01.30.2024

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Today’s Forecast

66º | Clear skies | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:16 a.m. | Sunset 6:06 p.m.

🔮 Can you see the future?

What could downtown Lakeland look like in the future?

Could downtown markets get even more magical? | Photo provided by Catapult

The bones of downtown Lakeland have stayed relatively consistent over the years, but the businesses, aesthetics, and activities for families are always evolving.

Wondering what the future could look like in downtown Lakeland? Here are a few things we’re watching.

A rendering showing a hashtag Lakeland sign in Munn Park — Would you like a photo op like this in Munn Park?
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Rendering via The City of Lakeland.

Beautification

In January 2023, the City of Lakeland unveiled potential plans for a Munn Park revitalization project. A final decision is yet to be made, but it’s clear that the city intends to make some community-centric changes to our town square. Meanwhile, the LDDA has added new self-watering pots filled with fresh flowers along Lemon Street and Tennessee Avenue.

Dining

There’s always something new to eat in downtown Lakeland. Nineteen61 is planning to add a rooftop bar just a couple of doors down from a new upscale Japanese eatery: Hakucho. Down the street, the former Crispers location is still vacant, and while no plans have been shared, our readers are hoping for a wine bar, Chicken Salad Chick, or a diner, among other ideas.

Family activities

A mockup of a dog park sign featuring yellow and green lettering and LED lights. — Lakeland’s downtown dog park could have a groovy new sign.
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Provided by the City of Lakeland

The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market is known for bringing local vendors and community members together along Kentucky Avenue, but shoppers could experience an even bigger market in the future. The LDDA is considering expanding the market into Munn Park.

Lakeland’s fourth dog park (and downtown’s first) is planned for the corner of East Rose Street + North Lake Avenue. Fit with retro LED signage, dog statues, a pup-friendly photo op, and a dog wash station, this park will open to Lakeland’s four-legged citizens later this year.

There are still plenty of things up in the air, but if we had to guess, 2025 could include meals at new eateries, fetch with Fido at On Dog Time Park, and perhaps a more concrete idea of Munn Park’s future. What do you think? Peer into your crystal ball and tell us what you see by clicking below.

Asked

What would you put in the former Crispers location?

A. Greek food
B. Classic diner
C. Smoothies, salads, and bowls
D. Something else

Tell us the future

Events

Tuesday, Jan. 30

Snowbird Extravaganza | Tuesday, Jan. 30-Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free | This two-day showcase will feature exhibits and entertainment geared toward older adults — parking is $10.
Tacos, Margaritas + BINGO! | Tuesday, Jan. 30 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.

Wednesday, Jan. 31

Salsa y Bachata Class | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 6:15-8:15 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn one of two popular Latin dances, then show off your moves in a social dance.
Live Trivia w/ Our Noire Kitchen | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Show what you know with trivia hosted by Hold On I Know This.

Thursday, Feb. 1

Moonlit Midnight | Thursday, Feb. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | There’s a new design waiting for you in this step-by-step painting class.

Friday, Feb. 2

First Friday: Mardi Gras | Friday, Feb. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Mardi Gras at this family-friendly event filled with local vendors.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these improvised comedy shows — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 p.m. show and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.

Saturday, Feb. 3

The Evelyn Bryant Cultural Festival | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Badcock Commons Park, 205 NW 2nd St., Mulberry | Free | Celebrate Black History Month with live entertainment, an art show, and crafting contests.
VISTEBall 2024 | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Sun ‘n Fun, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $75 | Support Volunteers in Service to the Elderly at this golf-themed fundraiser.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Trending

To quench, or not to quench?

Stanley water bottles lined up in a row in alternating colors.

The Stanley Quencher is Amazon’s No. 1 home and kitchen best seller. | Graphic by 6AM City

Ins for 2024: Portable hydration. According to Fast Company, Stanley — of the viral Stanley Quencher — made $750 million last year, and obsession with the water bottle is not slowing down.

But Stanley is not alone. Choose your ~~weapon~~ water bottle from today’s top brands:

Stanley Quencher | $45 | The internet’s favorite tumbler
Owala FreeSip | $37.99 | Patented straw design to sip upright
Owala Tumbler | $37.99 | Car cup-holder friendly
Hydro Flask Tumbler | $44.95 | Flexible straw + dishwasher safe

Shop best selling bottles

News Notes

Number

$57,714. That’s how much the average millennial-aged business owner makes in Lakeland, according to a Flippa report. The Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area ranked No. 13 on the list of the best cities for millennial business owners. (Bay News 9)

History

The City of Lakeland and the Lakeland Public Library have preserved ~500 pages of hand-written documents dating back to Lakeland’s founding in the late 1800s. Now, Lakelanders can see living history, including the minutes from the vote that led to Lakeland’s incorporation. (The Ledger)

Read

2024 is the year for Lakeland readers. A new bookstore, BookaReaderville, is coming to the former home of Inklings Bookshoppe at 2120 S. Combee Rd. An opening date is TBA, but store updates are underway. That’s not all — the 2024 Lakeland Book Crawl is happening April 22-27. Check out the deals.

Stat

98%. That’s how much of the Meals on Wheels workforce is volunteer-based. Volunteers like 82-year-old Ken Nelson prepare ~400 meals per day for locals in need. Inspired to volunteer? Learn more. (Bay News 9)

Edu

Highland Homes invited 200+ Polk County Public School construction academy students to Mulberry’s Bridgeport Lakes neighborhood, where they learned about the construction industry. Students in the academy are exposed to opportunities in trades like electrical, plumbing, and architectural design, to name a few. (Fox 13 News)

Development

Polk State College is working towards a new campus in Haines City. The school already owns land, and is now seeking $16.2 million in state funds for the campus. Once complete, the $51 million school will be Central Florida’s only higher education facility with a simulation center. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Watch

Who doesn’t love a rom-com in February? Head to the Polk Theatre this Thursday, Feb. 1-Monday, Feb. 5 to celebrate the season of love with some of the classics. Films like “Along Came Polly,” “The Princess Bride,” and “Say Anything” are on the lineup — tickets are $5.

Home

Did you know Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) impacts more than just comfort? Your health, HVAC equipment, and home furnishings may be at risk, too. Everything from a good night’s sleep to concentration is affected by the home’s level of pollutants + humidity. Here’s how to take control of your home’s IAQ.*

Gallery

And the winner is...

See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

A City of Lakeland worker holds a net out of a boat to catch a white swan that's flapping away as part of the Swan Roundup. The worker lays on their stomach and leans off the front of the small fishing boat, holding the large net with both hands.

Swan Roundup. Lake Morton. Lakeland, Fla. Oct. 10, 2023. (C. Tom Hagerty) | Photo submitted by Reader Tom H.

Who knew there were so many talented photographers in Lakeland? You all submitted 160+ photos for our 2023 Picture of the Year contest and — we must admit — narrowing it down to just six finalists was tough. Congratulations to our winner, photographer Tom H., who received the most votes from readers. Click the button below to see the other five finalists.

Winner: Swan Roundup by Tom H.

Who doesn’t love an action shot? This photographer captured one of Lakeland’s most exciting annual events, the Swan Roundup. City workers + veterinarians work together to check the swans’ health each year.

View the finalists

The Buy

The Buy 1.30.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Something for your kitchen from Coco Cadeaux’s collection. We’re loving: this charcuterie board cheat sheet, perfect for Super Bowl parties.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

If you want to be like Ken and volunteer your time or resources to a local cause, you’re in luck — we have a pretty extensive list of local volunteer opportunities. Is there one we’re missing? Tell us all about it.

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