Do you know these cities like a local? | Graphic by 6AM City
Did you know? LALtoday is part of a team of 28 newsletters across the country. And we want you to get to know all the cities we call home... but we didn’t go easy on you.
It’s a Festivus Miracle | 12 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Come to this celebration prepared to air your grievances while sipping on holiday-flavored pints.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Lane | 6-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $10+ | This will be the last day to explore this festive upgrade of the festival grounds complete with more than 1.5 million lights.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Holidays at LEGOLAND® | Wednesday, Dec. 25-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Legoland Florida, Winter Haven | $74+ | Bricktastic family fun awaits, including LEGO decor, entertainment, and seasonal eats.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Kwanzaa Celebration | 5 p.m. | St. Mark United Methodist Church | Free | Join this community celebration featuring dancing, poetry reading, a candlelit ceremony, and keynote speaker Dr. Kristopher Childs.
Friday, Dec. 27
Joinery After Dark | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Dance your worries away on the patio with tunes by DJ Barca and guest DJs.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Hanukkah Celebration | 6:15 p.m. | Temple Emanuel | Free | Celebrate the Festival of Lights with light bites, a candle lighting, and family-friendly activities.
Fleming’s book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, is now available. | Photo provided by Florida Southern College
Calling all music and science lovers.
World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming is coming to Florida Southern College for two unique events in January dedicated to blending disciplines.
Renée Fleming: Music and Mind | Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. | Fleming joins medical researchers to discuss the impacts music has on the brain and other topics from Fleming’s collection of works on the connection between arts and wellness. Bonus: Stick around for a book signing with Fleming following the event.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Bright Ice’s ice cream. The St. Pete-based brand is expected to open its Lakeland location in Dixieland by the end of January, sharing the former Petals Flower Shop space with The Wine Garden, an artisan wine + cheese shop. (Business Debut)
Lakelander
Lori Edwards has served as Polk’s Supervisor of Elections since 2000, making her one of the longest-serving constitutional officers in the county. After 200 elections conducted, Edwards will hand over the reins to former state representative Melony Bell in January — learn more about Polk’s elected officials. (The Ledger)
Closing
Big Lots has announced it will close its remaining stores next year, including both Lakeland locations. The discount retailer has not shared an official closing date, but said that affected locations will be rolling out “going out of business sales” in the near future. (The Ledger)
Number
23.3 million. That’s Florida’s estimated population for 2024 according to US Census Bureau data. Florida saw the second-highest net population increase nationwide at 467,347 people. If you’re new to Lakeland, allow us to show you the ropes. (WTSP)
Real Estate
As the population grows, homes in several Tampa Bay-area counties — including Polk — are becoming less affordable. In a new report by Attom, Polk scored 64 on the home affordability index, meaning the average homebuyer would need to spend nearly 40% of their wages to afford a home. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Edu
George Jenkins High School junior Gabriel Bourque is shining bright, having been selected as one of PCPS’ 2025 Sunshine State Scholars — a program recognizing top STEM students. Bourque will travel to Orlando next April to connect with STEM field employers, colleges, and fellow students in a statewide convention.
Seasonal
Cheers to the New Year. Close the door on 2024 in style by reserving a table for a five-course prix fixe dinner + champagne toast at the Terrace Grille on New Year’s Eve. Keep the party going at one of the hotel’s bars, or by going to one of these local events.
$1.14 trillion. That’s the staggering number that consumer credit card debt reached in 2024, highlighting a widespread financial struggle. If your debt exceeds $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help with a personalized debt settlement plan + creditor negotiations — all with one low monthly payment.*
Health
Have weight loss questions? LRH is here with the answers. Lakeland Regional Health’s experts in bariatric surgery and metabolic medicine are sharing insights on personalized care, life-changing procedures, and patient success stories. Learn more.*
Trending
Did you know that Amazon offers limited-edition wardrobe collections? Sign up to receive text notifications from The Drop + you’ll be the first to know about styles that are made-to-order just for you.*
The Buy
The Buy
A beanie bottle stopper — because it’s only fair that your unfinished bottle of wine gets to sport a winter look this season, too.
Consider this your sign to follow us on Instagram. Something about seeing our city in a grid makes us grin.
Answered
Answered
Which holiday movie should they remake in Lakeland?
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” Capturing ~47% of the vote, our readers are wanting to see a “Home Alone” remake, Lakeland-style. Can you imagine what kind of shenanigans Kevin could get into if he got to rig up a house on Lake Hollingsworth? We certainly can.
Have a different idea for a Lakeland holiday movie remake? Click the button below to let us know.
}})
