Who else do you think should get national recognition? | Photo by @nineteen61_
Calling all foodies — the semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards honoring culinary excellence have been announced. While a Lakeland spot has yet to make the prestigious list (their loss), there are still plenty of nominated spots within a two-hour drive.
Dining out at Ômo by Jônt is more than just a meal — it’s a multi-course, interactive experience.
Ômo by Jônt | Winter Park This tasting counter concept inspired by Japanese cuisine earned a semifinalist spot in the Best New Restaurant category. Guests can make reservations for one of three dining experiences: The Excursion, The Journey, or The Jaunt. Pro tip: Level things up by adding on the Beverage Experience, which offers wine or non-alcoholic pairings to your selected menu items.
Alafia River Rendezvous | Friday, Jan. 24-Saturday, Jan. 25 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1000 Old Ft. Meade Rd., Homeland | $5+ | Experience the life of pioneers in pre-1840s America at this annual festival featuring 1,000+ historical reenactors.
Ridge Country Band | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Southern rock + country tunes await you on the patio, along with freshly made smashburgers by Tower 10 Burgers.
Oh Hello Painting Class | 7-9:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist | $42+ | Paint a sea turtle step by step with help from an artist — add on a DIY candle to lighten up the class.
“Anastasia” | Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | Local actors will perform this musical based on the beloved film.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Charcuterie Workshop | Saturday, Jan. 25-Friday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Graze Craze | $65 | A ticket to this event includes a hands-on lesson for making your own board, a complimentary glass of wine, and a prize for the best charcuterie creation.
Time Travel 5K + 10K | 2-5 p.m. | Southern Landing at Florida Southern College | $15+ | Hop in your time machine to take a lakeside run with a Wild West theme.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Sunday Brunch | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Brew Hub | Brew Hub + Angel’s Heavenly Empanadas will dish out brunch and beverage specials while the Courtney-Davis Duo provides the tunes from 12-3 p.m.
Pilates in the Beer Garden | 11 a.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Improve your core strength, flexibility, balance, and posture in this guided class while enjoying scenic country views.
Monday, Jan. 27
Dear Senior, Valentine’s Card Drive | Monday, Jan. 27-Friday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Senior Helpers | Free | Mail or drop off handmade Valentine cards to this nonprofit to be delivered to older adults across Polk County.
Thursday, March 13
Moonflower | 7-9 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $20 | You’ll have to wait a few more weeks to hear this tribute band celebrate the music of Santana — tomorrow night’s concert has been rescheduled due to cold weather.
Up your sleepy-time mocktail game with this fan-favorite brownie batter flavor. | Photo provided by Beam Organics
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Sip on this. A new cocktail spot is coming to West Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven and is bringing all the flavors, from reimagined classic drinks to unique spins on pub-style fare. Get a sneak peek inside Sauvage before it opens on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Closed
Scream’n Tuna in downtown has permanently closed its doors, sharing in a statement on Facebook that the decision came as a result of personal issues. While the closure leaves a sashimi-sized hole in our hearts, you can still get your sushi fix at one of these other local spots.
Civic
The Polk County Legislative Delegation’s annual public meeting has been rescheduled from this Tuesday, Jan. 28 to Thursday, Feb. 27, meaning there’s still time to request a spot on the agenda. Send an email to request the sign-up form before slots to speak with state legislators fill up. (The Ledger)
Development
Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green is teeing up to construct its fifth golf course. The ~7,300-yard course on 300 acres will be designed by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd, who also designed a course at Two Rivers over in the Hillsborough-Pasco County area. Find more local spots to golf. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Biz
New things are brewing at Florida Southern’s experiential learning lab, Morning Grind. Justin Heacock, who directs the college’s Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, shared that this year, the cart plans to introduce catered drip coffee, campus coffee deliveries, and an additional cart for pop-up events.
Arts
Artist applications are open for the 2025 Mayfaire by-the-Lake fine arts festival. The annual festival held during Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of Lake Morton is offering up to $18,000 in prizes this year — applications are due Saturday, March 1.
Drink
Krazy Kombucha and Cob & Pen are teaming up to offer specialty cocktails featuring various flavors of kombucha. Stop by Cob & Pen on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to try the Kombucha Spritz, Spicy Berry Margarita, or Komtucky Mule — they’ll be available for one day only.
Shop
Ready to dress to impress? InnerAct Alliance + UthMpact have announced the 2025 dates for Project Prom. On select days, students can head to the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall to shop for formal wear at no charge in exchange for pledging to celebrate prom safely.
Cause
Take your support of aviation education to new heights by being one of the first to pre-order the new specialty license plate from the Florida Department of Highway Safety. Proceeds from the license plate’s sales will go toward scholarships at the Aerospace Center for Excellence.
Eat
Do you know who has the best BBQ in Central Florida? Find out at the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest this weekend where 150+ chefs compete in the first leg of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and more.*
Trivia
Quick quiz, LAL. A nonstop flight to Toronto in March — more or less than $90? Major bonus points if you hit the exact dollar amount.*
Category
Civic
So, you want to run for office?
Get ready to hit the trail — the local campaign trail, that is. | Photo via LALtoday
The City of Lakeland’s filing period is now open for candidates to apply to run for public office. It will close in September 2025 ahead of the November 2025 vote, meaning it’s time to start working on those campaign slogans now.
Upcoming opportunities to serve
Mayor
At Large: Seat 1
District C: Southwest
District D: Southeast
All of the elected positions will serve four-year terms. If elected, these candidates will serve until Dec. 31, 2029.
Do you qualify to run?
You can apply to run for public office if you are:
At least 18 years old
Currently registered to vote
A resident of your district + Lakeland
Able to commit to a four-year term
Visit the City Clerk’s website to learn more about the requirements for local office and how you can pick up your application packet.
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As an avid watcher of The Food Network, I absolutely love reading through the James Beard Awards List — even if Lakeland didn’t get the love it deserves. If you need some inspiration on which Swan City restaurants you’d nominate for a James Beard Award, check out the top places readers shared with us last year.
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