02.14.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

72º | Clear | 0% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. | Sunset 6:17 p.m.

🧁 We’re sweet on these desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts

A hand holds a cruffin topped with cream and chocolate chips in front of a lake

This croissant creation by Meraki is filled with cream + chocolate chips. | Photo by LALtoday

Are you the kind of person who waits until after Valentine’s Day to stock up on half-price chocolate? Step up your sweets by trying these locally made desserts instead.

Almora Sweets, 5040 Lunn Rd.
Searching for authentic New York cheesecake? This is the spot. We also love the mini European-style cheesecakes for a quick bite.

Born and Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave.
Stop by Wednesday-Saturday to load up on your favorite pastries, like chocolate cruffins and croissants.

Cake Makers Studio, 115 S. Kentucky Ave.
With a full candy case, ice cream, and professionally decorated cakes, this local spot has something for everyone.

Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee, 1023 E. County Rd. 540A
The bite-sized donuts make it easy to try many different flavors — with such an extensive menu, you’ll want to try them all.

Chocolate Covered, locations vary
Find these sweets at the farmers market, local businesses, or by making a special order. Who doesn’t want chocolate covered bacon?

Colorful financier pops sit on a baking sheet with a sign reading "Create" — These cake pops are unlike any you’ve tried before.
|
Photo by Werlost Boys provided by DOU Bakehouse

DOU Bakehouse, 830 N. Massachusetts Ave.
This bakery specializes in treats for nearby theme parks, but you can often find their elaborate cake pops and chocolates at other local businesses.

Hole In One Donuts, 2076 E. Edgewood Dr.
The donut case is always packed with fresh-baked goods at this quaint shop. Our favorite is the glazed croissant — trust us.

Meraki Bakehouse, locations vary
This bakehouse serves up colorful pastries like croissants, cookies, and muffins at local coffee shops and at the farmers market.

A heart-shaped box full of Valentine's Day-themed macaron cookies — We’d take a box of these macarons over chocolate any day.
|
Photo by @milkandhoney_macarons

Milk and Honey Macarons, locations vary
Visit this booth at the farmers market or order a gift set online to try themed macaron cookies.

Twisted Sugar, 3958 S. Florida Ave.
Try the cookie flavors of the month, your favorite regular flavors, or 50+ varieties of specialty sodas.

Asked

Where do you satisfy your sweet tooth?

Let us know your favorite place for dessert, pastries, and all things sugary. We may add your recommendation to our list.

Treat us to your suggestion

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 14

“Lakeland Love Comedy” | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Watch this romantic comedy filmed in Lakeland and enjoy complimentary dessert after the showing.
Valentine’s Day Trivia | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Test your knowledge of the holiday of love while enjoying pizzas and beer from the tapwall.

Thursday, Feb. 15

Yogadance | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
Pirates, Privateers, and the Fall of Spain’s Empire | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Heritage Park, 8950 N. Campbell Rd., Lakeland | Free | Lecturer Dr. David Head will present on this piece of Florida history.

Friday, Feb. 16

Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Feb. 16 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
“Urinetown the Musical” | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Buckner Theatre at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Urine for a treat with this musical comedy performed by FSC students.

Saturday, Feb. 17

Lakeland Is Our Business Vendor Market | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | COhatch, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from other Lakelanders at this indoor market.
Sensory Friendly Saturday: All About Birds | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | This sensory-friendly event at the Nature Center is open to all ages and will teach guests about native birds that live at the park.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Eat

🍓 Farm to Shelf: It’s a berry good time to get strawberries

a close up shot of a basket of strawberries

Pro tip: Take advantage of buying fruit in season to get the best flavors. | Photo via Pexels

There’s nothing like locally grown fruit and veg — and strawberry season is here in Florida. Here’s how you can source, eat + celebrate the famed berry.

Source

Publix is the go-to spot to pick up local, seasonal produce. The grocer sources their strawberries from regional farms like Plant City’s Sizemore Farms. This fourth-generation farm is an integrated agricultural operation that grows, cools, sells, and ships 500 acres worth of strawberries each season.

