Extreme Makeover: Lakelander Edition | Get to know the Hutson family, the Lakelanders who were featured on the Thursday, Jan. 9 episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
Keep an eye on these five | From retail to entertainment, there’s always something new popping up around Lakeland. Get ready for these five new developments we have our eye on this year.
Get your hobby on | Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in Martha Stewart-approved creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
Asked
Asked
What if Lakeland had its own coffee blend?
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.
Central Florida Comic Con | Saturday, Jan. 18-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.
47th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | 1 p.m. | Providence Rd. and West 14th St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the life + legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at this parade that travels toward the Coleman-Bush Building.
“Anastasia” | Saturday, Jan. 18-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | Local actors will perform this musical based on the beloved film.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Sunday Brunch | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Brew Hub | This brewery + Tito’s Latin Cuisine will be dishing out brunch and beverage specials while Steve Williamson provides the tunes from 12 to 3 p.m.
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.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Mixology Class: This or That | 7 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery | $70 | Become a master mixologist with expert instruction to make three different cocktails.
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.
We may be saying farewell to TikTok. The clock app will be removed from the US App stores on Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a ban on the platform. Don’t fret just yet — you can still scroll (albeit less mindlessly) through LALtoday’s Instagram feed of exciting developments, new restaurants, and plenty of memes.
Real Estate
On average, homes are selling for 2.30% below listing price in Lakeland, putting our city at No. 49 on this list of metros where homes are selling for the most under asking price. Check out what you can get for Lakeland’s median listing price.
Number
30 years old. That’s the average age of newlyweds in Florida. If you’re tying the knot (or want to throw one heck of a party), we have some venues in mind. (Axios)
Listen
What’s the best song about Florida? If you said John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind,” you agree with this list of “Best Songs About Every State.” Got a better suggestion? Let us know.
City Guide
City Guide
🌴 In the Heights
Driving through this neighborhood’s iconic palm tree corridor makes us feel like we’re living in a movie. | Photo by @papertams
A drive down the palm tree-lined Cleveland Heights Boulevard might feel like you were transported onto a glamorous film set, but you’re actually in one of Lakeland’s oldest areas.
With plenty of outdoor fun, a friendly community, and new businesses galore, there’s something for everyone to explore in this neighborhood.
What’s new
Even if you’ve visited Cleveland Heights, there’s plenty to rediscover on another trip. Don’t miss these newly opened businesses all located next to each other in the Shoppes at Hallam Plaza.
Start with a honey bear latte from Pour Bear Coffee, where you’ll find mid-century design in a cozy setting.
Next door, venture into Makeup A Murder, a crime-inspired beauty store with products like “Kiss of Death” lip oils + “Forensic” eyeliners.
When hunger strikes, Sabrina’s Delicacies has you covered with sandwiches, grab-and-go charcuterie boxes, and an Instagram-worthy vibe.
ACTIVE Wear laundry detergent — refresh your gym clothes with this scientifically formulated enzyme blend that removes the lingering smell of sweat and body odor. It’s free from phosphates + each bag can wash up to 90 loads.
ICYMI, the Lakeland Public Library’s main branch is nearly ready to unveil its renovated Youth Services area. From Monday, Jan. 27 through Wednesday, Jan. 29, the library will be closed while staff finish preparations. Make sure to keep an eye on our Instagram for a first look at the new space when it opens on Thursday, Jan. 30.
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