More murals? We’re in — and so are many readers. | Photo by LALtoday
As we wait to see what 2025 brings, we asked what you predict will happen in Lakeland this year. From big dreams to personal hopes, here’s what you’re waiting for:
Costco hopes
You must have been planning your next grocery lists, because this warehouse store was the most-predicted. Lakeland is not yet on the store’s list of new locations, but maybe 2025 is our year.
Arts on the brain
Dave M. predicts plans for a new amphitheater to host top acts. Carolyn B. also sees more murals in Swan City’s future.
Taking off
Several readers expect new additions at Lakeland International Airport, whether that means more routes or an additional airline entirely.
Dining developments
New restaurants are always on the horizon — Wendy S. is hopeful for a northside Cheesecake Factory, and Michael S. forecasts a new restaurant in the former Crispers location downtown.
Finally, Maja O. predicts a Cava, Raising Cane’s, or Trader Joe’s opening, simply because“I need them to.” Same here, Maja.
Events
Events
Friday, Jan. 17
New Year’s Open House | Friday, Jan. 17-Saturday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Pure Barre | Free | Try out this fitness studio with 30-minute introductory classes and be entered to win a free month.
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.
Line Dancing Night | 6:30-10 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $7 | Kick up your boots and throw on a cowboy hat for tunes by DJ Gonzo + dance instruction from Felicia Jones.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Stories and Stones Historic Cemetery Tour | 9-10:15 a.m. | Lakeview Cemetery | Free | Get a guided tour to learn about Lakeland’s past through the stories of its bygone residents.
Sip & Paint | 1-4 p.m. | Brew Hub | $37 | Create your own retro-themed sign while sipping on local brews.
Cinéma Art Historique | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Watch the 2000 film “Pollock” in the museum’s auditorium, then enjoy a Q+A and discussion with Executive Director Dr. Alex Rich.
Lakeland’s Bass Takeover | 9-11:30 p.m. | Union Hall | $8 | VibeHeavy, Bassix, and DJ Rob Fr3sh will bring the bass-filled beats — you bring your dancing shoes.
Sunday, Jan. 19
2025 MLK Car Show | 12-6 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium | Free+ | Bring the family to browse community cars, or enter your own vehicle for $30 — parking is $15.
Stillness Through Sound | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Rest and recharge for the week ahead in this immersive sound bath experience.
What’s your favorite kind of BBQ? We’re dreaming about these ribs. | Photo provided by Vist Central Florida, via Emily Mort.
In 2025, we’ve resolved to eat more BBQ.
If you’re ready to risk it for the brisket with us, head to the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest on Friday, Jan. 24 + Saturday, Jan. 25 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus.
Here are the sweet + spicy details:
Admission is $5 (free for kids 12 and under)
Exchange cash for Pig Bucks to purchase food from 150+ vendors
Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities
Bonus: Ticket sales and purchases support local non-profit organizations and charities.
Prescribed burns are planned for 15,000 acres of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, including parts in north Lakeland. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will perform the burns through March to reduce the risk of wildfire. (The Ledger)
Civic
Tune into the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. to see if three CRA purchase agreements are approved. These include empty lots in Dixieland, on Memorial Boulevard, and in the Mass Market area, which the CRA plans to redevelop.
Real Estate
Remember 2014, when Lakeland’s median home price was $124,486? That number grew to $318,816 a decade later, putting Swan City at No. 30 on Construction Coverage’s list of small cities that saw the greatest 10-year home price jumps. Find out how difficult it is to buy in Lakeland.
History
The City of Lakeland’s Black History Festival is set for Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find outdoor fun at Jackson Park with entertainment, vendors, and family activities, then venture inside the Coleman-Bush Building for an interactive history exhibit. Pro tip: Vendor spots are still open.
Award
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame will welcome three new inductees this year, including two from Polk County. Dr. Charles W. Adams, an early 20th century citrus grower from Auburndale, and Dr. Jim Graham, a citrus researcher in Lake Alfred, will be inducted on March 28 at Florida Southern. (Central Florida Ag News)
Environment
The end of hurricane season doesn’t mean time off for NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters. Instead of chasing storms, these researchers + pilots take off from their Lakeland base to track data on sea life and changing coastlines for NOAA. (WTSP)
Number
110. That’s the age of Gertrude Williams of Winter Haven who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. After moving to Lakeland when she was very young, Williams attended Washington Park High School and was a pillar of First Baptist Institutional Church in the former Moorehead community. (The Ledger)
Development
Grace City Church will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at its new location tomorrow, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The 50-acre site near Mazda Lakeland on US Highway 98 South will first include a 1,600-seat auditorium, with future phases planned to add a counseling center, wedding venue, and sports fields.
Biz
Saunders Real Estate has become an independent brokerage instead of an SVN franchise. The firm will still focus on land + commercial real estate, which you can learn more about at its Lay of the Land Florida Conference, happening Thursday, Feb. 27-Friday, Feb. 28 at the RP Funding Center. (Tampa Bay Business & Wealth)
Festival
The 2025 Florida State Fair will take place Feb. 6-17 at the fairgrounds in Tampa, ~30 miles west of Lakeland. Make a day of it without breaking the bank with upcoming promo days featuring savings for older adults, first responders, kids, and more.
Finance
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Shop
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Category
Health
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A reading journal. Use it to write notes about the books you’re reading — like quotes that catch your eye, pages you want to come back to, and your overall rating. Pro tip: Use multicolor pens to make filling out your journal even more fun.
Yesterday, I visited Southwest Middle School to tell students all about what I do here at LALtoday. They had great questions, but when one sixth grader asked, “What was your first article you wrote?” I had to dive back into the archives to find it was this piece on spring cleaning — it might come in handy soon.
Answered
Answered
With the expansion complete, how big is the AGB?
50,000+ sqft. That’s how much there is to explore at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art now that its Kerr Wing is complete. Get a sneak peek of the inside, and don’t miss the public opening tomorrow, Jan. 18.
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