03.06.2024

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79º | 67% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. | Sunset 6:31 p.m.

Lakeland 🤝 Miss Florida

Glamour and growth: How Lakeland became Miss Florida’s crown jewel

She’s beauty and she’s grace, she’s Miss Sarasota 1961, Sherry Grimes, who went on to become Miss Florida that year. | Photo via Florida Memory

We’re all familiar with Lakeland’s affinity for the royal swans gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, but did you know that it’s also fit for a different kind of royalty? We’re talking about the Miss Florida organization, an official state chapter of the Miss America program.

The past

Since Miss Florida’s official inception in 1935, the annual competition has been held in various cities across the state, including an 11-year stint in St. Petersburg. We’re looking at you, TBAYtoday.

In 2016, the organization established Lakeland as its new permanent home. With 40+ women hailing from Tallahassee, Miami Beach, and other Florida cities competing for the title each year, it also brought ~$1.6 million in tourism revenue to Swan City. (Think: Enough for around 320,000 slices at Palace Pizza.)

The present

A group of Miss Florida local titleholders stand in front of a Miss Florida banner inside the RP Funding Center — Miss Florida has around 40+ competitors each year representing all parts of the Sunshine State, including Lakeland + Polk County.
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Photo courtesy of Reilly Cardella

Throughout its 100+-year history, Miss America has evolved from its origins as a “bathing beauty revue” into a more scholarship and service-focused competition, while still maintaining a touch of glamour.

In the past five years, Miss Florida participants earned more than $1.1 million to be used for their higher education goals. Reigning Miss Lakeland 2023, Amanda Kronhaus, has been participating in the program since 2014 and used her scholarship funds to help her obtain a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University.

The future

LAL_Miss_Lakeland_2023_Amanda_Feb_2024 — The next Miss Lakeland will be crowned March 9, 2024.
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Photo courtesy of Miss Lakeland 2023, Amanda Kronhaus.

Miss Lakeland, a local preliminary to Miss Florida, is coming up on Saturday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Polk Theatre. Six Lakelanders ages 13-28 will advance to the state competition in June as representatives of Swan City — and maybe even go on to Miss America. If you want the chance to potentially witness history in the making and say, “We knew them when...” spectators can buy tickets at the door.

Events

Wednesday, March 6

Family Game Night | Wednesday, March 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Bring your family-friendly games to the Rooftop Bar to play with others.
2024 Polk Senior Games | Wednesday, March 6-Saturday, March 9 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Cheer on adults aged 50+ as they compete in sports and activities across Polk County.

Thursday, March 7

After Hours at the Museum | Thursday, March 7 | 4-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Walk through the museum after dark and join a free Curator Tour at 6 p.m.
Jukebox Bingo & Brother Burgers | Thursday, March 7 | 5 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Listen for the songs on your bingo card for a chance at $10 off your tab.

Friday, March 8

Tom’s Elton Tribute | Friday, March 8 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $30-$40 | Say “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and hello to this Elton John tribute band.
Turn Up (Hip Hop) Dance Fitness | Friday, March 8 | 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.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

The Lakeland City Commission voted this week to decrease the fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers. The decrease will take effect for April, May, and June and will save the average residential customer $2 per month on their electric costs. (LkldNow)

Development

PCPS’ $55 million modernization project at Southwest Middle School is complete. The revamped campus spans ~187,000 sq ft and includes a central courtyard with outdoor seating, energy-efficient buildings, and a cafeteria that can double as a storm shelter.

Announced

Florida Southern plans to squeeze in a new horticulture, land, and resource management major this August after being in development for more than two years. The major makes FSC the second Florida college with a designated horticulture department. (Citrus Industry)

Coming Soon

Zarza Latin Restaurants (4648 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland) is opening a second location in Winter Haven. The new location will bring the same Latin American flavors Zarza is known for through new and traditional dishes. An opening date and location has not been announced.

Edu

Applications for PCPS’ Head Start, Title I pre-K, and voluntary pre-K (VPK) programs for the 2024-25 school year are now open. Interested families can learn more about VPK and apply online.

Festival

Everyone start your (jet) engines — SUN ‘n FUN is coming up April 9-14. The 50th annual celebration of all things aviation will have 580+ exhibitors this year, as well as several commemorative Air Force World War II aircraft that attendees can ride. Get your tickets. (Fox 13 News)

Try This

Head ~30 minutes west of downtown Lakeland to visit Fancy Farms Market (5204 Drane Field Rd.). While strawberry picking is closed for the season, you can still grab a seasonal sweet treat in the market and then check out the displayed collection of vintage Farmall tractors. (Fox 13 News)

Plan Ahead

College is a big decision. Get to know a local campus with specialty preview days just for prospective students wanting to learn more while getting a taste of campus life. Register for the next SEU Preview day on Friday, March 22 (and see other ways to explore the program).*

Fun Fact

It’s now easier than ever to advertise with us. With our self-service advertising options (which start at $25), your promotion could go live as early as today. Make it happen.

Read

📚 Talk wordy to us

Best places to read a book around Lakeland

A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.

Indoor and outdoor seating options abound at Pressed Books & Coffee. | Photo courtesy of @foldoutfoods

There’s nothing like finding that perfect spot to get lost in a good book. With several cozy nooks around Lakeland, we’re rounding up our top picks for places to curl up with your latest read.

Pressed Books & Coffee | This bookstore/coffee shop combo is full of plush chairs + couches for when you want to stay awhile. Our go-to spot is on the couch by the front window.

Bonnet Springs Park | BYOB (bring your own blanket) along with your book to the Allen & Company Lawn to bask in both words and sunshine.

Lakeland Public Library | Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and leather chairs overlooking Lake Morton, LPL’s main room is perfect for when you want some peace + quiet. Plus, you can say hello to Lakeland’s iconic swans while you’re there.

Lake Crago Recreation Complex | Grab a seat on this public park’s covered patio to pair your read with fresh air + serenity.

The Buy

The Buy 3.06.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Coco Cadeaux Collection. It’s the best way to turn up your party hosting skills with the latest supplies. Now, let’s celebrate.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

As an avid reader, I’m so excited to share about the perfect spots in Lakeland for cracking open a new book. Right now I’m reading “The Golden Spoon” by Jessa Maxwell. Let me know some other books I should add to my TBR list.

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