09.02.2024

Today’s Forecast

90º | 42% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. | Sunset 7:47 p.m.

A Yard act to follow

What should come next to the former Yard on Mass space?

The exterior of a white and black building on North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. A sign reads "The Yard on Mass."

Entertainment, food + drink, or something else — tell us your thoughts on what should take over this space near downtown. | Photo by LALtoday

ICYMI, The Yard on Mass vacated its space off of North Massachusetts Avenue near Talbot House and Haus 820 at the beginning of July. Now, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is on the hunt for a new tenant to take over the space.

The CRA accepted proposals for the Yard on Mass space from July 1 to Aug. 15. During that time, two entrepreneurs submitted complete proposals to the CRA with their ideas, which included turning the space into a supper + jazz club or a location for themed children’s parties and events.

An interior shot of the former Yard on Mass space in Lakeland, FL, including a metal and wood bar, white tile backsplash, cement floors, and exposed ceiling beams. — What could you picture taking over this space?
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Photo via Lakeland CED

Proposals were reviewed by the CRA’s Selection Committee — a group of Lakeland leaders ranging from economic development experts to local business owners — and then scored on a scale from 1-100 based on qualifications, experience, financial capacity, and business plan. The supper club received a score of 55.2, and the themed party space received a 48.2.

Essentially, this means that the Selection Committee felt that the CRA should go back to the drawing board + consider more proposals. Before that can happen, the recommendation will need to be formally presented to the CRA’s Advisory Board, followed by the Lakeland City Commission.

An exterior photo of the Yard on Mass's outdoor space, including greenspace, cabanas, and a colorful mural in the distance. — The extensive outdoor space on the Yard on Mass property is the real star of the show.
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Photo via Lakeland CED

The former Yard on Mass site encompasses 10,800 sqft. This includes a 2,522-sqft building with an indoor bar area + a small amount of indoor seating, as well as 8,278 sqft-yard that includes open-air space, covered cabanas, a large porch, and several parking spots originally designed for food trucks. There are also 66 parking spaces available for patrons along North Massachusetts and Kentucky Avenues.

With this information in mind, we’re turning to you. Tell us what you’d like to see in the former Yard on Mass space in our poll below — we’ll share some of the top responses in a future newsletter.

Asked

What do you think should go in the former Yard on Mass space?

A. Live music or entertainment venue — bring on the tunes
B. Bar — it’s five o’clock somewhere
C. Restaurant or food truck park — let’s eat
D. Retail — shop ‘til you drop
E. Something else

Be the broker

Events

Monday, Sept. 2

Adventure Days - Geology | Monday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Head to the Nature Center to model the rock cycle, investigate rocks, and simulate gemstone mining.
Labor Day Painting | Monday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | Price of purchase | Get creative by painting a piece of pottery or creating a one-of-a-kind mosaic.
Power Hour Fitness Class | Monday, Sept. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | $10 | Work up a sweat in this strength + aerobics class led by world record-holder Ayecia Bryant.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

B-I-N-G-O | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Joinery | Free entry | Enjoy specials on craft brews, wine, house spirits, and classic drinks while you compete for five in a row.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Lakeland Women’s Walk Club | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 6:45-8 p.m. | Lake Mirror | Free | Connect with other women during a walk around Lake Mirror.

Thursday, Sept. 5

After Hours | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 4-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Stop by the AGB for extended hours and a tour from Director Alex Rich at 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 6

First Friday: College Night | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Head downtown + show your college pride while enjoying food trucks, activities from Lakeland Moonwalk, and a scavenger hunt.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Rest + recharge for the week ahead by getting outside with a hike or a stroll in the park.

Civic

Tomorrow, Polk commissioners will consider whether to grant Publix more than $365,000 in tax breaks for its planned improvements to its downtown offices on Kentucky Avenue. If approved, the tax breaks would take effect in the 2026 tax year. (The Ledger)

Opening

The farmers market isn’t the only thing opening this weekend. East of These and Bloom Shakalaka will hold a grand opening for its collaborative storefront this Saturday, Sept. 7. Stop by as early as 8 a.m. to see the new space and browse the blooms + merch.

Number

$57,900. That’s the median annual salary for Florida Poly students one year after graduation. The median salary is the highest of any state university in Florida, and $4,600 more than the average Florida graduate. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

Early Bird tickets are now on sale for Central Florida Food Fest, Bonnet Springs Park’s inaugural food and beverage festival, happening Saturday, Oct. 19. The 21+ event will have bites and bevs from 26 Polk County vendors. Tickets start at $85 — all proceeds will benefit BSP programs.

Cause

Dream on. Dream Center of Lakeland is celebrating 20 years of serving Swan City’s marginalized communities this year. Join the center on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for a banquet at Victory Church celebrating its history + plans for the future. Tickets are available now.

Shop

Sabrina’s Delicacies + Pour Bear Coffee will host a second Cleveland Heights Mini Market this Sunday, Sept. 8. Stop by from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to browse different vendors, grab a free tea tasting from Tea Largo, or paint a pumpkin to get in the fall spirit.

Seasonal

We know it’s hard to believe, but the holidays will be here before we know it. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, Heartland for Children is seeking volunteers to purchase gifts for its annual toy drive, which is expected to serve 1,500+ children.

Home

Cooler weather is approaching — time to replace drafty windows with beautiful, energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen^® windows. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off your entire order.*

The Buy

The Buy 9.02.24 (Affiliate)

A sleek bathroom organizer. This piece adds a decorative touch while providing space-saving organization. Bonus: It’s on sale for a limited time.

Shop Amazon's Labor Day sale

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I always enjoy hearing our readers’ suggestions for what should go in different spaces around town. I don’t think the former Yard on Mass space is the right fit for it, but I’d like to see Lakeland get a board game cafe. Think: a place for folks to gather + play board games while sipping on a beverage and munching on snacks. Maybe I’ll open it myself one day.

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