12.20.2023

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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.

✨ It’s Lakeland’s time to shine

Where to find the best holiday lights in Lakeland — according to our readers

The Crenshaw Canopy Walk at Bonnet Springs Park decorated with Christmas lights

Where do you think is the best place to take in the lights? | Photo by @cnc.photos

Now’s the perfect time of year to grab a cup of hot cocoa, hop in the car, and drive around looking for the best holiday lights in Lakeland. Thanks to our followers’ suggestions, we’ve mapped your stops, including a few around Polk County. So get in, Lakelanders — we’re going to look at the lights.

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
There’s something new every night at Light Up BSP. Walk through the Crenshaw Canopy Walk covered in twinkling lights and check out each evening’s activities happening 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland
Crank the heat and take a lakeside drive. Pro tip: If you’d prefer to walk and browse, you can park in the public lot next to the Lakeland Country Club.

A holiday light display in Munn Park in Lakeland — We recommend grabbing a hot chocolate from Black & Brew before walking through downtown.
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Photo by LALtoday

Downtown Lakeland
Walk through Munn Park’s light displays, take in the holiday decor around Lake Mirror, or see the music-synced Christmas tree near the Fire Department.

Ariana Village, 1625 Ariana St., Lakeland
Drive through this mobile home park suggested by @alisah876. Residents have put on free drive-thru spectacles here for 30+ years.

Valley View Drive, Lakeland
@pourbearcoffee recommends visiting this street off of Hallam Drive, which loops back around to the main road for easy access.

Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland
Drive south and head down a side street for impressive displays. @claretinsleyphotography recommends the Lancelot + Lochinvar streets.

Drive around the Christmas Tree Lane area to see displays, like this “Nutcracker"-themed one at 345 Spring Ct.
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Photo by @dancingyogiartist

Christmas Tree Lane, 2180 S. Kissengen Ave., Bartow
Buckle up — we’re headed to Bartow for this local favorite. @_craftkrazie_ recommends taking a horse-drawn carriage tour, starting at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Santa’s House by the Bigda’s, 4314 Shadow Wood Trl., Winter Haven
Round out your trip with a stop at this home for character meetings, Disney music, and hot cocoa. As @rosancruznyc says, “It’s worth the drive.”

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Sunset Yoga in the Vines | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6-7 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Participate in this guided yoga practice in the vines — one drink voucher will be provided with registration.
Light Up BSP | Wednesday, Dec. 20-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.*
Pickleball After Dark | Wednesday, Dec. 20-Wednesday, Sept. 25 | Times vary | SUN KAVA, 5711 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Head to this community hub for all-night pickleball, craft food, and deals on kava shells (plus karaoke).*

Thursday, Dec. 21

Jukebox Bingo & The Aquarian Market | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Listen for songs on your bingo card to win $10 off your tab, and find vegan food + goods at the market.
The Classics Movie Series On the Lawn: “Home Alone” | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., Plant City | Free | Bring your lawn chair or blanket and watch Kevin McCallister’s adventure unfold on the library lawn.

Friday, Dec. 22

Tea Largo’s Hidden Pictures Scavenger Hunt | Wednesday, Dec. 20-Friday, Dec. 22 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Tea Largo, 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Hunt for hidden items around the store while enjoying your favorite açai, tea, or latte.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Number

22,050. That’s how many people will need to fly with Avelo from Lakeland monthly for the airline to break even on operating costs, meaning 100+ new flights per month. Polk County has agreed to spend $6 million on marketing the airline’s offerings over the next five years. (The Ledger)

Development

City commissioners unanimously approved a 1,400-acre solar farm in Monday’s meeting. Located on former phosphate mining land near Florida Poly, the farm will provide power to Lakeland Electric. (LkldNow)

Arts

The works of artist Auguste Rodin have returned to the Polk Museum of Art. See 14 of his bronze sculptures on view in the installation “Rodin at the Polk: Selections from the Cantor Collections.” The long-term installation will run through 2026.

Civic

Become an expert on all things Lakeland by applying for the Lakeland Citizens Academy. The first 30 to apply will join seven weekly informational sessions from Feb. 29 to April 18, 2024. Topics include the History of Lakeland, Community and Economic Development, and more.

Open

Who’s your daddy? There’s a new pizza shop open inside the Lake Morton Market & Deli (811 E. Palmetto St.). Visit Pizza Daddy’s Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. to carry out fresh-baked pizza, wings, and flatbread subs.

Number

1295. That was the average SAT score of new Florida Polytechnic University students in 2021, earning a No. 3 ranking compared to all public colleges in the state. This fall, the average Florida Poly student’s score was even higher at 1323.

Seasonal

Thursday, December 21 is the official first day of winter. Celebrate at Bok Tower Gardens’ Yuletide event, happening tomorrow, 1:30-8 p.m. Tickets include live music, luminaries in the Olmsted Gardens, and a moonlight carillon concert.

The Word

Jólabókaflóð. That’s the Icelandic word for a “Christmas book flood,” aka a cozy book exchange. Join one at Pressed this Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23 by bringing a used book to exchange with other readers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday

Florida Dance Theatre’s winter fundraiser performance is tomorrow, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Theatre Winter Haven (210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW, Winter Haven). Buy your ticket to enjoy “Holiday Dreams & Nutcracker Suites” followed by a cocktail reception.

Active

Registration is officially open for the Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run. The annual 5K/10K — to be hosted at the Lake Mirror Promenade on Saturday, Mar. 2 — brings the community together to help conquer cancer while celebrating survivors. See the course + register.*

Shop

Let’s talk shop. Tucked inside the Polk Museum of Art, The Shop offers a curated collection of local, unique + handcrafted finds. Each piece, whether inspired by current museum exhibits or chosen for the quality of its design, is meant to offer visitors something special. Take a peek.*

Travel

Traveling this holiday season? See Orlando International Airport’s 6 tips, apps + programs that will help you speed through the airport.*

Seasonal

Make your to-do list + check it twice...

What to know in Lakeland during the 2024 holiday season

A light-up Santa and his reindeer overlook downtown Lakeland

Santa and his reindeer will keep watch over Lakeland Electric this season. | Still via @mannyfilmz

...and plan ahead for these local closures on Christmas Eve (Sunday, Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Sunday, Dec. 31), and New Year’s Day (Monday, Jan. 1, 2024).

City + county services

City of Lakeland offices — including Lakeland Electric — will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

City trash pickups will shift one day later for Monday + Tuesday customers. Polk County will shift all pickups one day later for the week of both Christmas and New Year’s Day.

All Polk County Tax Collector offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25-Tuesday, Dec. 26 and on New Year’s Day.

On Jan. 4, 2024, Polk County Public Schools students will start the spring semester. Teachers and staff will return earlier in the week.

Grocery store + recreational closures

The Buy

The Buy 12.20.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

An Apple Watch Series 9 — because the smartwatch is about to get much harder to find. Starting tomorrow, Apple will pull this smartwatch version from its website due to a patent dispute, with in-store purchases ending Sunday, Dec. 24. Other retailers may continue to sell the model until a final decision is made on an import ban. (Forbes)

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

Have you tried Pizza Daddy’s yet? There are plenty of specialty pies, but I think you should try my favorite: the New Bicycle, made with a pesto base, sausage, spinach, peppers, and olive oil.

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