01.17.2024

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Today’s Forecast

56º | Mostly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:55 p.m.

🎂 We’re serving up a slice of Lakeland history

A slice of Lakeland history: The Dixieland anniversary cake of 1952

A woman in a dress points to a large cake made by Publix for the fourth anniversary of Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood.

We would want to dig into this colossal confection, too. | Photo by Publix

Chances are you’ve been to many a birthday party with a Publix cake, but we doubt you’ve seen one as big as the cake created for Dixieland in 1952. The neighborhood celebrated its fourth anniversary with a birthday cake weighing two and a half tons.

It takes someone pretty high up to put in such a tall order. Thankfully, the community had the support of Publix founder George Jenkins himself. “Mr. George” commissioned the cake from Lundy’s Bakery, the Dixieland business that supplied Publix stores with baked goods before they incorporated their own bakeries.

Lundy’s baked the cake in small sections, which were later assembled in a Publix warehouse. The cake’s four tiers stood at 4 ft tall and weighed in at an impressive 5,000 lbs. It was transported to Dixieland by trailer to start the anniversary celebration.

A baker decorates a cake with frosting for the Dixieland neighborhood anniversary — We can just imagine how long it took to decorate this cake.
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Photo by Publix

The event drew big names like George Jenkins and Pat Burgoon, the 1952 Florida Citrus Queen, but local residents also came together to enjoy a slice and celebrate their neighborhood. Reader Perry L. shared this sweet memory from the event:

“I recall the large crowd of people on the street gathered around the wheeled platform holding the cake, all eager to be served a piece. I remember being handed a serving which I, as a sweets-loving 10-year-old, thought was quite small, especially coming from such a giant cake. It’s amusing to me now that after 70+ years the size of the serving is what remains lodged in my mind!”

Dixieland remains a key part of Lakeland’s past and present. Explore everything the area has to offer — including the vintage store found in the former Lundy’s Bakery location — with our neighborhood guide.

Asked

If you were there, what flavor would you want the cake to be?

A. Vanilla
B. Chocolate
C. Strawberry
D. A mix of flavors
E. Something else

Select your slice

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 17

Wellness Wednesday | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | New Mt. Zion Church, 1321 N. Webster Ave., Lakeland | Free | Get a health screening, ask a pharmacist your questions, and learn what benefits you may qualify for at this expo.
Reception: “Illustrations from the Mirror: The Art of Ahmad Taylor” | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate this exhibit with a conversation between the Lakeland native artist and the museum’s executive director.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Tap Takeover | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Attend this cider party to try drinks and meet representatives from Blake’s Hard Cider Co.
Trivia Thursdays | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Test your general knowledge at this weekly event hosted by Tasty Trivia.

Friday, Jan. 19

Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show that takes place every Friday, weather permitting.
“The Fantasticks” | Friday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $22-$28 | Local actors will perform the longest-running musical in the world.

Saturday, Jan. 20

2024 Swan City Jazz Festival | Saturday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 21 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland | Free | Jazz musicians will come from near and far to perform at this music festival — the location has changed due to weather.
“Madama Butterfly” | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $25-$75 | The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra invites you to a night at the opera.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Sip, sip, hooray

These alcohol-free drinks can raise your spirits this new year. | Photo provided by Six & Main

We’re mixing up the new year with tasty mocktails perfect for hosting a party, enjoying a night at home, or simply quenching your thirst in a new delicious way.

For the inspiring mixologists, we suggest the Hibiscus Cardamom Syrup by Portland Syrups. Want to practice your bartending skills? We’ve got you covered with this Cherry Limeade by Simple Times Mixers — all you have to do is add your favorite soda water. If you’re more of a pour-and-go type of person, choose any of these flavors from Sarilla.

Join us in raising a glass (or can) and toasting to tasty, alcohol-free indulgence.

Try these recipes

News Notes

Civic

City commissioners unanimously approved the 2024-2025 Charter Review Committee yesterday. Its 15 members will review the city’s governing document and propose any revisions to be put towards a public vote in 2025. Meet the members. (LkldNow)

Eat

Consider Lake Morton the latest foodie destination in Lakeland. East Palmetto Street is now home to Pizza Daddy’s, and two more eateries are on the way: Peach House and Mootown Scoops, a newly announced ice cream parlor coming next to Mister Fish. (LkldNow)

Real Estate

While Polk County’s median home price was lower in October, million-dollar home sales were up. Across the county, 27 homes priced $1 million or more were sold in October 2023, compared to eight in October 2022. (The Ledger)

Number

20.5 million. That’s how many boxes of citrus Florida growers are forecast to produce this year. After past years were plagued by citrus greening, freezes, and hurricanes, the industry could see a 30% year-over-year increase. (WFTS)

Edu

An idea by Lakeland Highlands Middle School students Kiana Imperial + Julie Warren is now trickling down to the whole school district. The students proposed touchless water fountains to cut down on germs and plastic waste, and the first fountains are now available at their school.

Pets

A $5 donation means five minutes of furry fun at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center’s Puppy Cuddle and Adoption Event. Visit the Welcome Center (101 Adventure Ct., Davenport) this Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., to play with puppies and adopt one from SPCA Florida.

Holiday

If the thought of Valentine’s Day gives you the shivers, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail has you covered. Get tickets for Love’s Revenge, a themed experience happening Feb. 9-10. Tickets include two trails, escape games, and laser tag.

Drink

Live your “Bridgerton” dreams with an afternoon tea at Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom in Lake Alfred. This special event is set for Thursday, March 14, featuring premium teas and small bites. Reservations are limited.

Learn

Hey there, dreamers: Southeastern University’s SEU Conference 2024 is open for registration. The three-day conference, happening Monday, Feb. 5-Wednesday, Feb. 7, centers on making an actionable dream for your life and will feature speakers, VIP breakout sessions + more. Learn more + choose your free or VIP ticket.*

Try This

We’re lighting up the Bat Signal

Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con

A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2

The Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion are ready — we hope you R2. | Photo by @rakurabase and @floridagarrison501st

Calling all superfans — now’s your time to shine. This weekend kicks off Central Florida Comic Con (CFCC), which describes itself as a celebration of all things nerdy, including comics, movies, games, and art.

CFCC will take over the RP Funding Center on Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You can buy tickets and VIP passes for the full weekend or just one day.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend, because the events are non-stop. Listen in on expert panels, try your hand at gaming tournaments, and ask stars your burning questions in Q+As. In between events, stop by the Exhibition Halls to browse art, collectibles, and merch.

Big names in the entertainment world will also be at CFCC for panels and meet + greets, including Tom Kenny, the voice of “Spongebob Squarepants.”

CFCC you there

The Buy

The Buy 1.17.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The No. 1 best-selling GUESS women’s fashion sneaker, which has a sleek and slim design and modern color choices (including some sparkling metallics).

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

After we shared our guide to Ybor City yesterday, reader Varrick N. filled us in on an easy way to take an international trip — without even leaving Florida. Check out José Martí Park, a small piece of land that’s actually owned by Cuba. It’s within walking distance of many of the spots in our guide.

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