Indoor and outdoor seating options abound at Pressed Books & Coffee. | Photo courtesy of @foldoutfoods
If you’re looking to read more books in 2025, you don’t have to sacrifice getting out into the community in favor of achieving your goals. With several cozy nooks around Lakeland, we’re rounding up our top picks for places to curl up with your latest read.
Pressed Books & Coffee | This bookstore/coffee shop combo is full of plush chairs + couches for when you want to stay awhile. Our go-to spot is on the couch by the front window.
Bonnet Springs Park | BYOB (bring your own blanket) along with your book to the Allen & Company Lawn to bask in both words and sunshine.
Lakeland Public Library | Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and leather chairs overlooking Lake Morton, LPL’s main room is perfect for when you want some peace + quiet. Plus, you can say hello to Lakeland’s iconic swans while you’re there.
Lake Crago Recreation Complex | Grab a seat on this public park’s covered patio to pair your read with fresh air + serenity.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Ribbon Cutting for Hyatt Place | 4-7 p.m. | Hyatt Place Lakeland Center | Free | Celebrate the opening of the renovated hotel with drawings, food, and tours of updated rooms.
Pop-Up Hot Yoga Class | 4:15 p.m. | Yoga Pointe | $25 | Learn the basics of hot yoga in this cozy introductory class.
Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser | 4-6:30 p.m. | Heritage Park | $7+ | Grab a plate of pasta and set a spell in support of the Kathleen Area Historical Society — takeout is also available.
Clay Class: Incense Burner | 5:30-7 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25 | It smells like creativity in here — learn to mold + paint your own incense burner in this guided class.
Line Dancing in the Backyard | 7-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free | These boots were made for dancing — two-step over to this winery for lessons under the stars.
Friday, Jan. 10
S’mores-N-Pours | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Camp Fire Sunshine Central Florida | Free | Meet your neighbors, play yard games, and enjoy adult drinks at this community “friendraiser.”
Grand Marshal Gala | 7-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $50+ | Kick off this month’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day events with a gala honoring parade marshal Morris Chestang.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Wings ‘n Waffles | 9 a.m. | Florida Air Museum | Free+ | Fly into this event to enjoy breakfast, learn the history of riveting, and build your own cookie cutter.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Paws on the Porch | 12-2 p.m. | Andrew’s Coffee | Free+ | Head to the porch for a paw-some afternoon filled with adoptable dogs, pet-focused vendors, and, of course, coffee.
$685,000. That’s how much deferred loan funding the Lakeland City Commission approved for Gospel Village’s 72-apartment expansion. The nonprofit, which provides services for individuals experiencing homelessness, broke ground on the project in October and hopes to complete it by mid-2026. (LkldNow)
Civic
City commissioners voted unanimously Monday to establish a 104-acre community development district for the redevelopment of the former Wedgewood Golf Course in north Lakeland. The district will assist in funding major public infrastructure improvements to the land, including water, waste, and storm management systems. (The Ledger)
Development
The City of Winter Haven has officially broken ground on its new Recreational and Cultural Center. While a completion date is TBA, community members can expect the improved $21 million facility to include amenities from a double gymnasium + fitness center to a new library, swimming pool, and splash pad.
Award
History has its eyes on Polk County, with the US Department of the Interior officially designating it a nationally Certified Local Government Program. Under the program, Polk will have access to more funding and technical assistance for historic preservation projects, including those brought forth by property owners.
Try This
We ain’t afraid of no ghosts. On Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., “Ghostbusters” fans are invited to SyFy Bartow for a family-friendly festival, featuring an RTV Rally, Ecto-1 Car Show, cosplay contest, and even an appearance from the 25-ft Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Biz
The Dixieland Night Market will host its first event of 2025 this Friday, Jan. 10 behind Union Hall. Bring your shopping totes to browse a variety of goods from local makers from 6 to 11 p.m., or get in on the action yourself as a vendor — applications are open now.
Eat
Speaking of Union Hall, Plates on Deck is teaming up with the venue once again to offer another R&B Brunch this Sunday, Jan. 12. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by for drink specials, a soul food-inspired menu, and R&B tunes. Get a sneak peek of what’s on the menu.
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Read
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Category
Travel
✈️ On your mark, get set, fly
Where will you head next? | Photo by LALtoday
If you’re looking to jet-set somewhere new this year, consider this your sign to book your ticket. Before you take off, get to know our top picks for destinations you can fly to right from Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL).
LAL currently offers seven nonstop flights via Avelo — six that travel within the continental US, plus one flight to Puerto Rico. Flights to Atlanta, GA + Hartford, CT are currently paused.
Hit the button below for what you need to know to make your flight out of LAL an easy, breezy, beautiful experience — from parking + security to dining and boarding.
An under-sink organizer — declutter your cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or pantry items with an easy slide-out design that fits around most plumbing fixtures.
Is reading more one of your main goals for 2025? I’m hoping to read 12 books, including at least one from a Lakeland author. Have any book recommendations you think I ought to try? Send them my way.
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