Eat

Need some recipe inspo? Here’s a few recipes we’re bookmarking to put those strawberries to use:

Celebrate

For those who really want to get into the strawberry mood, mark your calendar for the Florida Strawberry Festival, happening Feb. 29-March 10. Publix is a sponsor for the festival, which celebrates all things strawberry with agricultural exhibits, headliner entertainment, midway rides, arts + crafts, and strawberry eats, treats, contests, and more.

Bonus: Publix offers discounted tickets (think: save $5 per ticket) at select stores.

Snag local strawberries at Publix

News Notes

Community

The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public outreach meeting about the Southwest Connect I-4 Corridor Master Plan through Thursday, Feb. 29. View the virtual tour or join the in-person open house at Lake Crago Recreational Center tomorrow, Feb. 15, 5-7 p.m.

Holiday

It’s Valentine’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a wedding? Today at 12 p.m., 18 couples will tie the knot at the Polk County Clerk’s 11th annual group wedding on the steps of the Polk County History Center.

Arts

Several organizations are on the hunt for local artists, and deadlines are fast approaching. Apply to paint a Midtown mini mural by Thursday, Feb. 29, or submit your work to join Mayfaire by-the-Lake by Friday, March 1. (LkldNow)

Number

$9 million. That’s how much three pieces of land cost the state to purchase for its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The purchase will restrict development on two Polk properties: the $3.2 million K-Rocker Ranch + the $3.9 million Kuder Ranch. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

History

Did you know that Simpson Park is named after Lakeland’s first Black doctor? Dr. David Simpson first opened his practice in 1909, caring for patients during the Spanish flu pandemic and advocating for equal hospital access for all Lakelanders. (LkldNow)

Edu

Is your student interested in attending Polk State College? Visit the open house at the Lakeland campus on Thursday, April 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. to learn about the campus, staff, and academic offerings.

Drink

If you need a last-minute Valentine’s date night idea, check out Lugo’s Craft Distillery’s cocktail + chocolate pairing event tonight starting at 6 p.m. Try rum drinks perfectly paired with chocolates by Andrew Logans Confections.

Seasonal

Spring drinks are back at Black & Brew. Fan favorites like the pistachio baklava iced latte and strawberry shortcake matcha have returned. We’ve also got our eye on the new cookie butter frappe and golden milk latte.

Try This

Planning your perfect wedding? Meet local vendors (and maybe even your wedding venue) at Weddings in the Park this Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at Bonnet Springs Park. Pro tip: Purchase tickets in advance for a chance to win a venue rental at BSP.*

Home

If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until mid-2025. That’s over a whole year to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*

Holiday

There’s still time to send Valentine’s Day flowers. Pick up a bouquet at your favorite local florist, or shop same-day delivery bouquets on 1-800-Flowers.*

Coming Soon

Dig in to these new dining options

Restaurant Roundup: Meet your new favorite Lakeland restaurants

An interior view of Pour Bear Coffee's counter area. The building is being remodeled, so paper is taped to the floor. A vintage yellow chest of drawers serves as the ordering counter, and an espresso machine is set up on the back counter. The walls are painted tan and burnt orange, and one accent wall is covered in a retro orange and yellow wallpaper.

Get ready for midcentury design and classic coffees. | Photo by LALtoday

We’re inching closer to opening dates for these two foodie spots we’ve had our eyes on.

Pour Bear Coffee is slated to open this spring in the same plaza as Tea Largo and Picassoz. We got a sneak peek at the remodel as the team brings in vintage furniture, mid-century wallpaper, and reclaimed wood accents to create a cozy space. Owner Jordan Bjorn says the shop will specialize in staple espresso + coffee drinks.

And in case you missed it, you’ll be able to enjoy your custom creations when KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot opens on Monday, Feb. 19 in Lakeside Village. Get ready for all-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean barbecue cooked at your table.

20+ more new restaurants

The Buy

The Buy 2.14.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A portable touch screen for your car, so you can connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music, GPS, and more. Stick the screen where you want with its sturdy suction cup holder + use the voice control feature for safe driving.

Share LALtoday

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).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_15}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lakeland. Thanks to all of our readers who sent in their local love stories — I loved reading them and tearing up over your tales of romance + friendship. See if you can find my story from when my husband proposed on Lake Mirror.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY