If approved by city commissioners, Sora’s five-year lease in the airport will begin on Jan. 1, 2025. | Photo by LALtoday
If you’ve been wondering when a new restaurant will open in the former WACO Kitchen space at Lakeland International Airport, we just might have an answer for you.
According to today’s Real Estate & Transportation Committee agenda, committee members will discuss a potential five-year lease agreement for the space with Sora, a restaurant concept created by one current and one former member of Catapult.
In the proposed lease document, Sora describes itself as a “food destination concept similar in nature to a food hall.” Multiple vendors would comprise the concept, the majority of which would serve Asian-influenced dishes such as onigiri, curry, and taiyaki. Others would serve up classic American fare like burgers, salads, and sandwiches — a bar is also in the plans.
Swiftie Dance Party | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Celebrate all things Taylor Swift with live music, dancing, drink flights, and a friendship bracelet bar.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers + don’t forget to grab a bite at Feast of Persia’s last day as a food truck.
“Tuck Everlasting: Youth Edition” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $15 | Local actors will perform an abridged version of this musical based on the classic novel.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Nature Fun-Day: Feathered Friends | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Circle B Bar Reserve | Free | Flock together at the Nature Discovery Center to learn about Florida’s native + migratory birds.
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | We’re not kidding around — connect with nature and meet friendly goats as you work your way through a guided yoga practice.
Brunch with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Terrace Grille | Price of purchase | Families can enjoy a holiday brunch before meeting with Santa to share their wishlists.
Light Up BSP | Saturday, Dec. 14-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Opening weekend festivities for this holiday event include live music from Steamin’ Jazz on Saturday and a maker’s market on Sunday.
Sunday, Dec. 15
401 Market | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 401 S. Florida Ave. | Free+ | This first market hosted by Amonie Jo’s Coffee and The Curated Collective will feature organic coffee, vintage finds + maker creations.
Gravity Rally + Toys for Tots | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | Bring an unwrapped + unopened toy to get up close and personal with sports, luxury, and exotic cars.
Emo Brunch | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Union Hall | Price of purchase | Get in touch with your inner teenage angst with bottomless mimosas, themed cocktails, a special menu, and emo tunes.
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BayCare has announced plans to build a freestanding emergency department in south Lakeland. The 12,000-sqft facility will be focused on pediatrics + offer 12 emergency care beds, diagnostic imaging, and lab services. Construction is set to begin next year — see more healthcare developments. (Central Florida Health News)
Show
If you “feel the need for speed,” then you’re in luck. The US Navy Blue Angels will be making an appearance at this year’s SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In on April 5 + 6. Exact performance times have not been announced, but tickets are on sale now.
Holiday
Kwanzaa, a week of African American and pan-African celebration, begins Thursday, Dec. 26 and culminates Wednesday, Jan. 1. Join St. Mark United Methodist Church on Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. to kick off the festivities with African dancing, poetry, a candle lighting, and keynote address by Kristopher Childs. (The Ledger)
Sports
Lake Gibson High School has tapped Jeff George to act as its new head football coach. George has been the inaugural head coach for Davenport High School football since 2021, and previously coached Fort Pierce Westwood Academy in St. Lucie County to secure district titles in 2019 + 2020. (The Ledger)
Older Adults
Athletes at the ready. The 32nd Polk Senior Games will be held Feb. 22-March 8. Older adults can compete in events across Polk County from archery to table tennis for the chance to move on to the Florida Senior Games. Registration opens on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Seasonal
Lakelanders Jeff and Jennifer Cayer aren’t usually ones for large holiday displays — until this year. After their home at 1836 Tristram received significant damage from Hurricane Milton, the couple made the most of it by creating a monstrous display featuring a 14-ft-tall Godzilla inflatable on the roof. (Patch)
Try This
Looking to shake up your hobbies next year? Learn the art of mixology from the experts at Lugo’s Craft Distillery. Sign up for a general or themed class that will teach techniques for creating concoctions from martinis to mojitos. The first class will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.
Art
A new public art installation has made its way into Plant City. Now through March 31, 10 sculptures by artist J. Seward Johnson will be on display throughout the city’s downtown area. Explore more public art close to home.
Feel Good
Do you love LALtoday? We’re calling on you to help support our mission to create free, unbiased local media. Donate now — your generosity will help support us, your LALtoday team.
The votes are in for the LALtoday historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.
Winner: Silver Moon Drive-In
It was a close call, but when it came down to the wire, the choice was clear for LALtoday readers. Fifty-three percent voted for this theater, and as one of only four drive-ins remaining in Florida, we can see why.
Runner Up: Cob & Pen
Originally known as The Tudor House, this building was saved from demolition in 2014 + relocated to South Florida Avenue where it reopened as one of Lakeland’s favorite eateries. It secured 22% of the vote.
And there are more submissions where those came from.
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
While we wait on Sora to potentially open at LAL, get your Asian fare fix at one of these top-rated sushi spots as voted on by our readers. If you’re like me and aren’t much of a sushi fan, many spots also have a host of other options — my personal go-to is the hibachi filet at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi on North Tennessee Avenue.
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