If you’re eyeing a move in 2025, these trends may be for you. | Photo provided by Elizabeth Willers
Zillow recently released its forecast of the top trends we’ll see across real estate in 2025. If you’re looking to stay on top of what’s new, check out these hot homes in Lakeland.
Cozy comfort
202 Lenox St. | Listing agent: Elizabeth Willers, Serhant
Warmth is so hot right now. The arched doorways, fireplace, and front porch in this century-old Dixieland residence pictured above will make you feel right at home.
This home is also located on a brick road for another touch of nostalgia.
516 Sagamore St. | Listing agent: Julia Saunders, Paige Wagner Homes
Nostalgic touches are the name of the game. If you’re looking for a blast from the past, find it in the checkered floor and paneled walls in this property’s formal dining room.
Make your home into your personal Lakeland Public Library.
Those who are always adding to their reading list will never run out of shelf room here. Display your best books in the spacious storage just off the kitchen.
AGB Thursdays | 4-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | The museum is staying open late every Thursday with extra time to explore and special weekly programming.
Ditch of Dreams: The Cross-Florida Barge Canal | 6:30-8 p.m. | Heritage Park at Kathleen Area Historical Society | Free | Professor Dr. Steve Noll will share the complex story of this state-spanning canal that never came to be.
Friday, Jan. 24
Twisted Pine Band Concert | 7-10 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland | $20 | Stomp your boots along to the folksy tunes of this genre-spanning band on their “Love Your Mind” tour.
Lakeland Square Mall Carnival | Friday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Lakeland Square Mall | $5+ | Make your way to the midway for carnival snacks and thrill rides — admission is $5 on Friday + Saturday.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Annual Bazaar | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Heatherwood Village | Price of purchase | With home goods and baked goods for sale, you’re sure to find something great at this neighborhood sale.
STEM in the Park | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | See the park from new heights with a guided tree climb near the Nature Center — registration is first-come, first-served.
Core Stability through Mobility | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga | $50+ | Join this annual Core Yoga Workshop to improve your strength with movement.
North Florida is breaking state snowfall records, but just how cold will it get in Lakeland? The National Weather Service isn’t predicting snow or frost in Polk County, but Saturday may see freezing temperatures. Still, it won’t break the city’s record low of 20º. (The Ledger)
Civic
The City of Lakeland has agreed to a study of the Lake Bonny watershed to understand what caused flooding during Hurricane Milton. The third-party study is expected to take four to six months, and Polk County will pay part of the $80,000+ cost. (The Ledger)
Closed
The Patio-Lakeland announced on Tuesday that it has closed permanently. The restaurant opened in 2023 in the same location as the former Patio 850. Need more outdoor dining recommendations? Go al fresco.
Cause
Party fore older adults in Lakeland at the 20th annual VISTEBall. Volunteers in Service to the Elderly will host this year’s fundraiser event on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus. Come dressed in “golf casual” to enjoy a night of golf-themed activities, food, and entertainment.
Seasonal
Wedding bells are ringing at the Polk County Clerk’s office, which will hold its 12th annual Valentine’s Day group wedding on Friday, Feb. 14. The first 30 couples to register when applying for a marriage license by Tuesday, Feb. 11 will be wed at Fort Blount Park in Bartow.
Community
A fire at the Imperial Swan Hotel displaced 46 families who lost homes to Hurricane Milton, but several local organizations worked together to quickly relocate them. Combee Connection Ministries & Church spearheaded the effort along with FEMA, local governments + nonprofits — donate to help their efforts. (WFLA)
Biz
What’s old is new again — Dixieland Relics is holding a grand reopening on Friday, Feb. 7 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Stop into this vintage store to sip + shop from its new section and vendors. We also hear there will be a limited-seating bourbon tasting with The Traveling Swan, so stay tuned.
Stat
1.6%. That’s how much the Consumer Price Index increased in the Tampa Bay metro area (which includes Lakeland) in the last year, earning it the No. 18 spot on WalletHub’s list of places with the highest inflation. Take a deep dive into how much it costs to live in Lakeland.
Arts
The stage is set for Lakeland Community Theatre’s 40th season beginning in August. The next slate of Mainstage shows have been announced, including “Big Fish,” “The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” and many more. Pro tip: Season memberships are a great way to see every show.
Festival
Quick, think of your favorite local BBQ restaurant. Are they competing to be crowned Central Florida’s best BBQ? Find out at the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest this weekend. Enjoy BBQ from 150+ vendors, family-friendly activities, live music, and more.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Category
Festival
🏴☠️ A pirate’s guide for me
Pirates will invade Tampa Bay during Gasparilla — but don’t worry, they’re friendly. | Photo by Jerry Glaser via Wikimedia Commons
What’s that out there on the horizon? Never fear, it’s a flotilla of friendly pirates prepared to come ashore in Tampa Bay.
The annual Gasparilla festivities take over Bayshore Boulevard — and much of South Tampa — this Saturday, Jan. 25, and it’s well worth a trip from Lakeland. Get ready with these tips from the pros at TBAYtoday.
The basics
This year’s Invasion, hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Parade of Pirates is booked for 2 to 6 p.m., featuring 140+ floats, bands, and merry swashbuckler groups.
Key tips
Make sure to make transportation plans — including rideshares and where you’re meeting up with friends — before you start celebrating.
The parade starts at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard, runs along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street. Then it turns east on Brorein Street, north on Ashley Drive, and ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
I’ve never been more jealous of my north Florida family than I am this week as they send videos of snow. I know the experts at the NWS say there’s no chance, but I’m holding out hope — or at least googling where I can buy my own mountain of snow.
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