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Today’s Forecast

83º | 80% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. | Sunset 8:14 p.m.
 

🌟 Starstruck in Swan City

Swan City meets the big screen: Movies filmed in and around Lakeland
A LEGO sculpture of a woman in a southern belle dress sits in front of a pond in Cypress Gardens Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida honors the “Southern Belles” tradition of the former Cypress Gardens. | Photo by sirexkat via Wikimedia Commons
Lakeland and our nearby cities have served as the backdrop for several notable movies over the years. Here’s the behind-the-scenes scoop on a few of our favorites.

“Moon Over Miami” (1941)
Despite the title of this classic Hollywood musical, the speedboat scene was filmed in Winter Haven — specifically at Cypress Gardens. Though the theme park is now closed, it helped Winter Haven earn its notoriety as the “water ski capital of the world.”

“My Girl” (1991)
You might recognize the Bartow home used as a set of this beloved movie featuring Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Today, it’s being renovated to become Hope House, a nonprofit for new mothers.

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

Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston filmed in several spots around Lakeland, including the Silver Moon.

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Photos by @silver_moon_drive_in

“The One and Only Ivan” (2020)
Stars like Angelina Jolie and Danny Devito lend their voice talents to characters in this Disney movie, but it was actor Bryan Cranston who filmed his scenes in Swan City. The studio shot on location at the Southgate Shopping Center and the Silver Moon Drive-In, and the production company set up a staging area at Southwest Middle School.

“The Waterboy” (1998)
Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, and Henry Winkler filmed in various locations throughout the city. The “medulla oblongata” scene was shot in Edge Hall at Florida Southern College and used students as extras in the background.

unnamed (12)

Still from “The People Who Live Here”

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Photo via Collection Media

“The People Who Live There” (2021)
Learn Lakeland’s history through the stories of its historic homes and their owners. Connor O’Brien and Campbell Rice of The Collection Media and Paige + Chase Wagner created this documentary with interviews of Lakelanders like Mayor Bill Mutz.

“At the End of the Day” (2018)
Local filmmaker Kevin O’Brien released this full-length film, which captured several notable spots in Swan City. It was featured at the 29th Annual Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
6 more film locations
 
Events
Monday, Aug. 5
Tuesday, Aug. 6
  • Politics in the Park | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Connect with local + state candidates and elected officials in a relaxed setting.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
  • Stuff the Bus 2024 | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7-8:30 a.m. | Hall Communications | Free | Volunteer to load boxes of school supplies for 28 local schools at the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland’s rescheduled event.
Thursday, Aug. 8
Friday, Aug. 9
  • Teachers Night Out | Friday, Aug. 9 | 5:30 p.m. | Pressed | $5 | Meet other local teachers and browse books you could add to your classroom library — tickets include $5 towards a book purchase.
Sunday, Sept. 8
  • Lakeside Village Second Sunday Market | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free entry | Celebrate the start of fall at Lakeside Village’s September Second Sunday Market, featuring 100+ local vendors, live music, treats, and a fall-themed photo op.*
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Biz

🌊 Riding waves of growth
Three people stand in front of a boat on dry land, two are shaking hands.
The right allies can truly be the wind in your sails when it comes to long-term growth. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida | Member FDIC
JL Marine Systems, the TBAY-based powerhouse behind Power-Pole shallow water anchors, has transformed from a modest at-home operation to a global leader in marine technology thanks to a passion for innovation and a commitment to strategic partnerships.

Nowhere is that better demonstrated than with their alliance with Bank of Central Florida.

