05.17.2024

Today’s Forecast

92º | 17% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. | Sunset 8:11 p.m.

🚐 Let’s go on an ad-van-ture

Take an ad-van-ture to these RV camping spots around Lakeland

Several RVs parked in the trees surrounding a pond at Flamingo Camping Site in the Everglades National Park

While we love Florida’s national parks, you don’t have to travel all the way to the Everglades to park your RV. | Photo via National Parks Services

Get in Lakelanders, we’re going RVing. Okay, so maybe we tweaked that iconic “Mean Girls” line to fit the purposes of this guide — but RV travel really is having its moment. From 2021 to 2022 alone, Polk County saw a 25% increase in RV purchases and travel, and a recent study also showed it as a highly cost effective way to vacation.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful park to take in nature or a themed resort area, check out these seven places around Lakeland to park your RV.

Sanlan RV & Golf Resort, 3929 US Hwy. 98 S. | From $45/day
Spanning more than 785 acres, this park includes amenities such as full RV hookups, heated pools, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, a golf course, and eight miles of nature trails bordering Banana Lake.

Airplanes lined up on grass at SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo — Travelers can park both their planes + their RVs at this year-round destination.
|
Photo by @brookenoelle87

SUN ‘n FUN Campground, 4590 Rocky Rd. | From $35/day
Sleep under the stars on the grounds of the SUN ‘n FUN Expo campus. Whether you want full hookup amenities or prefer to rough it the old fashioned way, the campus offers a variety of camping options year-round.

Saddle Creek Park & Campground, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd. | From $20/day
This county park is one of the largest in Central Florida and offers partial RV hookups. Guests can launch boats or fish for largemouth bass off the pier, or check out one of the nature trails.

RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area — Park your RV here and relax under your own personal tiki hut.
|
Photo by @campmargaritavilleauburndale

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | From $72/day
It’s always five o’clock at this island-themed resort area, named the Best Luxury RV Resort by RV Share in 2023. Don’t have an RV but still want to live on island time? Check out one of the fully air-conditioned cabana cabins, or snag a day pass to enjoy the resort’s amenities without staying overnight.

More spots + tips this way

Asked

How do you prefer to camp?

A. In a tent under the stars
B. RV + van camping all the way
C. I prefer cabins/glamping
D. Camping? No thanks.
E. Something else

Gimme s'more

Events

Friday, May 17

Polynesian Celebration | Friday, May 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month through captivating performances + delicious food.
Tequila Mockingbird and Addison Panic | Friday, May 17 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15 | Enjoy a unique evening of music from two of the artists behind local burlesque dance troupe Moxie Le Femme.

Saturday, May 18

Plantae Palooza | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Sip and shop from local plant + flower vendors at the farm.
Here Comes the Sun | Saturday, May 18 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Learn a yoga sequence designed to improve body + heart health.
Polk County History Center Architectural Tour | Saturday, May 18 | 11 a.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Gain new insights into local history through a guided architectural tour.

Sunday, May 19

An Evening of Stories with Paul Strickland | Sunday, May 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Ghostlight Lounge, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | $10 | Enjoy an evening of entertainment from this award-winning storyteller.
Paradise Market | Sunday, May 19 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | Free entry | Peruse goods from local entrepreneurs at this lively indoor market.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

2,000. That’s how many individuals will receive free dental treatment at Florida Dental Association Foundation’s Florida Mission of Mercy event on Friday, May 31 + Saturday, June 1 at the RP Funding Center. Doors will open at 7 a.m. with services ranging from cleanings to root canals. (The Ledger)

Edu

Attention parents, a new preschool is coming to Lakeland. Northside Assembly of God (411 W. Robson St.) will open Northside Christian Preschool for the 2024-2025 school year, offering both half and full-day programs. Applications are now available on the school’s website.

Lakelander

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, an assistant professor of chemistry at Florida Poly, was recently recognized as part of the world’s top 2% of scientists by Stanford University for the third consecutive year. Learn how he’s bringing attention to Florida Poly as a leading voice in nanotechnology.

Development

Grace City Church is on the move again. The church recently bought 50 acres off Bartow Road, bordering Banana Lake. With hopes to break ground this fall, plans for the new site include a 1,700-seat sanctuary, student intern housing, hiking trails + other amenities. (The Ledger)

Kids

Registration has been extended for Youth Sports Programs at the Lakeland Family and Fontaine Gills Family YMCAs. Snag a spot for your child in sports like indoor soccer, basketball, and dodgeball — the summer season runs from May 27 through July 23.

Arts

Lakeland muralist Gillian Fazio will host a meet + greet today at Front Page Brewing Co. (190 S. Florida Ave., Bartow) from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests can ask questions about Fazio’s craft, as well as watch her sign her new mural on Front Page’s exterior.

Seasonal

Peach, please. Head to Ridge Island Groves (6000 Polk City Rd., Haines City) today and tomorrow for its annual Peach Jamboree. Pick your own peaches from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or try one of the grove’s handcrafted items like peach cobbler, peach blackberry lemonade + peach jalapeno jam.

Community

Honor United States Armed Forces members in a Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. The service at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (2125 Bartow Rd.) will include guest speakers, music, and a complimentary lunch.

Finance

Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*

Travel

Dreaming of a tropical escape? Good news: You can stop dreaming, because increased flights via Southwest to the Caribbean, Bahamas + more are now a reality. Starting June 4, Southwest will be newly offering non-stop flights out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) to these six destinations.*

Eat

🍕 You want a pizza me?

Dig in to the best pizza in Lakeland

By the slice or by the box — either way, we’re eating it. | Photo by @@quickysawicki

It’s National Pizza Party Day, Lakeland. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice to celebrate, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 15 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.

Pizza Odyssey, 811 E. Palmetto St.
This spot (formerly known as Pizza Daddy’s) inside the Lake Morton Deli offers a wide array of custom pies, as well as wings + subs. City Editor Connor’s new go-to includes a pesto base with chicken.

Primo’s Pizzeria, 1031 S. Combee Rd.
This spot is a local favorite for deep dish, Chicago-style bites — you can get full pizzas or single slices. Did we mention online orders get a 5% discount?

KC’s Artisan Pizza and Wine Bar, 6645 S. Florida Ave.
Check out the menu of vegan and vegetarian pies — we recommend the vegan white pizza for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

12 more spots to slice up your life

The Buy

Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

Here’s a question for you, Lakeland: Does pineapple belong on pizza? At the risk of exposing myself and Connor, we actually don’t hate it. Obviously it depends on the type of pizza, but when paired correctly, we’re fans of the combination. Please don’t cancel us, we really love y’all.

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