02.20.2024

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68º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. | Sunset 6:21 p.m.

🥯 You’ve found the hole-y grail

Where to find fresh bagels around Lakeland

A hand holds a bagel sandwich in front of Uncle Nick's Deli in Lakeland. The cheese bagel is wrapped in aluminum foil. The deli is in a small shopping center and has a few tables and chairs by the front entrance.

You’re looking at a fresh mozzarella bagel from Uncle Nick’s with sausage, egg, cheese, and cream cheese. | Photo by LALtoday

No matter how you slice it, sometimes a fresh bagel is everything you need. Maybe that’s why Reader Jan S. recently asked us for the most authentic New York-style bagels in town. Whether you order a sandwich stacked with toppings or keep it simple with cream cheese, these bagel shops are sure to hit the spot.

Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli and Bagels, 6955 Old Hwy. 37, Lakeland
We recently asked our Facebook followers for their favorite local bagels, and the resounding answer was this deli. Head to the counter for your choice of 20 sweet + savory bagel flavors. There’s limited outdoor seating, so you might want to take it to-go.

Editor’s pick: Sausage, egg, and cheese on a cheddar everything bagel

A breakfast sandwich sits on a table next to a cup of hot black coffee. The sandwich is made on an everything bagel with egg and bacon. Another meal sits further away on the table. — Mary’s is a go-to breakfast spot when you’ve only got a New York minute.
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Photo by @jonnyeatsworld

Mary’s Bagel Cafe, 1242 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland
All of the menu items here are inspired by New York City. Pair yours with a drink from the coffee bar or a pastry for the ultimate casual breakfast.

Editor’s pick: The Bronx sandwich (bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel)

A hand holds a bagel breakfast sandwich with egg, ham, and cheese. In the background is a painted mural of angel wings. — The cragel just might give you wings.
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Photo by @bornandbreadfl

Born & Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
This bakery is known for its cruffins, but you also have to try the cragel (a bagel made with croissant dough). The menu here rotates, so place your pre-order when you see them available to make sure you get your hands on one — heads up, they’re on the menu this Saturday.

Editor’s pick: Everything cragel with “super secret cheese”

Honeycomb Bread Bakers, 140 6th St. SW, Winter Haven
You’ll have to drive outside of Lakeland to get these bagels straight from the source, but you can also find them in town at the farmers market. The bakery keeps it simple with just three flavors (plain, everything, and cheddar), but the schmear options are to die for.

Editor’s pick: Cheddar bagel with apple butter

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Sunset in Tanzania | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$59 | Paint a sunset over the savanna step by step, and add a DIY candle for $20.
The FSC Studio Orchestra, Encore | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $0-$10 | The FSC Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will perform world premiere arrangements.

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Salsa y Bachata Class | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 6:15-8:15 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn popular Latin dances, then show off your moves in a social dance at Munn Park.

Thursday, Feb. 22

Trivia Night: The Office | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | You might not win a Dundie Award, but you can win bragging rights at this themed trivia night.

Friday, Feb. 23

Turn Up Dance Fitness | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-8 p.m. | Just Dance Academy, 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This high energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery in a fun format.

Saturday, Feb. 24

6th Annual Black Heritage Golf Tournament | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8 a.m. | Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland | $100 | Work on your swing while raising funds for the Central Florida Business Diversity Council.
Drew & Ellie Holcomb: Feels Like Home Tour | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $29-$49 | This husband and wife Americana music duo brings their tunes to the historic Polk Theatre.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Job

See Polk County Catholic Schools’ multiple job openings

a teacher interacts with kids in a classroom

Polk County Catholic Schools is looking for passionate individuals committed to shaping students’ futures. | Photo provided by Polk County Catholic Schools

Hey, LAL educators: Polk County Catholic Schools has multiple teaching + staff positions open. With five local schools providing a high-quality academic experience, PCCS offers:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits + retirement options
The freedom to tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of every student
Minimal bureaucracy (think: more focus on teaching)
A holistic approach to education in a nurturing, safe, family-like environment

Bonus: See these Educator’s Spotlights to find out why Polk County Catholic School educators love what they do.

