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A hauntingly good time
Even the most iconic places can have a chilling past. | Photo via @campbell_rice
You might be familiar with the tales of the Polk Theatre’s past, but did you know the historic venue has a different side to its story that involves a few grim grinning ghosts? No, we don’t mean the ones from “The Haunted Mansion.”
Our team pulled back the curtain on who the ghosts are by taking an extra haunted tour and recording a podcast with Florida Men on Florida Man back in 2019 — here are some of the things we learned.
Many patrons and employees have reported the stairwells and upstairs hallways of the theater as being some of the spots where they feel the most ghostly activity.
Lee Greg | A Polk Theatre employee in the 1930s and 1940s, Greg was so dedicated to the theater, he would come in on his days off just to pull the curtain. According to legend, when Elvis visited and did a stunt where he tipped the mic, Greg supposedly yelled at him to not mess up the equipment. Our theory: Lee Greg haunts the theater because it is like a beloved second home to him.
John E. Melton | Best known as the Lakeland businessman who planned the Polk Theatre, Melton was forced to sell the uncompleted building after facing financial difficulties. Our theory: John Melton haunts the Polk because he feels as though his work remains unfinished.
Unnamed Actress | Not much is known about the unnamed actress who haunts the halls of the Polk, though it’s thought that her energy is still attached to the place. Our theory: She haunts the theater to continue the stage life from the shadows of the night.
Asked
Asked
What other spots around Lakeland do you think could be haunted?
A. The loggia at Lake Mirror B. Circle B Bar Reserve C. Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College D. Somewhere else
Swantoberfest | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Savor German flavors with food truck bites, seasonal drafts, and themed games — prizes will be on the line.
Night Market | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Happy hour lasts all night — grab a drink while shopping from local vendors.
“Shrek the Musical” | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | Harrison School for the Arts | $16+ | Get out of your swamp and into the theater for this hilarious performance by Harrison students.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Breast Cancer Forum: From Care to Community | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center | Free | Join the morning session for healthcare professionals, or the afternoon session for the community to learn about breast cancer care.
Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | All are welcome to enjoy autumnal games, crafts, and face painting on the library’s lawn.
We Let the Dogs Out | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Treat your pup to games, vendors, and a costume contest — or find a new one with adoptable dogs on site.
Docent-Led Tour | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 1 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Get a guided tour of the AGB’s exhibits from the museum docents — registration required.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Lakeland United FC vs. Naples City FC | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Bryant Stadium | Free | Cheer the Swans on to a win in this rescheduled semi-professional game.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 9-10:15 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $45+ | A string quartet will perform chilling and thrilling tunes associated with Halloween by nothing but candlelight.
700,000. That’s how many cubic yards of debris county officials are expected to collect from Hurricane Milton, with a projected cost of at least $20 million. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, the county spent $42 million to remove 1.2 million cubic yards of debris. (The Ledger)
Environment
While Hurricane Milton is not being considered the worst hurricane to hit Lakeland, the flooding that has come as a result just might be. A record-breaking 8.85 inches of rain have fallen on Polk County so far this month, creating unprecedented conditions when combined with already saturated ground. (The Ledger)
Cause
Lakes Church off of East Memorial Boulevard is banding together with other nonprofits to support those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The organizations have provided hot meals to nearly 100,000 individuals this past week, along with free shower and laundry houses. (Fox 13 News)
Family
Gear up the whole fam to learn about bike safety at Lakeland Regional Health’s annual RideSafe event. Held at Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 26, this year’s event will include free helmets + fittings, along with a Halloween-themed bike parade. Pedal on over to register.
Festival
Keel Farms’ Harvest Days will reopen for fall fun tomorrow. During the festival’s final two weekends, the farm + winery will also be hosting a food drive for those affected by the recent hurricanes, and all pumpkin sale proceeds will be donated to Plant City Food Bank.
Outdoors
Nearly 40,000 pounds of bee pollen substitute and 13,000 gallons of syrup will be doled out to beekeepers tomorrow in Winter Haven to help save their hives from storm-related impacts. Keepers can head to Mann Lake from 12 to 1:30 p.m. to get their share. (The Ledger)
Try This
Been thinking about dining at The Terrace Grille (or staycationing at the hotel)? This is the month to do it. The Terrace Hotel is celebrating 100 years — and they’re puttin’ on the Ritz to mark the occasion. Get the deets on special menus + a hidden speakeasy, happening this month only.*
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Category
Civic
🗒️ Study up
What would you like to see on Memorial Boulevard? | Screenshot via Google Maps
Memorial Boulevard has been top of mind for state + local officials.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that it will be performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study on the area of US 92 from Walker Avenue to Lakeland Hills Boulevard. The study will identify opportunities for complete street enhancements (think: incorporating on-road bicycle lanes, a landscaped median, and wider pedestrian sidewalks.)
In September, Florida Commerce granted $75,000 to the City of Lakeland to conduct an economic study of Memorial Boulevard, and commissioners approved the grant agreement this month. Now, the city will use consultant expertise + community input to develop a plan for creating a thriving economic environment between Gary and Wabash Roads. The first phase will be due in January, with a second phase following in May.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Amelia
Ghosts haunting theaters has seemed to be a recurring theme in my life. Growing up, I participated in youth shows at a regional theater up in New England that was often said to be haunted by three ghosts as well. Maybe they’re friends with Lee, John, and the Unnamed Actress.
