Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations — many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, businesses, and cultural events from the past or present. Think: The Frank Lloyd Wright Campus of Florida Southern College + the Moorehead Community.
But not all significant areas get the attention they deserve. What about the Southgate sign? Or the iconic Silver Moon Drive-In? We want to put these places on the map — literally.
This map needs you to add some historic points. | Photo via Proxi
Rules + details
Submit your historic place for a chance to be featured nationwide on our historical marker map. Our favorite submissions will then be featured in our newsletter, where we’ll put it to a vote. Who knows? Maybe it will receive an official historical marker.
Submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter. These finalists will then go head-to-head in a vote for our readers’ favorite. The winner will be announced later in December. No promises that it will get an actual historical marker, but there will be one in our hearts.
Want to know more about official historical markers around town? Check out the Historical Marker Database.
Brew Hub Night Market | 6-9 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Happy hour lasts all night — grab a drink while shopping from local vendors.
Fall Contemporary Band Show | 7 p.m. | Southeastern University Bush Chapel | Free | Jam out to modern tunes performed by SEU School of Music students.
ABBA Euphoria: A Tribute to Their Music | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $35+ | Celebrate the Swedish sensations with song and dance from this Las Vegas tribute act.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Pumpkin Dash 5K | 7:45-11 a.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $40 | Complete a 5K around this aerospace campus before grabbing craft beers + bites at the inaugural Flightoberfest.
ShredFest | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | City of Lakeland Solid Waste Office | Free | Bring up to five file boxes of paper to be safely shredded by ProShred.
Vet Fest | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | Free | Veterans can connect with services ranging from mental health counseling to housing + transportation at this annual resource fair.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $29+ | Kick off the holiday season with a Broadway-style, contemporary circus show for the whole family.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Vintful Dream Sunday Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free+ | More than 12 vendors will share their wares ranging from handmade jewelry to mini cakes.
Sound Bath Sunday | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Start your week with a stress-free moment of stillness + meditation.
Christmas Ornament Painting Party | 5-7 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $15+ | Walk in to find paintable ornaments, festive music, and holiday treats from Tea Largo.
On Monday, Lakeland’s City Commission will vote on designating portions of state roads after influential Lakelanders. Should the resolution pass, a segment of the Polk Parkway will be named “Randy Roberts Memorial Highway” + a section of George Jenkins Boulevard will become “Carol Jenkins Barnett Memorial Highway.”
Community
Lakeland sent letters to approximately 38% of households warning homeowners of possible lead water pipes. If you received a letter, it’s because your residence was built before lead was banned from construction use in 1977, though it’s unlikely they contain any. You can test your water for traces of lead. (LkldNow)
Holiday
Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. will help families in need gobble this Thanksgiving by giving away free turkeys on Saturday, Nov. 23 with help from The Freedom Tour. The effort will distribute ~1,200 frozen turkeys across three locations — including the Lakes Church downtown Lakeland campus, 1-2:30 p.m.
Legacy
Jeannie Weaver-Lopez, owner of the Revival cocktail bar + The Peach House restaurant, died yesterday. Weaver-Lopez was known for her involvement in Lakeland’s culinary scene, and a GoFundMe named “The Pepper Project” was created to help fund child care for her daughter, Pepper. That campaign is still active.
Open
We sea food options have increased at Bowen Yard in Winter Haven. ĀTO is now open at the food hall, serving its popular poke bowls + sushi burritos. The business already has a presence at The Joinery in Lakeland, now known as Zukku Sushi.
Cause
The Neighborhood Christmas Store is preparing to open at Parker Street Ministries for the season, and it needs help stocking shelves with ~2,800 gifts. You can support the effort by donating money or new toys. The shop will sell items to families in need, marked down by 75%.
Stat
13.7%. That’s the percentage of remote workers in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, according to a study by CoworkingMag. The data also determined remote workers are most likely to be female (57.6%), have a bachelor’s degree or higher (41.4%), and be a millennial (38.4%).
Drink
Nineteen61 has given us more sips to fall in love with. The restaurant released its seasonal cocktail menu featuring autumn flavors. Offerings include “Fall in Florida” with spiced rum and apple cider or a “Smoked Pumpkin Old Fashioned” that puts a pumpkin-y twist on the classic drink.
Ranked
No. 36. That’s where Polk County ranks on SmartAsset’s list of wealthiest counties in Florida. The study used a number of metrics, including the county’s $315,592 median home value and its $60,901 median income. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Job
Looking for a job? Nonprofit Better Together will be hosting a job fair at Life Source Community Church on Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Job seekers can register to attend the event that will also include one-on-one resume and interview coaching sessions.
Award
Florida Southern College’s American Chemical Society Student Chapter will showcase their achievements and receive a prestigious award at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting in San Diego, CA. From event partnerships with Bonnet Springs Park to hands-on labs with local students, they’ve made a remarkable impact on Lakeland.*
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Wellness
Say hello to KilgourMD, a hair growth solution that’s the ultimate fusion of cutting-edge science and gentle, plant-based ingredients. Grab the bundle for 15% off + free shipping.*
Category
Health
We hope this serves you well
Seasonal sickness could mean a trip to the doctor’s office. | Photo by LALtoday
What season are we in? Some folks will say autumn, football season, or we’re entering the holiday season — butit’s also flu season.
The good news: Lakeland ranked No. 83 on Soliant Health’s list of the most germ-prone cities in the US. The study assessed the country’s 100 most populous cities, and lower rankings are better.
The number of respiratory illnesses also played a major role in the rankings. These ailments typically increase with holiday gatherings, but there are local resources to help you take precautions:
Florida Department of Health’s Lakeland Clinic offers appointments and information for various healthcare concerns, including immunizations.
Check Flustar’s map for daily cold, flu, and COVID-19 reports.
The Buy
The Buy
The best early Black Friday deals added this week to Nordstrom. We’re seeing: athletic leggings, SKIMS bodysuits, ballet flats, cashmere gloves, and kitten heels.
Did you know the RP Funding Center celebrated its 50th anniversary this week? That’s an achievement worthy of an applause, but the shows must go on. The venue has a lot planned for the future, just check out its events calendar.
