The Magnolia Building was once known as the Community Tourist Center Building — maybe Mildred dropped in. | Photo by LALtoday
Dear Lakeland, City Editor Connor here. One of my favorite things to shop for at our local antique shops is an old postcard. When I came across one at Lloyd’s of Lakeland featuring the Magnolia Building (the place where I got married), I immediately added it to my stack of knickknacks — then I turned it over and discovered it had been mailed back in January 1953.
The postcard was sent from Lakeland to a friend in East Orange, NJ. The signature is difficult to read, but I believe it’s signed from Mildred, who said, “In Lakeland again. It’s cool, but the sun shines and makes it feel much warmer.” Tell us about it, Mildred.
More than 70 years ago, a postcard would cost just two cents to mail.
Photo by LALtoday
Citrus production was still booming in Polk County around this time, and she mentioned, “Have had lots of oranges already.” It must not have been Mildred’s first time in Swan City, because she wrote, “How Lakeland has grown, there are many changes.” Don’t we know it.
Events
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Silver Star Game Day | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Try your hand at games like dominoes or get on the shuffleboard court with other older adults.
Green Hat & White Gloves Tour | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lake Mirror | Free | Spots are limited for this historic tour around the Frances Langford Promenade.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Yoga In The Vines | 6-6:50 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15 | Nicci from British Yoga Babe will guide you through a flow in the fresh air.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Foodie Fun: Holiday Style | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Learn clever culinary tips from the pros at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
Lakeland Food Truck Rally | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Keep the foodie love going by heading downtown to try local trucks like Crab Daddy’s Surf & Turf, Spontaneous Consumption, and Glazed Up Mini Donuts.
Friday, Dec. 13
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Shop handmade goods from outdoor vendors, and catch an art show + performers inside Union Hall and The Pink Piano.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2024 | 7-9 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $54+ | Musicians and vocalists from seven different countries will perform classic holiday carols in this evening of music.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Renée Fleming: Music and Mind | 7:30 p.m. | Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall | $50 | World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming joins local experts to discuss the effects of music and the arts on the brain and human health — Fleming will also be signing books after the event.*
Follow Lakeside Village on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest community news + free events. | Photos by PSCO Studios
Muralist Gillian Fazio just debuted her stunning new mural, “Bloom,” at the Lakeside Village courtyard behind Books-A-Million.
The mural’s intricate bouquet and custom blue-and-white patterned letters capture the upscale, vibrant spirit of Lakeside Village, with hidden ‘LV’ logos adding a fun touch.
“My hope was to give the Lakeside Village wall something iconic,” Fazio shared.
Head there for a fresh holiday photo opp + snap a pic (or ten) — and don’t forget to tag @LakesideVillage.
544,000+. That’s how many tons of hurricane debris Polk County’s contracted haulers have collected in just over 50 days. If you notice large trucks passing your piles, it could be because a smaller truck is needed to navigate your street. Help speed up collection with these tips.
Development
The City of Lakeland is seeking a conditional use permit that will allow the development of a new dorm + training facility at Tigertown. Last fall, the Detroit Tigers extended their partnership with Lakeland through 2044, entering a deal with the City to build the new facility — catch up.
Coming Soon
Things are just wine-ding up at The Wine Garden. This new Dixieland destination is set to open in February in the former Petals Flower Shop, offering wine by the glass or bottle, gourmet cheese, charcuterie boards, and knowledgeable staff. (What Now Tampa)
Open
Lakeland Regional Health’s fourth urgent care facility opened yesterday in the Lake Gibson area off of Marcum Road. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., no appointments needed.
Arts
“Tuck Everlasting: Youth Edition” opens this weekend at Lakeland Community Theatre, featuring some of Swan City’s best young actors. Catch a performance from Friday, Dec. 13 to Sunday, Dec. 15, and bring a toy donation for Heartland for Children’s Rudolph Round-up Toy Drive.
Biz
Depot 303, Mulberry’s first food hall, is nearing completion. The Lakelander gave foodies a sneak peek at the space, from the main dining area and outdoor patio to the bar and food stalls — including Fat Maggie’s forthcoming booth.
Holiday
A 32-ft Christmas tree made out of 365,000 Lego bricks is now lit for guests to enjoy during Holidays at Legoland. Admission is included with your tickets, so you can treat yours-elf to themed entertainment + characters on select dates through Dec. 31.
History
Talk about historical — check out the finalists for our Lakeland historical markers contest. Vote for your favorite historic location by Wednesday, Dec. 11 + be sure to read our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 13 to see which location you, our readers, determined should get the recognition it deserves.
Community
Experience holiday magic at Bonnet Springs Park’s Light Up BSP, presented by Lakeland Regional Health happening Dec. 14-31. Don’t miss the LRH Winter Wellness Walk on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., a special evening featuring a leisurely stroll for the whole family, combining seasonal cheer with well-being.*
Eat
Ever wanted to eat brunch with Santa Claus? Get the scoop on life in the North Pole at the Terrace Grille on Dec. 14 + 15. Plus, see three more opportunities to make holiday memories dining at the historic Terrace Hotel, including a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner.*
Travel
Spring Break may be months away, but it’s never too early to plan. We have an idea: What about a nonstop flight from LAL to Nashville, TN? See our guide to the destination.*
Try This
Sing along to seasonal classics with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (and guests) at “Toast to the Holidays” — a festive concert series bringing cheer Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. We’re sure “Yule” love it.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Category
Biz
In the market for a market?
Sell your handmade, homemade, and homegrown goods. | Photo by @sarahmaephotography
Are you a small business owner looking to sell your goods to other Lakelanders? Check out the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This project by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority takes place on Kentucky Avenue each weekend and has grown to 100+ weekly vendors since starting in 2004.
With so many vendors, the market has recently changed its application process. Now, you can apply twice a year, in June and December — meaning there are just 22 days remaining in this application period. Here’s what to know as you prepare to apply.
The farmers market operates nearly every Saturday from September to July — that’s 45+ opportunities to sell your goods each year. All new vendors begin as part-time (at least 12 weeks per year) and pay $30-35 per week for shared marketing costs. After working at the market for a while, vendors may be invited to join full-time.
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
Andrew’s Coffee is back at it again with Santa-approved straw toppers each week of December. Stop by this week for reindeer rubber ducks, and keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram for the next duck scavenger hunt around Lakeland. The team will hide these Grinch ducks with clues to find them — there may even be prizes on the line.
Answered
Answered
Publix was the first US grocery store with which feature?
Air conditioning — and those shopping in Florida summers are grateful for it. We quizzed you on your knowledge of the Lakeland-headquartered company last week, and 43% guessed correctly. You really do have shopping carts smarts.
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