Fueled by shared values and a strong business relationship, the bank has helped the local biz navigate turbulent waters, offering tailored financial solutions + unwavering support every step of the way.
Sea their story
News Notes
Weather
  • Debby was expected to hit Florida’s Big Bend as a hurricane early this morning after being upgraded to a tropical storm and causing a tornado watch in Polk County this weekend. Keep an eye on storm updates and save our guide full of local storm tips. (The Ledger)
Edu
  • PCPS students return to school next Monday, Aug. 12. Are you ready? Check out the district’s back-to-school guide for updates and other important details, like the district’s new Polk Together resources.
Cause
  • United Way of Central Florida has invested over $4.8 million across 85 vital community services. VISTE, Talbot House Ministries, and the Florida Children’s Museum are among the services to receive funding.
Number
  • $22.9 million. That’s the amount of funding Lake Wales received from the US Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian routes in historic downtown. The four streets in the plan include First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and A Street. (WFTS)
Gallery
  • Take a gander at 13 stunning photos of the new buildings erected at Florida Southern College during Dr. Anne Kerr’s 20 years as president. These buildings include the France Admissions Center + Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house. (The Ledger)
Biz
  • Paint Nail Bar at Lakeside Village will mark three years in business with a birthday party this Saturday, Aug. 10. Guests can shop from vendors like The Petal Co. flower bar and Milk and Honey Macarons, and all salon retail purchases will be 20% off.
Community
  • There are over 100 unclaimed checks in Polk County that must be claimed by Sept. 1. The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller provides a list of those with over $100 in unclaimed funds. See if your name is on the list and get your free money.
Civic
  • Polk County is on the search for new members of the Sidewalk Advisory Committee. Volunteers will meet monthly to determine priority for where new sidewalks will be built. Submit your resume and cover letter to miannenelson@polk-county.net by Thursday, Aug. 15.
Older Adults
  • Calling all adults 55+: Explore what’s next in retirement by volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Use your skills to enrich lives, gaining physical, mental, and social benefits. (You might even forge new friendships while helping someone to a doctor’s appointment.)*
Giveaway
  • If you didn’t win our recently-closed Lakeland Summer Staycation Giveaway, don’t worry. Welcome Canary loves meeting new Lakelanders and will gladly show you around their brand new wellness-focused luxury living community. Book your tour.*
 
Asked

Don’t let the sun go down on Swan City

Readers’ picks for the best spots to take in a Swan City sunrise or sunset
Lake Mirror at dusk with the Lakeland skyline in the background.
Does Lake Morton make your list for the best spots to see a Swan City sunrise or sunset? | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
Is there anything better than a Florida sunrise or sunset? We know that Lakeland has no shortage of spots where you can take in these natural wonders, but we wanted to hear from our readers — and as always, you delivered. Check out their recommendations below, along with a few of our own.

A bold and vibrant sunset overlooking Lake Wire in Lakeland.

Who knew the patio of a local brewery could set the stage for a vibrant view like this?

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Photo submitted by Reader Dan T.

Reader picks

When it came to the spots our readers chose for taking in the sunrise or sunset, one common thread wove through the responses: lakes. Not surprising, considering there are 38 to choose from and the word is quite literally in the name of our city.

Reader Mike S. called out Lake Hunter Drive as the ideal sunrise + sunset spot for its vibrant colors and how they reflect off of Lake Hunter, while Reader Bob K. gave Lake Mirror a shout-out for how the clouds and wildlife create a picturesque scene. Lastly, Reader Dan T. gave a nod to Lake Wire, specifically sharing how Swan Brewing’s patio makes a great spot for taking in the view — plus, you can sip on a local brew while you’re at it.

A sunset over Lake Bonny in Lakeland, FL with a palm tree silhouette in the foreground

Next time you’re driving down Longfellow Boulevard, take a moment to stop and watch the sunset over Lake Bonny.

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Photo by LALtoday

Continuing on with the lake theme, Connor’s ideal spot for sunrise and sunset viewing is Lake Bonny, specifically the Lake Bonny boat ramp and the area abutting Southeastern University for its places to sit.

Breaking the mold a little bit, Amelia’s new favorite spot for chasing the sun is in the Lakeland Highlands area, specifically on the stretch of Clubhouse Road between Highway 98 and Lakeland Highlands Road. There’s just something about a sunset drive that makes you feel at peace.

Did we miss your favorite sunrise or sunset spot? Give us the scoop + share your photos — after all, you can never have too many pictures of the sky, right?
You're a star for sharing
The Buy

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More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
Sunrises and sunsets are one of my absolute favorite natural phenomena — one of my bucket list items for the year is to watch the sunrise on the east coast of Florida, then drive to the west coast to catch the sunset. Who wants to come with? I’ll provide the coffee.
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