Warm wishes, Lakeland. We are taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 + Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
🎁 To Lakeland, with love
Find “Mute Swan Protecting Her Cygnets” by Ian G. Brennan above Lake Mirror. | Photo by LALtoday
For us? You shouldn’t have. We think living in Swan City is the greatest gift of all, but it’s actually been on the receiving end of quite a few delightful donations. From sculptures to parks, museums, and even birds, check out these six gifts given to the city.
“Mute Swan Protecting Her Cygnets” | This 8-ft-tall bronze statue was donated to the city by siblings Steve Wolfson and Sandra Berg in 2011. The siblings, members of Lakeland’s first Jewish family, commissioned the statue from artist Ian G. Brennan to honor their parents and family legacy.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | In 1966, George Jenkins donated the land for the Polk Museum of Art. Now, 58 years later, Jenkins’ grandson made a monumental donation, resulting in a new name + future programming, via the Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation at GiveWell.
Holloway Park | The Holloway Park Foundation gifted Lakeland its largest land donation to date in 2024. Valued at $12.9 million, all 379+ acres of Holloway Park will be maintained as recreational land and managed by the City of Lakeland.
Looking for some (free) lighthearted holiday fun? Light Up BSP has returned to Bonnet Springs Park for the holiday season. See the lights from Dec. 14-31, 6-8:30 p.m., and enjoy live music, holiday scavenger hunts, visits with Santa, festive treats + more.*
Plan Ahead
A tradition 50+ years in the making continues in 2025 with Florida Southern College’s “Festival of Fine Arts.” This multi-month celebration features a wide range of events + performances from both local and international artists. Explore the full schedule.*
Featured Deal
Looking to get $5 off your next purchase of $20 or more? Just join Club Publix. Terms, conditions & restrictions apply. Offer valid in-store only. Must sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.*
Shop
Last-minute gift hack: Go digital with a three, six, or 12-month Audible membership so they can listen to all their favorite genres + authors.*
The Buy
The Buy
That Escalated Quickly, a party game for friends and family who love quirky, interactive games. Work together to sort answers to a prompt from least to most intense — get it right, and everyone wins.
Hey there, Lakeland! I’m Rilee, one of the managing editors here at 6AM City and a former LALtoday City Editor. It’s good to see you again. Don’t forget to do something nice for yourself this week. Could be a quick stretch, could be your favorite beverage (mine is Concord’s honey + cinnamon latte). We’re our best selves when we treat ourselves best, after all.
}})