See open positions + apply

News Notes

Civic

City commissioners approved a $236,225 contract with TCS International, Inc. to add parking guidance systems to the Heritage + Main Street garages. Downtown business owners with concerns about proposed parking changes can attend the LDDA’s meeting at My Office & More today at 8 a.m. (LkldNow)

Concert

There’s been a lineup shake-up for SUN ‘n FUN’s opening concert. Sara Evans will still perform, but Trace Adkins is out due to a recent injury. CMT Music Award-winner Dylan Scott will replace Adkins for the concert on Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m.

Traffic

FDOT will present four possible design options for a corridor between State Road 33 and Walt Williams Road in a public open house tonight. See the designs and attend the meeting at the Lake Crago Recreation Center (525 Lake Crago Dr.), 5:30-7:30 p.m. (The Ledger)

Stat

Solar power is so hot right now. Lakeland-based real estate firm SVN Saunders, Ralston and Dantzler says state land sold for solar power developments increased 146% from 2021 to 2022. Polk County is getting in on the action, with 15+ solar plants active or in development. (The Ledger)

Edu

Dr. Anne B. Kerr, President of Florida Southern College, announced plans to retire this year. Dr. Kerr has led FSC for 20 years, and she’ll continue until a successor is found. School trustees will start their search this month.

Ranked

No. 1. That’s what Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top PCPS high schools. Rankings are based on factors like graduation rates, college readiness, and state assessment performance.

Development

Jersey Commons, a 68-unit affordable housing community, is under construction on Jersey Road in Winter Haven. The community will offer on-site medical + mental health services from TriCounty Human Services and Central Florida Behavioral Health Network. (FOX 13 News)

Network

Looking for a connection? Join BRIDGE Local’s Meet & Greet Networking Event on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at COhatch Lakeland (211 E. Main St.). The event is free for members and $10 for non-members. Check out more opportunities to grow your contact list.

Eat

Happening tonight: Kick off Spring Training + feast on an old fashioned Southern barbecue buffet (think: grilled meats and all the fixin’s) at the 77th annual Tiger BBQ, taking place at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. Get tix.*

Arts

Collected over four decades throughout Papua New Guinea and Africa, these ritual + ceremonial African and Oceanic objects are now on permanent display at the Polk Museum of Art thanks to the work of Dr. Alan and Linda Rich. Plan your visit + learn about their history.*

Arts

🎭 Enjoy a night at the theater

Support the arts with these local performances

Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre

See Lakelanders in the spotlight. | Photo courtesy of Lakeland Community Theatre

When it comes to live theater in Polk, summer is one of the hottest times for community productions — and not just because of the outside temperature.

As many of these organizations work to sustain their momentum despite state funding cuts, you can help by attending one of these upcoming productions.

🎭 “School of Rock” | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave.

Rock out at this musical adaptation of Jack Black’s 2003 film of the same name.

See it: July 19-21, and July 26-28

🎭 “The Wedding Singer” | Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven

Go back to the 80s with this musical based on the romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler + Drew Barrymore.

See it: July 18-21, July 25-28, and Aug. 1-4

🎭 “Newsies” | The Missing Piece Theatre Company | The Gem Theater, 118 NW 1st Ave., Mulberry

Based on the 1992 film — hey wait, we’re sensing a theme here — “Newsies” tells the story of the newsboys’ strike of 1899, albeit with a bit more tap dancing.

See it: July 19-21, and July 26-28

🎭 “Bye, Bye Birdie” | With Love Productions | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd.

This musical from 1960 follows a teen heartthrob’s last performance before he gets drafted to the war.

See it: July 26-28

Musical theater not your thing? Not to worry. Residents + visitors can still support Polk’s arts and culture scene in a variety of ways, like:

Taking in an exhibit at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art or walking through the new Downtown Public Art Trail
Listening to a live performance from musicians at Union Hall
Having a laugh with the performers Swan City Improv or the Just Laughs Comedy Showcase

The Buy

The Buy 2.20.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Top-rated microfiber pillowcases, because you deserve new, soft pillowcases to sleep on at night. We like how these are wrinkle free (no ironing needed) and are super soft to the touch.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

My friends know me as the queen of hyper-specific Spotify playlists, but I might have to hand my crown over to the folks at the Florida Strawberry Festival. They put together a playlist with the top hits from this year’s headliners, and it’s the perfect soundtrack to the work day.

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