The Hutsons’ episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” aired yesterday on ABC and is available to stream today on Hulu. | Photo by Paige Elizabeth Photography
When Lyndsi Hutson applied to be on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” she thought she was just applying to have a room of her house organized.
“I applied on New Year’s Eve of 2023 and then honestly, I forgot about it,” Lyndsi Hutson said. But then in May of 2024, she received a call from the show’s production company asking for an interview and if her family would be open to having their whole house redone — not just one room. “Obviously I said ‘yes, of course,’” she said with a laugh.
In addition to crews from production and Taylor Morrison Homes, the Hutsons’ new home was constructed with the help of volunteers from several local businesses.
In August, right at the onset of Hurricane Debby, the Hutsons were notified that they’d been selected for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Lyndsi Hutson said, “There was just this wild noise outside our house, and then we went out and there they all were.”
Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | 5-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this market, recently named one of the top 10 things to do in Polk County by Haven Magazine.
Brenda James and the Smokin’ 45s: Album Release Show | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | After browsing the market, head inside to see this Florida cover band perform to celebrate their new album, “Rockin’ in the Country.”
Saturday, Jan. 11
East African-Inspired Simple Cold-Pressed Juices | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $20+ | Sip, sip, hooray — learn to create cold-pressed juices inspired by Eastern Africa from scratch.
Not Dead Yet with Baconwake | 7 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Throw it back to the early 2000s with nostalgic dad rock and country songs.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Hot Tea Day | 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | Tea Largo | Free+ | Warm right up with a free cup of hot tea when you purchase a bag of your favorite loose leaf variety.
Architectural Tour | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lake Wales History Museum, Lake Wales | $10 | Explore the history of downtown Lake Wales in this guided walking tour of its commercial district.
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.
They’re making their wishlist and checking it twice. In a meeting on Monday, Lakeland’s Legislative Committee met to discuss their top picks for which local projects should receive state funding. At the top of the list? The Western Trunk wastewater project + a new north Lakeland fire station. (LkldNow)
Opening
There’s a new market in town. Market on Kentucky will open its doors tomorrow, Jan. 11, featuring local small bizzes like Meraki Bakehouse and Emily Plank. Stop in to browse and shop during the farmers market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community
The City of Lakeland has unveiled a new flood risk portal that will enhance the accessibility of critical flood risk information for properties around town. In the new portal, community members + professionals will be able to find key documentation like flood zone maps and elevation certificates more easily.
Real Estate
Polk County’sv home sale prices are on the rise. According to Realtor.com’s latest data, homes across Polk sold for a median price of $296,000 in October, a 2.1% increase over September’s $290,000 median sale price. (The Ledger)
Number
139. That’s how many individuals Talbot House provided a bed to this past Monday night — 16% more than normal. With the recent cold weather sweeping across Polk, emergency shelters like Talbot expect to see more people than usual until temps warm back up. See how you can help. (The Ledger)
Biz
Hall Communications is ending its live programming era. The outlet has ceased all live programming on its 98.3 WWRZ station after ending the “Big Max Morning Show” this week. The station will now be fully automated, meaning no live or voicetracked personalities will be featured. (Radio Online)
Lakelander
Before Jack Gillen protected Lakelanders alongside the Lakeland Police for 15 years, he protected a much different kind of individual. From 1975-1982, Gillen served on the Secret Service detail for President Jimmy Carter. Now, he’s opening up about what it was like to work for the former president. (The Ledger + WFLA)
Try This
La Gran Muralla is adding something new to the menu — and it’s not a food or drink. The Lakeland speakeasy has opened a private karaoke room to its offerings + is now accepting reservations. Call the restaurant directly to snag your slot.
Eat
Here’s some news worth shell-ebrating — Polk County Taco Week starts today. From now until Sunday, Jan. 19, explore 40+ restaurants offering unique flavors like pork belly, tempura lobster, ice cream tacos + more. Plus, keep an eye out for paired drink specials. See participating restaurants.*
Spicy or sweet, this eatery’s got a drink for every palette. | Photo by LALtoday
Don’t get us wrong — we love the occasional lazy weekend — but if you’re looking for aweekend to remember, check out these go-to recommendations that go beyond our community events calendar:
Friday
Venture just beyond the city limits for live music at Bowen Yard. Pro tip: Grab a beverage from the full bar at Maritime to sip on while you listen.
Saturday
Start your morning with a signature cruffin from Born & Bread Bakehouse, which has been making its rounds on TikTok as a go-to spot — but we already knew that, of course.
Sunday
Try your hand at pickleball at one of Lakeland’s courts. Need a refresher? Check out this quick how-to.
You didn’t think that was all we had, did you? Keep reading for even more ideas for how to spend the perfect weekend in Swan City.
New car insurance. Real talk — car insurance prices are expected to jump 22% by end of year, according to a recent study. It’s worth shopping around and comparing rates on Money’s Best Car Insurance list to make sure you’re getting the best price.
I finally broke down and turned on the heat in my house yesterday to combat these chillier than average temperatures we’ve been having. While I still plan to be out and about in Lakeland this weekend, for now you can find me curled up with a blanket and a warm beverage. Who knows what the weather holds for next week.
Answered
Answered
What do you want to see in the former Lakeland Antique Mall space once it moves?
If our readers had their pick, here’s what they’d choose to take over the ~44,000-sqft space.
28% — Another retailer (we’re looking at you, Trader Joe’s.)
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