06.06.2024

Today’s Forecast

96º | 21% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:30 a.m. | Sunset 8:22 p.m.

🌙 By the light of the silvery moon

Silver Moon Drive-In’s silver screen history

Did you know Silver Moon is the last remaining drive-in in Polk County? | Photo by @allyagolden

While at one time there were more than 4,000 drive-in movie theatres across the US, there are only 177 still in operation as of 2023 — four of which are in Florida. Of those four, the Silver Moon Drive-In is the last one remaining not just in Lakeland, but all of Polk County.

Silver Moon Drive-In first opened its screens on April 14, 1948. Sporting individual RCA speakers, a snack bar, circulating vendors, and a whopping 35-cent admission charge, it was considered the most modern outdoor theatre in the state at the time.

An old newspaper clipping showing the Silver Moon Drive-In's original sign and plot. — This issue of The Exhibitor from Jan. 12, 1949 shows what Silver Moon looked like less than one year after it opened.
|
Photo via Cinema Treasures

Just two years later in May 1950, tragedy struck beyond the silver screen. A tornado severely damaged the theatre’s cinder block screen, causing it to close. Less than two months later, it reopened and it’s been showing movies daily ever since.

Today, Silver Moon features two screens, both of which were equipped with laser projection in 2022. While admission may no longer be 35 cents, prices are still lower than the cost of traditional theatres — tickets cost just $8 for adults and $3 for children.

A graphic showing actor Bryan Cranston talking to a man on the left and a film set at a drive-in movie in Lakeland on the right — In addition to showing movies, Silver Moon Drive-In has also served as a filming location for various movies like “The One and Only Ivan” starring Bryan Cranston.
|
Photo via @silver_moon_drive_in

Ready for an adventure to this slice of cinema history? Here are our best pro tips.

Snag your parking spot early — before the first film starts, the theatre plays the national anthem over the speakers.
While there is a snack bar on-site, guests are allowed to bring in their own food. We’ve seen folks bring in everything from candy to a full-on dinner from Saigon Bistro.
Don’t leave before the second movie — your ticket covers the cost of both movies shown on the screen that evening.
Make things cozy by bringing your own lawn chairs to set up outside your car, or throw an air mattress in the back.
Don’t want a late night? The theatre also hosts a flea market each weekend that opens as early as 5 — yes, 5 — a.m.

Events

Thursday, June 6

BLS Provider CPR Training | Thursday, June 6 | 6-10 p.m. | Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $65 | Learn basic life support through this American Heart Association course.
The Reserve Book Club | Thursday, June 6 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. | Kelly Branch Library, 404 Imperial Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join fellow readers in discussing “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Kroll — pre-registration is required.
Mind, Body, Movement: Summer Dance Fitness Series | Thursday, June 6 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bust a move at this Afro-Caribbean-inspired dance fitness class on the lawn.

Friday, June 7

Musical Storytime | Friday, June 7 | Times vary | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | Young kids can explore music and storytelling in this Swan City Piano Festival event — join the waitlist to register.
Bandit Market Summer Party | Friday, June 7 | 5-9 p.m. | The Ritz Theatre, 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven | Free entry | Shop 50+ local handmade, art, and vintage vendors at this indoor summer market.
Polk Pride Night | Friday, June 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$14 | Cheer on the Flying Tigers as they face the Jupiter Hammerheads — use code PRIDE for discounted tickets.

Saturday, June 8

Family Fun Day Community Roundup | Saturday, June 8 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, 115 S. Missouri Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join ELC Polk for a day of food, face painting, free gifts, and more.
A Tribute to Rockstars | Saturday, June 8 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$75 | Join Brenda James and the Smokin’ 45s as they play the hits of Elvis, Queen, and The Eagles — just to name a few.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

Matching ‘fits for Father’s Day (plus 30% off)

Match your mini-me this Father’s Day. | Photos provided by Harlestons

Parents, is there anything cuter than matching your mini?

Harlestons is now offering matching polos and swimwear for dads and sons to share the same swag — just in time for Father’s Day. (Nope, it’s not too late to order his gift.)

Bonus: All swim — men and youth — is 30% off.

Shop the sets. What better way to celebrate than twinning?

(T)win Father's Day

News Notes

Ranked

No. 18. That’s where Lakeland ranks on this year’s U.S. News and World Report’s Fastest Growing Cities in the Nation list. Navigate the growth like a pro with our New to Lakeland guides, covering everything from top industries to the best coffee shops. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Development

LAL is now accepting proposals for the leasing and operation of the airport’s pre-security restaurant. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held Tuesday, June 18 at 1 p.m., with applications due by Tuesday, July 2 at 3:30 p.m. Learn how to submit.

