Plus, National Snack Food Month.
 
02.26.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

76º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:55 a.m. | Sunset 6:24 p.m.
 

Uncovering history’s mysteries

What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
Publix founder George Jenkins talks to an employee pushing shopping carts outside of a Publix Super Market. The black and white photo is taken c. the 1950s or 1960s, with vintage cars around them in the parking lot.
George Jenkins (right) opened his first store in 1930 — now there are 1,300+. | Photo via Publix
What’s in a name? We’re sharing the stories behind the monikers of three more of Lakeland’s most famous landmarks and neighborhoods that you pass every day.

George Jenkins High School

Longtime Lakelanders probably already know this one. George W. Jenkins was the founder of Publix Super Markets, opening his first location in Winter Haven before establishing the company’s headquarters in Lakeland. Jenkins was known around town as “Mr. George,” earning a reputation for his booming business, as well as his philanthropic contributions. Today, several landmarks bear his name, including the high school that opened in 1993.

A black and white portrait of Paul A. Diggs in his US Army uniform from c. 1918

Diggs served in the US Army from 1918 to 1919 during World War I.

|

Photo via the City of Lakeland

Paul A. Diggs Neighborhood

This community across from Lakeland Regional Medical Center is named after one of the area’s former residents. Paul A. Diggs first came to Swan City after serving in World War I and stayed here until 1958. In his time as a Lakelander, Diggs racked up a long list of titles: social worker, high school sports coach, writer, and soda shop owner are just a few. In 1993, the neighborhood was named after him in honor of his commitment to community improvements.

A historical, black and white photo of strawberry farmers in a field in the Kathleen area. Adults and children sit between boxes and rows of strawberries, holding berries.

Kathleen was a strawberry industry hotspot before losing its train depot in the 1920s.

|

Photo via Florida Memory

Kathleen

This area includes a large part of northwest Lakeland, stretching south of I-4. This historic community was one of many that pioneers first called home in the 1800s. Its first settler, Henry Prine, originally named it after his wife Catherine, but later changed its name since another Florida town was called St. Catherine. Learn more about the community’s history from the Kathleen Area Historical Society.

Is there another name you want to know the history behind? Drop us a line and we’ll see what we can find.
9 more landmarks
 
Events
Monday, Feb. 26
  • Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Class | Monday, Feb. 26 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Get off the wall and on the dance floor at this weekly movement class.
  • Auditions: “Our American Cousin” | Monday, Feb. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Come prepared to do a cold script reading to try out for the last play Abraham Lincoln ever saw.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
  • Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Take the stage or support local musicians at this open mic night in downtown Lakeland.
Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Bachata Class plus Dancing at the Park | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 6:15-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn a popular Latin dance, then show off your moves in a social dance at Munn Park.
Thursday, Feb. 29
  • Trivia Night: The Office | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 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, March 1
  • Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, March 1 | 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+.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Community

A century of legacy: Lakeland Country Club celebrates 100 years
The front of The Lakeland Country Club building: a white stucco building with red Spanish-style roofing and two palm trees in front.
The Lakeland Country Club sits on the beautiful Lake Hollingsworth. | Photo provided by The Lakeland Country Club
Few institutions stand the test of time like The Lakeland Country Club.

Built in 1924 as “The Lakeland Yacht & Country Club” by H.A. Stahl — the developer behind the Cleveland Heights neighborhood — it boasts the title of the longest-standing private club in Lakeland. With its scenic Lake Hollingsworth setting, the Club has been a haven for recreational, social, and civic events for many generations of Lakelanders.

In 2019, the Club underwent a transformative renovation, reopening as a stunning resort-style facility. Featuring casual to high-end dining, aquatics, an impressive tennis program, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Club blends its rich heritage with modern amenities.

Whether it’s a casual gathering for drinks, a festive holiday celebration, or a competitive tennis match, the Club naturally becomes a home away from home and has fostered a century’s worth of connections for its members.

Bonus: Hear stories from members + staff in The Lakelander’s latest cover story.
More about The Lakeland Country Club
News Notes
Community
  • Wondering when plans for Munn Park will be decided? They’re up for discussion at the city’s strategic planning retreat coming up May 13-14. City staff will present multiple design options using feedback collected last year — funding will be determined once a design is chosen. (LkldNow)
Civic
  • County commissioners approved a land development plan change that could allow commercial clusters to be built at key intersections in rural Polk County. Next, the proposal will go to the Florida Department of Commerce for compliance review. (The Ledger)
Development
  • The Roberts Academy at Florida Southern College has completed its expansion project with a new middle school + gym for students with dyslexia. The expansion includes a robotics lab, rock climbing wall, cafeteria, and additional classrooms.
History
  • The historic W. Fisk Johnson Building at 111 S. Florida Ave. has a new white paint job, but the Historic Preservation Board says it must be removed to meet design standards. City staff will inspect the building to see if it can be restored without damaging its brick. (The Ledger)
Cause
  • United Food Bank and Services of Plant City is launching a capital campaign to build a $5 million dollar facility this summer that will triple its capacity. Currently, the food bank serves 10,000+ people monthly and distributes 4 million pounds of food annually. See how to help. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
  • Polk County Public Schools invites all parents and guardians with students currently attending PCPS schools to take a brief survey. Submit your thoughts on how the school system can better engage with families by Wednesday, March 6.
Festival
  • Downtown Bartow’s 53rd Annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival is coming up Saturday, March 2-Sunday, March 3. Over 80 student + adult artists from around the US will show their art for a chance at $15,000 in prizes. See the schedule of activities, food trucks, and exhibits.
Learn
  • Fiber artist Wolf in the Workshop will be hosting two rug tufting workshops on Friday, March 15 and Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. at ART/ifact. Participants will be supplied with everything they need to create a custom tufted rug. Reserve your spot.
Job
  • Interested in working in education? Polk County Catholic Schools has multiple job openings for teachers + school staff. Bonus: See the benefits of working at one of their five local schools and why PCCS educators love what they do.*
 
Eat

🥨 The time is right for a bite

Get your snack on with these Lakeland bites
A giant pretzel on a plate with white queso and honey mustard dipping sauces.
You’re looking at the giant pretzel from Food + Beer that comes with white queso and honey mustard. | Photo by @foodand.beer
Did you know February is National Snack Food Month? If that has you feeling as hungry as we are, we’ve rounded up a couple of our picks for the best spots to get snacks around LAL.

Food + Beer | 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 1350
Considering food is part of its name, it’s no surprise that this restaurant has plenty of shareable bites.

Editor’s pick: If the picture didn’t give it away, we recommend the giant, dippable pretzel. Pair it with a seasonal cider for the perfect start to happy hour.

Black & Brew | Locations vary
This local coffee chain may be best known for its classic and seasonal drinks, but its pastries deserve some flowers as well.

Editor’s pick: Gluten-free sea-salt brownie — perfectly fudgy with flakes of sea salt that keep you reaching for another bite.

Got any other snacks we must try? Send your suggestions and we may highlight them in a future newsletter.
The Buy

The Buy 2.26.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Spring vacation clothes to bring some color and life with you on this year’s vacation. We’re liking: Santa Barbara Design Studio’s “Le Beach” bag and this crochet swimsuit cover up.
Share LALtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-LAL.gif

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).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_15}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_15}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Have you checked out our online storefront Six & Main yet? I recently shared some of my favorite items from East of These, one of our featured Lakeland makers, and you can shop them now:
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

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.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY