The Ledger also reported that Florida’s Governor Farris Bryant was inspecting the damage to Polk crops following the 1962 freeze. | Photo via Florida Memory
Ice cold — or at least that’s what it’s felt like the past few days.
We quizzed you on Lakeland’s coldest temperature last week and many guessers had brain freeze, so we’re staying inside and looking back at some of the coldest days we’ve had here in Lakeland.
The day the cold set records
Lakeland’s first coldest day on record took place on Dec. 13, 1962, when temperatures hit a record-breaking 20°. It wouldn’t reach that same low until 1985 when it had back-to-back cold days on Jan. 21 + 22.
That sure puts this weather in perspective, huh? The closest we’ve come to that temperature in the past few days was when temps got to 37° this past Tuesday, Jan. 7.
In January 1985, the Tampa Tribune covered the freeze affecting all of Florida.
So, what else was going on in Lakeland after the freeze in 1962? The Lakeland Ledger also reported on upcoming holiday events and Florida Southern’s next basketball game against Georgia State.
Andy Shreeve with Savage Tacos | 6 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Live music + food truck bites — taco-bout a good night.
“Forever Plaid” | Thursday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | Local actors will perform this musical revue featuring songs from the 1930s to 1950s.
Friday, Jan. 10
Clay Date — Plant Appreciation Pot | 6-8 p.m. | Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio | $80 | Celebrate National Houseplant Day by crafting your own pot in this one-part class — green thumbs not required.
Turn Up and Tone | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Blend dance with HIIT, strength training, toning, and active recovery techniques to take your fitness to the next level.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Day of Caring | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | Free | Kids are invited to dream big with free museum admission, live performances, and hands-on activities in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Songs & Strings: Hungrytown | 6:30-9 p.m. | 1120 Candlewood Dr., Lakeland | $20 | This internationally known folk music duo will kick off this year’s Songs & Strings house concert series.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Goat Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | Brew Hub | $45 | The Little Yogi will lead you through a flow with friendly goats — stick around for brunch + live music.
“Menopause The Musical 2" | 2:30-3 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $40+ | Tap your toes along to musical parodies all about “Cruising through the ‘Change.’”
Taco Week includes fun twists on the theme (like ice cream tacos and taco-flavored pizza) to include more local businesses. | Photos provided by Visit Central Florida
Here’s a New Year’s resolution we know you can keep: eating more delicious food from local restaurants.
Polk County’s population is still on the rise, along with new home construction. What’s drawing movers toward Lakeland? Not to brag, but besides its high quality of life, local realtor Brian Stephens says it’s a combination of low prices, available land, and its convenient location. (WFTS)
Traffic
Feel like you spend more time in traffic on Highway 98 or South Florida Avenue these days? You may be right. INRIX released its 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, which calculated that Lakeland drivers lost 20 hours in congestion last year. It ranked No. 83 in the US.
Stat
300%. That’s how much transportation impact fees for new warehouse developers could increase to offset rising service costs. The fee for other industrial developments could also rise by 200%. The proposal is up for County Commission discussion in February and would take effect in June if passed. (The Ledger)
Closed
Downtown will be a bit quieter tonight. After 12 years, the Lakeland Food Truck Rally will shut down for an undisclosed amount of time. Rally leaders announced plans to revamp the event in a Facebook post, saying, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you in a little while.”
Edu
Applications are open for Polk State’s three collegiate high schools for next school year. Interested in the Lakeland Collegiate or Gateway schools? Join an upcoming info session on the Lakeland campus where the schools are housed.
Arts
Glass fusing, comic book illustration, oil painting — learn it all in one of the AGB Museum’s upcoming art classes for adults + teens. These six-week courses will take place Jan. 28 through March 7, but sign-ups will close on Sunday, Jan. 19.
Try This
Do you have what it takes to perform at the Florida Strawberry Festival like artists Reba or Nelly? There are still a few slots open for performers in the Entertainment Pavilion, and casting is searching for everything from choirs to cloggers to country bands.
Cause
During this cold weather, the Bartow Community Service Center is urgently seeking warm clothing for those in need. Drop off blankets, hats, scarves, socks, and jackets at the center, located across the street from Front Page Brewing Co., Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Try This
Taste of Winter Haven returns on Thursday, Feb. 13, bringing together some of the city’s top chefs for a night of all-you-can-taste food + drink. Pro tip: The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce is offering a ticket discount through tomorrow.
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Eat
Start 2025 with Thrive Market: organic groceries delivered right to your door. (They ban over 1,000 harmful ingredients.) Join here to get 30% off your order plus a free $60 gift.*
It’s a lot easier to reach your 2025 goals when you have others supporting you every step of the way. Whether you’re training for a distance race or prefer to socialize while you exercise, find community at these local running + walking groups.
Lakeland Runners Club Sign up for the Bonnet Springs Park 5K Training Program to learn how to run with a group from Saturday, Jan. 25 until race day on Saturday, March 29.
Fleet Feet Join weekly social runs around Lakeside Village on Wednesdays at 6 p.m, then gather at the Brass Tap for food + beverage discounts.
Lakeland Girls Who Walk Take it slow with these social group walks. The next trek is tonight at 6 p.m. around Lake Morton — meet up at the library entrance.
LRC Kids Run Club Junior joggers can join the spring session of this club just for kids at Bonnet Springs Park Tuesday, Jan. 14-Tuesday, May 6.
The Buy
The Buy
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
Here’s another story I loved from the Ledger’s Dec. 14, 1962 edition: the Pals and Gals Square Dancing Club was planning its Christmas dance at the Women’s Club on Lake Morton. Now that’s an event we’d love to see on our community calendar.
Answered
Answered
Which 2025 development are you most anticipating?
New year, new developments, but which one has caught the eye of readers?
40% — Lake Miriam Square Publix remodel
34% — Dixieland’s new dining spots
23% — The AGB Museum’s expansion
Readers also wrote in the new Chicken Salad Chick + the south Lakeland Winn-Dixie’s transformation into an Aldi as some of their top picks.
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