Winter is here, weather you like it or not. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
We hope you have your sweaters handy, because even the Sunshine State is subject to winter’s temperature swings. Starting today, we’ll see several cold fronts sweep over Florida, including an Arctic blast expected next weekend.
Don’t break out those sleds just yet, snowbirds. Temperatures likely won’t reach freezing levels in Central Florida — average lows will be around the mid-40s during the first fronts.
Beyond the next few weeks, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has predicted that Lakeland has a 50-60% chance of temperatures being higher than normal this winter.
Keep reading to find out more cold, hard facts about Lakeland’s typical winter weather, plus NOAA’s temperature + precipitation predictions.
Public Skate 2025 | Times vary | Lakeland Ice Arena | $15+ | Bundle up and rent a pair of skates for 90 minutes on real ice.
First Friday: Three Kings Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Celebrate Three Kings Day early with photo ops, food trucks, a car show, and shopping at your favorite stores.
A Tribute to The Cure | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | It’s Friday, and we’re in love with a night of The Cure’s greatest hits performed by Lovesong, along with special guest First Wave.
Tommy O’Neill | Friday, Jan. 3-Saturday, Jan. 4 | 8 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $15 | The Orlando-born comedian known from shows like “Funny Not Famous” takes the stage.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Oak Hill Cemetery Tour | 9-10 a.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free | Learn about Polk pioneers at this one-mile, historic tour featuring local landmarks along the route.
Sip + Shop | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Shop from local artists and small businesses while sipping Keel & Curley’s best bevs.
Wonder House Christmas Tours | Saturday, Jan. 4-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | The Wonder House, Bartow | $25+ | The holiday season keeps rolling with daytime or nighttime tours of this historic, mysterious home.
Sunday, Jan. 5
Sunday Brunch | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Dig in to live music, brunch dishes by Hooked on Que, and drink deals.
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News Notes
News Notes
Community
Polk County is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Milton in 2025, with final debris removals now expected to take place by mid-February. If you’re ready to clear it yourself, the North Central Transfer Station in Auburndale is open for drop-offs (with a $10+ fee). (The Ledger)
Arts
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art will hold the public grand opening of its 14,000-sqft expansion on Saturday, Jan. 18. Museum members will get first access during an invitation-only preview on Thursday, Jan. 16 — plus plenty more perks.
Eat
By the Chef Pizza’s restaurant in Dixieland is now in soft opening mode. To grab a deep dish focaccia or classic round pie in flavors like pepperoni + street corn, keep an eye on the biz’s Instagram for opening hours. Pro tip: It will open this afternoon at 1 p.m.
Traffic
New year, new roads. The City of Lakeland will mill + repave several roads from January to March. Expect daytime delays as roads are reduced to one lane — Lake Morton Drive is first on the list, with work beginning on Friday, Jan. 10.
Biz
Lakeland Antique Mall is making a two-mile move up the road to a new space soon. It will relocate from its current venue near the Lakeland Square Mall to 4985 US Highway 98 N. behind Twistee Treat in February or March.
Open
Loyce E. Harpe Park will reopen tomorrow with limited weekend hours after being used as a debris management site following Hurricane Milton. Visit Saturdays + Sundays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., to skate, bike, fish, and play on the athletic fields.
Coming Soon
A farmers market favorite will soon open its own storefront downtown. Alzaytoon is coming to 231 N. Tennessee Ave., right up the block from the Curtis Peterson Building. Opening details are TBA, but expect to shop olive oil, balsamic vinegars, and olivewood kitchenware.
Holiday
Lakeland’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is set for Saturday, Jan. 18. Grand marshal Morris Chestang will lead the parade from Providence Road + West 14th Street to the Coleman-Bush Building, beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Unity Through Diversity.”
Civic
Residents can speak with the state legislators who represent them at the Polk County Legislative Delegation’s annual public meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. in Bartow. Send an email to request the sign-up form + get on the agenda before slots fill up. (The Ledger)
Number
1,480. That’s how many pounds of peanut butter UF/IFAS Extension Polk County collected during the 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge — up 50% from the year before. That’s enough to meet the annual needs of 370 people for a year. The donations will benefit local children through kidsPACK.
Outdoors
Revised rules have taken effect at county campgrounds. Campers can now stay at a site for up to 14 days at a time, with a maximum of 100 days allowed per year, in addition to other rule changes. A new reservation system will also go online sometime this spring.
Listen
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Category
Coming Soon
What’s in the cards this year?
Is the writing on the wall for 2025? | Photo by LALtoday
The start of the year is like a fresh piece of paper on a desk waiting for the story to unfold. As we wait to see what 2025 has in store for us, we’re coming to our readers. What do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?
Dream big with a wild prediction (or give us an inside scoop if you know something big is in the cards). Here are some ideas to get your gears turning:
A hot new business will open in town
A Lakelander will make headlines for an astounding feat
A major development is announced
There are no wrong answers here — but we will share a few of your forecasts later this year to see which ones come true.
Throughout last year, we heard many reader requests for more things to do around Lakeland. My prediction for 2025: We’ll see new entertainment, arts, and recreation opportunities opening all over Swan City — maybe even one in the former Sears building at the mall.
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