Driving through this neighborhood’s iconic palm tree corridor makes us feel like we’re living in a movie. | Photo by @papertams
Cleveland Heights is one of Lakeland’s oldest areas — in fact, the first plat was filed with the city 100 years ago in 1925.
With plenty of outdoor fun, a friendly community, and new businesses galore, there’s something for everyone to explore in this neighborhood.
The early days
While homes already existed around the area by 1901, it wasn’t until 1923 that real estate developer H.A. Stahl bought 560 acres and officially began the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, named after his Ohio home. (The price tag for an entire neighborhood back then? Just $1 million.)
STEM Sprouts | 9-10:15 a.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence | $10 | Kids ages 3-5 will learn a letter of the alphabet + an aviation concept through play — this week’s topic is “orbit.”
Health Screening with BayCare | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Get a complimentary lipid screening to measure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Green Hat & White Gloves | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade | Free | Spots are limited on this tour around Lake Mirror told through the eyes of the city’s first librarian.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Unity Through Diversity: A Celebration of Jazz in the US | 6-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Join this reception featuring the exhibit “Above All, Enjoy the Music,” along with a discussion + live performances.
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, Jan. 16
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. 17
Central Florida Comic Con | Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $25+ | Release your inner fan at this celebration of all things nerdy, including cosplay, celebrity guests, and contests.
“The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum expansion” doesn’t have a ring to it, but you can now call it by a different name: The Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing. The newly announced name honors Florida Southern College’s president emerita who fundraised for the $8 million project during her tenure. (The Ledger)
Opening
Chicken Salad Chick will open its first Lakeland location on South Florida Avenue near Crunch Fitness on Tuesday, Feb. 4, starting at 10:30 a.m. Be one of the first 100 in line to win free chicken salad for a year — and these other giveaways are nothing to cluck at.
Lakelander
Former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral featured Kathleen High alum Phyllis Adams singing “Amazing Grace.” The singer and full-time flight attendant was secretly selected by Carter himself after he heard her perform at a Carter Center event in 2017. (LkldNow)
Mansion Monday
Calling all hosts with the most — a 4,100-sqft, new construction home in the Lakeland Highlands area is on the market. See inside this home featuring five bedrooms for all your guests, a gourmet kitchen with an island fit for a chef, and an outdoor lanai with even more kitchen space.
Travel
Lakeland International Airport wants your help creating its new Terminal Area Master Plan, a document that guides the development of the terminal, runways, parking, and more. Take the four-question survey to share your thoughts on future expansion.
Coming Soon
Bullseye. A big box store is coming near the corner of US 17 + Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven. While plans are still under wraps, unconfirmed signs are pointing to a new Super Target, which would be the first in the city. (The Ledger)
Seasonal
This year’s winter strawberry season could yield even sweeter berries thanks to the recent cold weather. Keep an eye out for Encore strawberries, a new variety that growers + scientists say is sweet and firm. Is it too early to break out our berry best? (Fox 13 News)
Opening
Options for Women will hold a grand opening of its new clinic on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. The clinic will offer women’s health + pregnancy care on South Florida Avenue, just north of Fresh Kitchen.
Closed
Hikers, take note — unless you’re a second grader, Circle B Bar Reserve will be closed this Thursday, Jan. 16. The annual Water, Wings, and Wild Things Festival will be taking place, bringing together 2,400+ second grade students for a day of learning about nature.
Plan Ahead
Cross our hearts — Valentine’s Day is just over a month away. If you’re looking for plans, consider treating your true love to a special concert with Proper Wednesday at Union Hall, or scare your sweetheart with tickets to Love’s Revenge at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail.
Eat
Treat every day like Taco Tuesday during Polk County Taco Week, happening now through Sunday, Jan. 19. Explore 40+ local restaurants serving unique creations like mango habanero chicken tacos, Korean tacos, and more. See where to savor local flavors.*
Cause
Ready to hit your new year goals for a good cause? Join Lakeland Regional Health for their Hollis Cancer Promise Run happening Saturday, March 1 at the Lake Mirror Promenade. This annual event brings the community together to help conquer cancer while celebrating survivors. See the course + register.*
Shop
These cannabis gummies keep selling out — just one can get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off your order.*†
Category
Drink
☕️ Capture Lakeland in a cup
Lakeland is home to many roasters that we think could capture its essence. | Photo by @honeycombbread
At the end of 2024, Haines City announced its new signature coffee, making it the first municipality in Polk County to have a branded blend. Created by Polk Roasters, the Haines City Cafecito Roast has a s’mores-esque flavor with notes of milk chocolate, graham cracker, and toasted marshmallow.
We can’t lie, we were a little jealous to hear this news. In our opinion, no one does coffee better than our locally owned shops — so what if Lakeland created its own blend?
Now, you be the roaster. If you were creating a coffee blend inspired by Swan City, what would it taste like? Put on a pot and start brainstorming if it would be bold or subtle, spicy or sweet, and send in your caffeine concepts.
This zip up hoodie sweater that strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. It boasts a chic cable knit pattern to effortlessly elevate any cozy winter outfit.
Did anyone get a jump on Polk County Taco Week already? There are plenty of Lakeland restaurants getting in on the fun, but there are also several outside city limits that are worth the drive. Check out The Lake House Kitchen at Bowen Yard in Winter Haven, or the Taco Riendo truck out in Lake Wales.
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.