Trade your shopping tote for Santa’s bag this winter. | Photo by LALtoday
‘Tis the season to shop local — or to get behind the counter and sell your own wintry wares. Find + sell homemade, handcrafted, and heartwarming goods at one of these holiday markets.
Holiday Craft Bazaar | Applications closed Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30 — spend it shopping from 50 extra vendors at the downtown farmers market. Head into Munn Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to find locally made crafts.
Christmas Market | Applications open Shopping is better with a Christmas cocktail in hand. Lugo’s Craft Distillery will host vendors on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 9 p.m. Don’t forget a bottle of Lugo’s coquito to enjoy at home.
The Bandit Market | Applications closed Need a present for that person who seems to have it all? Find something unique at this “alternative market” during Holidays on Central in downtown Winter Haven. The outdoor event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presidential Speaker Series | 4:30-6 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University | Free | Science + space experts will discuss if humans can settle on other planets — it’s sure to be out of this world.
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab tickets from the LDDA for this self-guided tasting event of downtown eateries.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Brass Quintet | 7-8 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | Hear five brass musicians for the price of one — and did we mention admission is free?
Thursday, Nov. 21
Trivia Night — “Twilight” Series | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | This is the skin of a trivia whiz, Bella — head up to the Rooftop Bar for fun questions + drink deals.
Friday, Nov. 22
Free Play Florida 2024 | Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $10+ | Leave your quarters at home, because admission includes unlimited gaming on hundreds of new + classic arcade games.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the rebranding process. | Video by MCO
Orlando International Airport (MCO) unveiled its new brand identity on Wednesday, Nov. 13, marking a significant transformation for travelers and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
The new logo centers around the iconic “O,” reimagined with sun rays symbolizing innovation and forward motion. This design brings the beauty and warmth of Florida to life, with a jet silhouette subtly integrated into the sunbeam pattern, capturing MCO’s role as Florida’s gateway airport. The goal? Tie together Florida’s natural beauty and the airport’s future-focused mission.
The refreshed logo and vibrant website reflect MCO’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience and showcasing the spirit of Florida. The rebrand extends to Orlando Executive Airport and other Greater Orlando Aviation Authority properties — all of which are embracing the new look — embodying MCO’s core values: People, Community, Connection, and Innovation.
Tropical Storm Sara formed late last week in the Caribbean, bringing heavy rain to Central America. Lakeland could get some rainy weather of its own this week, plus cooler temperatures. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
Still have hurricane debris in your yard? County residents must place theirs curbside for pickup or deliver it to a drop-off station by Sunday, Dec. 1. Polk County haulers were originally planning to have all debris picked up by Thanksgiving, but have now said December is more realistic.
Development
County commissioners recently approved several public safety + justice developments, including training facilities for fire rescue and K-9 teams. They also signed off on demolishing the Crow Building where an annex will eventually be built to increase capacity at the Bartow Courthouse. (The Ledger)
Transit
The Squeeze is expanding its weekend service, now adding a stop at Florida Southern College on Fridays + Saturdays. Find the stop on South Ingraham Avenue, in front of the ROTC building. Hop on for a free golf cart ride to downtown points of interest — here’s how.
Festival
Remember that big country music festival at Raymond James Stadium that was teased a few weeks ago? It turns out the Country Thunder festival is rolling west this coming May, moving to Tampa after outgrowing its original location in Kissimmee. Jelly Roll, Riley Green, and Blake Shelton will headline. (TBAYtoday)
Fitness
Registration is officially open for the 2025 Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run. The annual 5K/10K — to be hosted at the Lake Mirror Promenade on Saturday, March 1 — brings the community together to help conquer cancer while celebrating survivors. See the course + register.*
Holiday
You’ve made your list (and checked it twice), now it’s time to have some fun. Check out five can’t-miss events to catch while shopping for the holidays at Lakeside Village.*
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing: fluffy ear muffs, cozy slippers, french fry seasoning, and fancy chocolate bark.*
Category
Seasonal
Show us your holiday houses
Lake Morton always has a swan-derful holiday display. | Photo by @lkldlense
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and some Lakeland neighborhoods really take this sentiment to heart. We’re on the hunt for communities that go all out in the winter. Think: Eye-popping light displays set to music, inflatable snowmen on the lawn, or even drive-through experiences you never miss.
While some places make an event out of their decor each year — like Ariana Village’s yearly Parade of Lights — we’re also looking for those neighborhoods that fly under the radar like Rudolph in a snowstorm. Let us know where you find the best holiday decorations, and don’t be afraid to submit your own street or home. Plus, we’ll add you to our nice list if you send in a photo.
Planning those winter vacations? We’re working on our next road trip guide so you can Hit the Road to St. Augustine this season. It’s only about 3.5 hours from Lakeland, and full of holiday fun. If you have suggestions for things to do, dishes to eat, and places to stay, send them my way.
Answered
Answered
How many jobs did LEDC members generate from 2020 to 2024?
