06.26.2024

Today’s Forecast

90º | 44% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. | Sunset 8:27 p.m.

🤿 Knee deep in the water somewhere

Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland

Several swimmers float in the emerald waters of Wekiwa Springs.

If you’re heading to Wekiwa Springs, don’t forget your floaties — they’re welcome in the swimming area. | Photo by Florida State Parks

We know that Lakeland has no shortage of places to swim, but sometimes a change of scenery is in order when you’re looking to cool down. Good thing Florida is home to the largest concentration of natural springs in the world. Check out these destinations less than 2.5 hours from Lakeland the next time you want to get your feet wet.

📍 Lithia Springs Conservation Park | 45 minutes from Lakeland

Swimming at this natural spring is broken up into two, four-hour time slots with a maximum capacity of 200 swimmers.

📍 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

Clear waters in the Weeki Wachee River surrounded by trees on the banks — See wildlife (or even a mermaid) up close and personal at Weeki Wachee Springs.
|
Photo by @carlie.stach

If adventure is what you’re after, Weeki Wachee Springs has you covered. Take in a mermaid show, kayak down the river, or make a splash in Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Fun fact: It’s also home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the US.

📍 Wekiwa Springs State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

Lauded as Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction, the emerald-hued waters of Wekiwa Springs make an idyllic setting for taking a dip. If you’d rather stay dry, there’s plenty of hiking trails available, too.

📍 Ocala National Forest | 1 hour 45 minutes from Lakeland

This spot boasts more than 600 lakes and rivers across its property, including several natural springs where you can swim, fish, snorkel, and boat (distances to specific springs vary).

📍 Rainbow Springs State Park | 2 hours from Lakeland

A woman sits in a yellow inner tube floating on Rainbow River in Florida. — Floating down Rainbow River is totally tubular experience.
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Photo by Kossina Creative via Florida State Parks

Grab your snorkeling gear and dive on in to find wildlife in the crystal clear waters of the headspring, or enjoy a tube ride down Rainbow River.

📍 De Leon Springs State Park | 2 hours from Lakeland

Not only does this state park offer natural springs + historic boat tours, but you can also make your own pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.

Events

Wednesday, June 26

Developmental Screenings | Wednesday, June 26 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Find out if your child’s development is on track with a quick screening — registration recommended.
Lake Mirror Wine & Culinary Experience | Wednesday, June 26 | 6 p.m. | Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | $128 | Dine in the intimate Lake Mirror room with a specially curated menu and wine pairings.
Live Trivia w/ Gizzy’s of Nutley Pizza | Wednesday, June 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Show what you know to win prizes from Hold On I Know This.

Thursday, June 27

Polk at Nite | Thursday, June 27 | 5-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $15 | Take in the museum’s newest exhibits after hours along with music, food + drinks.
“Wings, Wonders & Wonderscapes” Opening Reception | Thursday, June 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Mulberry Cultural Center, 103 E. Canal St., Mulberry | Free | Get a first look at photographer Andy Glogower’s exhibit — it’s open June 27-Aug. 9.

Friday, June 28

Stuff Your Stanley | Friday, June 28 | 12-10 p.m. | Delectable Delights, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 100, Winter Haven | $10 | We scream, you scream — fill up your favorite insulated cup with any four scoops of ice cream.
Sunset Dance Series: Salsa | Friday, June 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Feel the rhythm with a night of dancing led by Uno Dos Tres Dance Studio and NY Joe’s Latin Sensation Band.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

Polk EMTs have requested a special magistrate to step in after nearly a year of contract negotiations with the county. Despite offering $8,000 sign-on bonuses for new hires, there are still significant shortages causing current EMTs to work overtime. (The Ledger)

Coming Soon

Frescos’ owners, Tim and Tina Calhoon, announced they’re taking over the former downtown Lakeland Taco Bus space. Part of the space will be converted to retail, while the rest will be used to accommodate the eatery’s catering biz. See what else is new + coming soon. (LkldNow)

Lakelander

Lisa Miller, a two-time District 7 representative for the Polk County School Board, has been named to Leadership Florida’s 2024-2025 Education Class. The group of statewide leaders will meet over the next year to discuss improvements for Florida’s public schools. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Outdoors

Polk County’s newest nature preserve is now open to explore. The Bellini Preserve, located on the eastern shore of Lake Marion + adjacent to Poinciana, includes seven miles of trails that culminate in a stunning lakeside view. Try it out, then trek on over to these other spots.

