02.27.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

79º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. | Sunset 6:26 p.m.

Reminiscing on retailers + restaurants

Which closed Lakeland business would you bring back?

Maas Brothers in downtown Lakeland, c. 1980s | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

We recently asked you which shuttered businesses you think deserve a second chance in Lakeland. After nearly 700 responses poured in, here are the businesses you miss the most.

An overwhelming number of readers remember shopping at the Maas Brothers department store + grabbing a bite from the in-store restaurant from 1954 to 1994. Others wish they could head downtown to Nathan’s Men’s Store, which was open for 78 years.

On Instagram, followers pined for dinner and a show at Mugs and Movies, one of the former theaters at the Palm Cinema 3. The South Florida Avenue movie theater closed in 2016 after serving beer and bites since 1986.

Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland — Crispers closed its four remaining locations in fall of 2022.
|
Photo by LALtoday

The pain of losing Crispers in 2022 is still as fresh as its salads, and readers still crave their favorite dishes — as @jillkb22 says, “The soups. The pick a pair. Real ones remember their massive baked potatoes and loaded potato flatbread.”

Favorite lunch spots are hard to let go of, so Deli Delicacies was also frequently mentioned. Reader Melinda H. tells us it “was a great place to pick up sandwiches, pastries, cheesecakes, have breakfast.” And who can forget La Imperial Bakery? We especially miss the Cuban sandwiches + guava pastries.

Do you have another former biz in mind? Tell us about it or reminisce with other Lakelanders on Instagram and Facebook.

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 27

Pipa and Piano | Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | Free | Faculty member Fen-Fang Chen will perform Western classical + traditional Chinese music.
Tacos, Margaritas + BINGO! | Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 7:30-9 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, Feb. 28

Women In Leadership | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | COhatch, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | $25 | Network with women in business and learn from local speakers.
Pits & Pints | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 5 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland | Price of purchase | A portion of the night’s sales will benefit Polk County Bully Project.

Thursday, Feb. 29

Florida Strawberry Festival 2024 | Thursday, Feb. 29-Sunday, March 10 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City | $4-$15 | Celebrate all things strawberry with fair rides, entertainment, and plenty of berry-themed food + drinks.

Friday, March 1

First Friday: Flight Night | Friday, March 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Shops and restaurants will be open late for this family-friendly event featuring STEM activities for kids.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Real Estate

This new apartment community is rooted in self-care

Presented by a LALtoday Partner

White exterior apartments. A covered porch with a couch and furniture. A bedroom with a large bed in the center. The pool deck at Welcome Canary, complete with palm trees.

Welcome Canary was designed as a refuge from the fast-paced modern world. | Photos by Ruya Media

If self-care spaces are among your lifestyle must-haves, Welcome Canary’s community may be just the sanctuary you’re seeking.

Available for move-in on Friday, March 1, every aspect of this brand-new luxury apartment complex is dedicated to resident well-being. The carefully curated apartments are modern, open, and flexibly arranged, with an emphasis on natural light and indoor-outdoor connectivity.

Choose from 2- and 3-bedroom biophilic living spaces, and enjoy an environment brimming with holistic amenities like:

State-of-the-art gym + wellness center
Infrared-light therapy “Zen Den”
Natural playground
Community garden
Complimentary bike rentals
Community clubhouse for gatherings + events

Residents can also expect regular invites to movie nights, poolside yoga sessions, communal dinners, beach games, and other activities aimed at fostering connection + building a culture of connectivity. The surrounding area offers convenient access to plenty of Lakeland’s nature, including scenic parks and trails.

Applications are open, and tours are available daily.

See inside + schedule your tour

News Notes

Tech

Good Morning America came to Lakeland to take a ride on the HEXA, a personal aircraft powered by drones. LIFT Aircraft says anyone over 18 can fly the vehicle with training — no pilot’s license needed. See it for yourself at SUN ‘n FUN. (ABC News)

Edu

PCPS middle schools will begin after 8 a.m. and high schools will start after 8:30 a.m. in the 2026-2027 school year due to a new state law. Ask questions and give feedback on the change at one of five town hall meetings in March and April, including two in Lakeland.

Biz

Downtown + Dixieland have welcomed several new boutiques lately as in-person shopping picks back up. The owners of 8.28 Boutique, Elope Bride, Social Threads, and Tennessee Jane shared why they chose to open storefronts with LkldNow.

Cause

Raise a glass while raising money for United Way of Central Florida at its Mixology Class Fundraiser at Cob & Pen on Thursday, March 28. A $50 ticket lets you try three drinks and learn the instructions to whip up your own at home.

Legacy

Former police chief Ronald Nenner died on Sunday at the age of 94. Nenner joined the Lakeland Police Department as a patrol officer in 1960 before becoming chief in 1987. (The Ledger)

Pets

SPCA Florida is in need of fosters after an influx of dogs and their puppies. Lend a hand and host a litter until the dogs are old enough to be adopted. Looking for something more short term? Take a pup on a doggie date. (Fox 13 News)

Kids

Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award in Browning Moving & Storage’s Spirit of Flight contest. Sixth graders from Sleepy Hill, Lake Gibson, and Southwest Middle Schools created model aircraft out of cardboard for a chance at a field trip to SUN ‘n FUN.

Plan Ahead

There’s still time to register for the March 9 edition of “Wings ‘n Waffles” at the Florida Air Museum. Hosted in partnership with the Aerospace Center for Excellence, this upcoming event will feature aviation legend Lee Lauderback from Stallion 51 + the unveiling of the Museum’s new Bob Hoover aileron.*

Read

Love to read in bed? Us, too. Some helpful tools we love: a rechargeable book light to clip on books or a remote control page turner for Kindle readers.*

Eat

🍪 If you give a Lakelander a cookie

Where to find Girl Scout cookies in Lakeland

A hand holding up two boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas with a palm tree in the background.

No matter if you’re feeling minty or nutty, we’ve got the scoop on where you can find your favorite seasonal cookies. | Photo by LALtoday

Girl Scout cookie season is upon us, LAL, and you’ve still got time to get yours.

Whether you’re looking to snag a box (or 12) of a classic favorite or try something new, you have until Sunday, March 9 to meet the flavors and run to these Lakeland locations. Bonus: You’ll support the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

Publix, 3636 Harden Blvd. | Monday, Feb. 17-Friday, March 7
Sam’s Club, 4600 US Hwy. 98 N. | Monday, Feb. 17-Sunday, March 9
Harvest Meat Market, 6143 US Hwy. 98 S. | Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, March 1
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi, 114 N. Tennessee Ave. | Friday, Feb. 21-Saturday, March 8

Pro tip: Check the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder and search by zip code to find more dates, locations, and specific times. BRB while we go support these young entrepreneurs now.

The Buy

The Buy 2.27.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Something from Six & Main’s Brands That Give Back collection, so you can shop your favorite coffee, jewelry, cards, and tees all while knowing you’re supporting brands that make a difference. Causes include: animal rescue groups, local water based incentives, and national parks.

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

Welcome to our new city editor, Amelia, who’s been learning the ropes this past week. Enjoyed the story above? That’s just one of the first she’s written — expect even more from her very soon.

In the meantime, let us know your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavor. I’m partial to Thin Mints and Amelia prefers Tagalongs.

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