Civic

City commissioners approved three roofing projects on Monday totaling $521,000+. Work is set to begin soon to replace roofs across the Magnolia Building, Combee Water Treatment Plant, and Lakeland Electric building before the height of hurricane season. (LkldNow)

Outdoors

As FDOT officials plan for the 200-mile Collier to Polk Regional Trail, the public is invited to provide feedback on the project. In addition to health + wellness benefits, city leaders shared that the trail could also economically boost communities along the route. (Fox 13 News)

Opening

New Life Outreach Ministry is opening the Colonel Freddie C. Austin Veterans’ Home to assist veterans experiencing homelessness. A special dedication ceremony will be held at 1221 Omohundro Ave. on Thursday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. with tours + light refreshments.

Eat

Auburndale city commissioners approved an inaugural ordinance for mobile food vendors this week. Effective immediately, food trucks will be allowed at city and special events, but they cannot be set up permanently on public property and rights of way. (WFTS)

Read

PCPS’ Books Bridge Buses are hitting the road again — this time with a new look. The two buses are sporting a colorful new design this year created by Harrison School for the Arts students. Keep up with the Books Bridge schedule here.

Try This

Grab your work bestie and head to Catapult on Monday, June 24, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. for a free coworking day. Non-members will be able to enjoy the incubator’s second-floor coworking space at no charge. Looking for other coworking space suggestions? Check these out.

Pets

Let the dogs out this Sunday, June 9 for Paws on the Porch at Andrew’s Coffee. From 12 to 2 p.m., pamper your pooch with all-you-can-eat pup cups, runs in a mobile pet gym, and vendor pop-ups. Plus, $1 of every drink sold will be donated to SPCA Florida.

Drink Up

Own a local beverage business? Offer a drink deal to our readers during Drink Up Week from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. Whether it’s BOGO smoothies or 20% off wine bottles, drop your deal into this form by Friday, June 28 and let’s get this party poppin’.

Number

27,000: That’s the number of trees that are cut down each day to make toilet paper. This luxury three-ply bamboo toilet paper is changing that. It feels just like regular high-end TP, but doesn’t harm trees. Use code 6AM30 for 30% off through midnight. Learn more + shop.*

Home

Did you know you can bring all your debt under one roof by borrowing from your home to pay off high-interest loans, bills, and credit cards? Calculate your payment.*

Environment

Is living more sustainably important to you? Maybe you should consider going solar. Not only does going solar make the electricity grid more resilient, but it improves local air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. See how else solar is good for the environment (and our future).*

Asked

🏡 Tell us about your Lakeland dream home

What do Lakelanders look for in a home?

Imagine the get-togethers you could host here. | Photo by Jesus Contreres of High Res Homes

If you’re anything like us, you occasionally — okay, maybe more than occasionally — find yourself scrolling sites like Zillow to see available homes. In fact, a recent survey showed that 83% of respondents have used Zillow to look for homes without any intention of buying.

We asked what qualities stand out to Lakelanders when they look for a home. Here are the most popular answers.

The price better be right

Of course, we can’t forget about price. Nearly 55% of respondents shared that they’re targeting homes with price ranges of $300,000-$450,000+, which aligns with the city’s median home sale price of $349,425 in May 2024.

272018365_5374203459279878_7059693513024396246_n — When it came to desired neighborhoods, Lake Morton came out on top for our survey respondents — and with views like this, we can see why.
|
Photo via @kellyarichard

Location, location, location

Nearly 66% of respondents shared that while some light driving isn’t a dealbreaker, they ultimately want to be close to shops + attractions. This home in the Lake Morton neighborhood, a favorite of our respondents, is near both South Florida Avenue and downtown Lakeland.

Other Lakelanders shared they’re in need of wide open spaces + prefer to stay out in the country. Consider 2308 Sands Rd., nestled on 3.2 acres of land in north Lakeland.

A white home with brick columns and a driveway is shown under a blue sky surrounded by trees. — 1215 King Ave. in the Dixieland neighborhood fits right in the sweet spot of our respondents property size preferences.
|
Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Smart — The Graham Advantage

Make sure it has enough room

When it comes to a home’s size, 58% of respondents said they prefer something between 1,000-2,000 sqft like this home in the Dixieland neighborhood, while 38% want to go big and aim for a property that’s 2,000 sqft or more — we think 1083 Lake Deeson Woods Ln. fits the bill nicely.

A large home with stucco and stone exterior and a lush green lawn. — When it came to most desired features, garages/carports topped our respondents wishlists.
|
Photo by Jesus Contreres of High Res Homes

Gotta love the amenities

Responses were divided regarding ideal features. Garages/carports, pools, gorgeous kitchens, and outdoor spaces were just a few of the things that topped our respondents’ wish lists, and it looks like this home may just check every box.

Move over, HGTV

The Buy

Six & Main is turning 2. Celebrate with us and enjoy 25% off sitewide. Use code BIRTHDAY25.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

ICYMI, Publix just released eight limited edition ice cream flavors for summer. As an ice cream afficianado, I’m most excited about the Chocolate Cookie Quarry and Buckeyes and Fudge flavors, both of which I plan on trying when the ice cream truck comes to town on Saturday, June 29.

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