Arts

Polk Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, “Hunt Slonem Paints!,” is now on view. Head to the museum now through Sunday, Nov. 10 to explore Slonem’s neo-expressionist works featuring his well-known bunnies, along with portraits of celebrities, presidents, and literary figures.

Show

The 88th annual Miss Florida + Miss Florida’s Teen Scholarship Competitions are underway at RP Funding Center’s Youkey Theatre this week. The new winners will be crowned Saturday following preliminary competitions over the next three days — get your tickets.

Shop

Before you grab your fireworks spot for Red, White & Kaboom on Wednesday, July 3, stop by the Maker’s Market at Catapult from 6 to 9 p.m. Members of the incubator’s Kitchen, Makerspace + Workspace will have their wares for sale. Lumpia from Pinoy Cravings, anyone?

Drink

Amonie Jo’s released its summer seasonal menu yesterday, and it’s looking berry delicious. Stop in the shop at 401 S. Florida Ave., Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. to try it out — we can’t wait to sip on the blackberry refresher.

Plan Ahead

Jackfruit and dragon fruit and passion fruit — oh my. Mark your calendars for Bok Tower Gardens’ Fruit Fest on Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m to sample + learn about tropical fruits. Admission is free for members and $20 for adult non-members.

Finance

This card is a cash rewards dream, ft. unlimited cash rewards on purchases, a $200 bonus after spending $500, and a long intro APR on purchases + balance transfers. Reward seekers, say it with us: Cha-ching.*

Wellness

Did you know? You can customize your primary care physician to your lifestyle. In our latest edition of LAL Wellness, the experts at Lakeland Regional Health walk us through the differences between primary care options.*

Holiday

Buy any two items at SUNMED Your CBD Store and get a third free, now through Wednesday, July 3. We’re talking CBD, THC, calming pet treats (to help prevent firework freakouts) + more.*

Try This

✍️ Dearest gentle readers

Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland

A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side

This looks like the perfect path for promenading if you ask us. | Photo by LALtoday

It has come to these authors’ attention that the Netflix phenomenon “Bridgerton” has a firm hold on the current cultural landscape. If it’s Regency-inspired activities + entertainment you seek, allow us to share these suggestions for how to spend a day frolicking throughout Lakeland’s ‘ton.

Promenade through the gardens

Is there any better way to begin your day than with a stroll through a garden? Consider stopping by one of the gardens around Lakeland to set the scene for your Regency-inspired outing.

Enjoy a spot of tea

After your promenade, you of course will want to refresh yourself with some tea. Thankfully, Lakeland has plenty of options for grabbing a cuppa.

Take a turn about the room

Finish off the day by dancing the night away at a Lakeland locale — lessons are available if you desire to learn a new style.

Asked

What other activities would you recommend for a Bridgerton-inspired day in Lakeland?

Do let these authors know

The Buy

The Buy 6.26.24 (Affiliate)

A margarita pool float (yes, that’s a thing — complete with a giant lime).

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I took a trip to DeLeon Springs a couple years ago with some friends to try out the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. Pro tip: If you’re planning to go on a weekend like I did, get there early — the restaurant was already at a 4.5-hour wait within 20 minutes of the park opening. The pancakes + memories were worth it, though.

Three girls pose for a selfie holding up whipped cream + an oven mitt from making pancakes.

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