Greenville, New Haven, Wilmington, Philadelphia, or Nashville, you might be in luck — these are already some of Avelo’s current destinations.

Where Avelo will travel to from Lakeland is still TBA, but we’re keeping our eyes on the skies. Click below to learn more about what the agreement would mean for Lakelanders.
Say hello to Avelo
Share LALtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-LAL.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_15}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_15}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
New developments are always exciting to hear about, but we’re also keeping an eye on what’s currently in progress. Let me know which local developments you want a status update on as we head into the new year.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY