Palace Pizza’s chicken tortellini soup calls our name on a chilly days like today. | Photo by LALtoday
When you want a dose of cozy comfort, nothing hits harder than a good bowl of soup.
With so many varieties to choose from, we’re helping you narrow down your search by sharing some of the best you can find around Lakeland.
Top-rated
Spicy drunken noodle soup, Thai Chilli Pepper | A dish with the “perfect amount of spice” and flavorful broth helped earn this eatery a 4.9-star rating from Yelp reviewers — making it the highest-rated soup spot in Lakeland. Find it nestled in the Market Square Shopping Center off of US Highway 98 North.
City Editor Amelia’s top pick
Sweet potato chili, Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | Featuring sweet potatoes, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and a host of other vegetables, it’s nearly impossible to not feel like you’re in a cozy cottage on a crisp autumn day after slurping on this stew. Snag a bowl at the shop’s downtown or southside locations.
BINGO Night | 6-8 p.m. | Bowen Yard, Winter Haven | Free+ | Grab bites from the food hall before settling in to compete for prizes.
Zumba with Liv | 7 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Lakeland History and Culture Center Lecture Series | 5:30-7 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Author Dr. Linda Hogans will present about her first book, “From the Porch,” illustrated by Anna-Maria Crum.
Date Night Cookie Decorating Class | 6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Spice things up with a sweet class where you and a partner will ice cookies together.
Friday, Jan. 24
Lakeland Pigfest | Friday, Jan. 24-Saturday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $5+ | Trade your cash for Pig Bucks to try bites from 150+ competition teams vying for the best barbecue in Lakeland.
“The Light in the Piazza” | Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $30 | You’ll be transported to the Tuscan countryside for one final weekend as local actors perform this Tony Award-winning musical.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Drag & Drinks | 11 a.m. | Union Hall | $10 | Adults 21+ can watch this cast of drag performers while sipping on drink specials.
Sunday, Jan. 26
How to Start a Business Basic Training | 2-6 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | $20+ | Get insights from local entrepreneurs on starting your own business in this engaging workshop.
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
56%. That’s the percentage of full-time employees in the US who want a new job in 2025. Of this, 27% have already started searching. What’s more, the first part of the year sees the largest uptick in job postings + submitted job applications online.
If you’re hiring this year, don’t let your job posting get lost on over-saturated job sites. We created 6AM City Job Board to help you cut through the noise and find top local talent. Share your opportunity with the most connected locals, LALtoday readers.
City staff will hold a public hearing during the City Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 17 to discuss whether the city of Lakeland should continue adding fluoride to its water supply. After hearing and weighing public comments during the hearing, commissioners will put the issue to a vote. (The Ledger)
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Lakeland ranked on a list of fastest developing US cities. Rankings were determined based on the number of new construction properties built + sold, as well as the number of land use designation changes and construction permits issued. (CoreLogic)
Development
A new toll road could be coming to Polk County. Last week, state officials revealed four possible paths for a limited-access toll road connecting State Road 60 west of Lake Wales to US 17-92 north of Davenport. Residents can view + submit comments on the proposed paths until Monday, Jan. 27. (The Ledger)
Stat
ICYMI, Polk County Public Schools’ overall graduation rate went up nearly four percentage points for the 2023-2024 school year, and some individual schools in the county are following suit. Among traditional schools, Kathleen High School boasted the highest increase of 7.1 percentage points. Download the full report. (The Ledger)
Number
Nearly 7,000. That’s how many guests flocked to Lakeland last weekend to participate in Central Florida Comic Con, breaking the event’s attendance record. While official dates have not been announced just yet, founder Ben Penrod shared that plans for 2026’s con are already in the works. (WFLA)
Job
Order in the court. PCPS is reigniting its search for a new general counsel alongside consulting firm SGR. The district’s prior attorney, Wes Bridges, retired from the role in September after 26 years of service. Qualified applicants can submit until Feb. 16 + finalists will be interviewed in mid-April. (The Ledger)
History
While we await the upcoming exhibit in the Lakeland History and Culture Center, little ones can experience a new exhibit of their own at the Florida Children’s Museum. The Elsie’s Library pop-up honoring Lakeland educator Elsie Dunbar is now open. Get a sneak peek inside.
Seasonal
Get ready to wine and dine with your valentine at a special limited-seating dinner in Frescos’ Eala’s Speakeasy on Friday, Feb. 14. Each event ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, a five-course meal with wine pairings, and live music for dancing and mingling — stay tuned for the full menu.
Watch
The Hutsons aren’t the only Lakeland family getting a home makeover. Lake Morton residents Brooklynne and Billy Muscatello were selected to receive a Florida-friendly lawn makeover for the local program “Flip My Florida Yard.” Their episode will air on WTSP and the Discover Florida channel this fall. (LkldNow)
Plan Ahead
Anchors aweigh. The US Navy Band and its ensembles, the Sea Chanters and the Cruisers, will be sailing into Lakeland for a 100th anniversary concert on Monday, March 24 at the RP Funding Center. Tickets are not yet on sale.
Try This
Ready to level-up your leadership skills? It’s time to enroll in Mastering Leadership — a 15-week leadership development program designed for women leading teams, recently promoted to a new leadership role, or preparing for career advancement. Your journey begins on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Learn more + enroll.*
Finance
Financial grace periods are few and far between these days. Oil checks, doctor appointments, Tax Day — time speeds by between them. But these credit cards allow you nearly two years to pay them off (with zero interest), allowing you flexibility in 2025.*
Your business could be among the greats founded here in Lakeland. | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
If there’s one thing we know about Lakeland, it’s that our community is all in on supporting small businesses — and apparently the rest of the state feels the same way.
In a recent report by WalletHub, Florida came out on top as the best state in the US to start a business based on key factors like its business environment, resource accessibility, and start-up costs, just to name a few.
Looking to start your own biz here in Lakeland? Keep reading for a list of local resources + tips from fellow Swan City entrepreneurs that could help your business reach new heights, including where to network and find funding.
A really good beanie. With 4,000+ five-star reviews, this warm winter beanie is a favorite for a reason: the inside is lined with satin, which absorbs less moisture and causes less friction than other materials, keeping hair nourished and frizz-free.
When it comes to soup as a whole, I’m partial to the classic tomato — especially when paired with a grilled cheese. If you share my sentiments, head to Smith’s American Tavern to snag this combo as a lunch special, this week only. Rumor has it there will be a new soup next week.
}})
