Plus, local students shoot for the moon.
 
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79º | Mostly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:19 a.m. | Sunset 6:01 p.m.
 

Dream up something for this downtown delight

What would you like to see in this historic building in downtown Lakeland?
An exterior shot of Thom Downs Antiques
We can’t wait to see what’s next for this iconic spot on North Florida Avenue. | Image via LDDA, provided by Augie Schmidt
You may know Thom Downs Antiques from your days of shopping for unique finds, or maybe you know it for the iconic mural on its side, but the historic 16,650-sqft storefront is about to be known for something else entirely — we just don’t know what that is yet.

The 1922 building is on the market for the first time in decades. Originally, the site served as Lakeland’s own Ford dealership, where crews assembled Ford Model Ts. In the 1980s, Thomas Downs opened his store after discovering a passion for traveling around the world collecting antique glassware and furniture.

An interior shot of an antique store shows wooden furniture housed in a historic building.

We spy with our little eye: exposed steel beams, high ceilings, and plenty of room for Lakeland’s next development.

|

Photo provided by Augie Schmidt

Now, it’s another Lakelander’s turn to leave their mark on North Florida Avenue. If you’re shopping for retail space, here’s what you should know:
  • The price tag: $2,195,000 ($132/sqft)
  • The layout: Two stories of open floor plan space featuring I-beam construction. The first floor is just over 8,000 sqft.
  • Features: functioning freight elevator
  • Zoning: C7 — which means it’s currently zoned for mixed-use retail and residential space, restaurants, offices, hotels, event spaces, and more
  • Listing agent: Augie Schmidt, SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate
Don’t have $2 million burning a hole in your pocket? No worries — we’re hoping to hear what you’d like to see come to life in this space. Be the broker and share your wildest dreams for a chance to be featured.
Asked

What would you like to see in this property?
A. Mixed-use retail + residential
B. Restaurant
C. Hotel
D. Other
Dream big for downtown
 
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 24
  • Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Presbyterian Homes, McArthur Building, 810 Lakeside Ave., Lakeland | Free | Meet other caregivers and learn about caring for loved ones at this monthly meeting.
  • Tai Chi Classes | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 7:15-8:30 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$120 | Drop in for a single beginner-friendly tai chi class or register for the full series — join in person or via Zoom.
Thursday, Jan. 25
  • A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd & Southern Rock | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$175 | Joe’s Garage will perform the classic Southern rock songs you know and love — VIP options available.
  • Trivia Thursdays | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Test your knowledge with themed and general trivia.
Friday, Jan. 26
  • LKLD Indie Bash | Friday, Jan. 26 | 12-11:59 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$18 | Hear all of your favorite local independent musicians playing live all day long.
  • Evening Explorers | Friday, Jan. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Take an evening hike through the park, then stay for campfire songs + stories.
Saturday, Jan. 27
  • Women’s Self-Defense Classes | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Enhance personal safety, elevate confidence, and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 15 and up.
  • 32 Trees the Band w/ Top Dog Concessions | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a bite, a beer, and a seat on the patio to unwind this weekend.
Sunday, Jan. 28
  • A Paschal Moon | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$59 | Learn how to paint a moon over a beach in this step-by-step class — create a candle for an extra fee.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Tech
  • Florida Polytechnic University senior capstone students are shooting for the moon — literally. Three groups are working on projects aimed at building roads on the moon’s surface to support infrastructure development.
Biz
  • Catapult Lakeland is offering up to $10,000 in pitch grants via its Launch Micro Grant Funding Program. Students can also apply for $2,500 Student Launch Grants. Pro tip: Register for a free lunch + learn on Wednesday, Jan. 31 to walk through the application process. Applications close Monday, Feb. 26.
Edu
  • IDEA School is accepting applications from K-6 students for the 2024-2025 school year. The tuition-free education group aims to serve historically underserved populations. The goal? Getting students to and through college — something IDEA’s students have achieved at a rate six times higher than their peers.
Real Estate
  • A seven-bed, nine-bath Auburndale home just broke Polk County’s real estate record with a bottom line of $4.1 million. Located at 501 Adams Barn Rd., the lakefront property has unique features like a saltwater aquarium and free-standing spiral staircase within its 9,215 sqft. (Orlando Weekly)
Award
  • Know any graduating seniors in the arts? Polk County Public School and charter school seniors planning to pursue a career in dance or musical theatre are invited to apply for Betsye Kay Finch Performing Arts Foundation’s $2,500 scholarship. Applications are open from Thursday, Jan. 25 through Feb. 15.
Feel Good
  • The Auburndale City Commission recently recognized Dwayne Hingos, an Auburndale resident, for his heroic actions last October. Hingos acted quickly to rescue Tamara Huber-Lucas, a Lakeland resident who experienced a medical episode at the wheel that led to her vehicle submerging in a retention pond. (WFTS)
Read
  • Lakeland native, former Florida congressman, and Southeastern University professor Dennis Ross has published his memoir, “Reaching Across the Aisle: Reflections on My Experiences in Politics.” Looking for other books written by Lakelanders? We’ve got you covered.
Drink
  • Jude Coffee is hosting its first pop-up of the year this Saturday, Jan. 27 at The Curated Collective (401 S. Florida Ave.), 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by to try new coffees and browse antique + vintage finds. Pro tip: City Editor Rilee recommends the honey lavender latte.
Community
  • The City of Lakeland is hosting a free drop-off event for your old household waste — think: motor oil, paint, pool cleaners, and more. Old electronics like TVs, stereos, and fax machines will be accepted. Drop off items at 605 Evelyn Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Travel
Home
  • Perfect for a cleaner, healthier home: this extra-large maple cutting board, which is BPA and phthalate-free and conditioned with beeswax, flaxseed, and lemon oil.*
 
Shop

Shopping has a nice ring to it

Not-so-hidden gems: Jewelers in Lakeland, FL
Mural on side of Gaines Jewelers in Lakeland, FL
Stop by this mural on your next shopping trip. | Photo by @gaines_jewelers
On Monday morning we shared five Lakeland jewelers and asked our readers for any spots we were missing — and boy, did y’all show up in our inbox. Here are two more stores our readers made sure we included on our list.

Marshall Jewelers, 2058B E. Edgewood Dr.
Emails poured in for this 1958 business. Before it landed on Edgewood Drive, Lakelanders may remember shopping for jewels and having repairs done in the Southgate plaza. Fun fact from reader Monica: Bill Marshall also specializes in golf club repair.

Wilson Diamond Brokers, 101 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Jennifer J. wrote in to remind us about this spot that opened in 1977. According to Jennifer, you can expect a wonderful experience every time you shop from this family-owned store.

Is there a gem of a local jeweler missing from our list? Be like Monica and Jennifer and tell us about it.
5 more shiny spots to shop
The Buy

The Buy 1.24.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The best baking supplies to cook up something cozy and comforting this winter. Think: a sourdough starter helper, lemon lavender scones baking mix, and Herbes de Provence focaccia mix.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Rilee
From the editor
In the mood for some ASMR? Turn your volume up and listen to the peaceful sounds of Circle B Bar Reserve.
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