02.16.2024

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Today’s Forecast

78º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 6:19 p.m.

🍓 A berry nice day trip destination

Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland

The back of a downtown building painted with a mural depicting Plant City's history. The sun is setting in the background behind the building. Several benches face the mural, and a walking path in front of them includes a fountain and a sculpture.

Find this mural depicting Plant City’s history behind the Whistle Stop Cafe. | Photo by LALtoday

Ready to take a bite out of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World? Next we’re heading ~20 minutes west of downtown Lakeland to Plant City, a small town rooted in its agricultural history.

The Florida Strawberry Festival at night. Crowds walk between colorful, lit booths selling food like candy apples, lemonade, corndogs, and cotton candy. — Visit the Midway, catch a concert, or eat your favorite fair foods at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
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Photo by LALtoday

What to do
The No. 1 thing every Lakelander must do in Plant City is visit the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. Mark your calendar for the 2024 festival happening Thursday, Feb. 29-Sunday, March 10 for world-renowned entertainment, all the strawberry-flavored food you can eat, and thrills on the Midway.

If you’re visiting during the rest of the year, there’s still plenty to explore. Reader Jackie S. says their favorite activity is taking a stroll around town. Reader Crystal P. also recommends going antique shopping — check out The Mercantile, an 18,000-sqft shop. Don’t forget this pro tip for shoppers from Reader Jennifer S. — stores tend to close early.

Plant City is named after railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. Learn more about railroad history at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, and watch trains from the Train Viewing Platform.

A strawberry shortcake topped with whipped cream sits on a picnic table at Parkesdale Market. The market is filled with other picnic tables and plants for sale. — Plant City and strawberries go hand in hand.
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Photo by LALtoday

What to eat
Get your dose of caffeine at Krazy Kup, a cozy coffee shop recommended by Reader Mark B. If you’re hungry, Mark also tells us to grab breakfast or lunch at Brick House Cafe.

Fans of Strawberry Hut in Lakeland will be pleased to know that it has a Plant City location too. Reader Mary P. suggests this casual spot with seven styles of Cuban sandwiches. Speaking of strawberries, several readers say you can’t leave Plant City without a visit to Parkesdale Market for a strawberry shortcake.

Save room for dinner. Reader Susan K. recommends Fred’s Market “for fresh vegetables and catfish.” Visit the Keel Farms taproom to taste locally made wine, beer, and cider along with upscale pub-style dishes. We also love the new Stage 201 for pizza, especially the deep dish Motown pizza with its cheesy edges.

Explore more cities near you

Events

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

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 event for all ages will teach guests about native birds that live at the park.
Black History Festival | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Black History Month with food trucks and family activities in the park, plus history exhibits inside the Coleman-Bush Building.

Sunday, Feb. 18

Swan City Jazz Jamz | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 5-7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 suggested donation | Enjoy an evening of jazz hosted by The Blended Family Foundation.

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Portion Size Matters in Weight Loss | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 6 p.m. | Watson Clinic Main - Library, 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Get practical guidance on portion control and its importance in achieving lasting weight loss at this free lecture led by a registered nurse practitioner and dietitian.*

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Biz

Calling all business owners. Network with other entrepreneurs, showcase your products, and learn from business leaders at the Central Florida Business Expo. The City of Lakeland will host this event at the RP Funding Center on Wednesday, April 24 — register to attend or be an exhibitor.

Number

$10,000. That’s how much grant money local startups and small businesses could win at Catapult’s Launch Pitch Night. Applications are open through Monday, Feb. 26 for the next pitch event on Thursday, March 28. The event is open to the public to watch entrepreneurs pitch their businesses.

Active

Doctor of Physical Therapy students from Florida Southern College are raising money to travel to Guatemala to offer free physical therapy for surgery patients. Join their spin class fundraiser at CYCLEdelic today at 7 a.m. or donate online to help reach their $2,000 goal.

Cause

Teen leaders from UthMpact and InnerAct Alliance will bring back their Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall this spring. Students can get free formal wear by signing a pledge to celebrate prom safely. It’s open on select Saturdays in March + April.

Health

The Watson Clinic Foundation’s spring Breast Cancer Survivorship Workshop series will take place from March to June. Register online to join four monthly classes about survivorship care, art, movement, and gardening. The workshops are free for breast cancer survivors, but spots are limited.

Feel Good

Did Lake Gibson High students knock on your door this Valentine’s Day? Chorus members traveled across town Wednesday delivering singing telegrams, an annual tradition that raises money for group events + costumes. (LkldNow)

Trending

Swiftie or not, you can have a laugh about Orlando International Airport’s take on airport travelers as found in the Taylor Swift Super Bowl suite.*

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.*

Edu

Looking for a career in a high-demand industry? The electrical trade is projected to grow 6% by 2032 (think: faster than average). Gain the technical and marketable skills you need to become an Electrician with an AAS in Electrical Technician Services — providing a hands-on, earn-while-you-learn degree. Learn more + apply.*

Travel

Make your spring break plans

What to know about Orlando International Airport

Interior of Terminal C at Orlando International Airport_LAL

International travelers will depart from the brand new Terminal C. | Photo provided by Orlando International Airport

Hoping to travel a bit further than Plant City this spring? It’s time to start on those vacation plans. If you’re flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), make your trip as smooth as possible with our guide to gates, parking, and flights.

MCO offers nonstop flights to 145 destinations — 102 US destinations, plus 42 international destinations to 20 countries. Here are four nonstop flights we’d love to hop on this spring:

Miami, FL | American + Delta
New York, NY | Delta + JetBlue
Cancun, MX | Frontier, JetBlue + Spirit
London, UK | British Airways, Norse Atlantic + Virgin Atlantic

Bonus: Get lower fares by making a free account on Going. Add MCO to your notification list (you can add up to five airports on the free plan), and you’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual.

Keep reading for our pro tips

Asked

How early do you get to the airport before a flight?

A. Play it safe: 2+ hours
B. 1.5 hours is plenty
C. 1 hour is just right
D. Live dangerously: half an hour or less

Air your answer

The Buy

The Buy 2.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Cute, matte black shower shelves that stick to your shower wall + give you way more room to store products. Our favorite feature: The shelves are 100% rust-proof, meaning they’ll last over time and allow for easy cleaning.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

Thanks for sending in your Plant City picks, readers. Where should we write about next? Send in your suggestions for another nearby city. So far, we’ve gotten a few for Dade City.

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