Get ahead of road closures with these local resources. | Photo by LALtoday
Don’t let an unexpected detour derail your morning commute (or make the trip to your go-to spot that much longer). Instead, use these handy resources to stay updated on road projects around Lakeland.
The City of Lakeland details its current road work projects in one place. Check there to see what major projects are ongoing, including what’s in the plans, estimated end dates, and the boundaries of each project. You can also check in to see if your street is due for repaving during the current fiscal year. Follow the city on social media for the newest road closure + detour updates.
Grabbing your keys? Plan your route around these current projects:
Lakeland Hills Boulevard | Upgrades and pedestrian crossings
Drane Field Road + Waring Road | Multilane roundabout
US 98 | Pedestrian crossing near Bryant Stadium
Lakeland Highlands Road | Watermain digging for the new Orlando Health hospital
Dear Senior, Valentine’s Card Drive | Wednesday, Jan. 29-Friday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Senior Helpers | Free | Drop off handmade Valentine cards at this nonprofit to be delivered to older adults across Polk County.
Whiskers & Words | 5:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Stop by this cat cafe after hours for a discussion of “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Yogadance | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | Free+ | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
The Mothership Imprint Presents A Poetry Salon | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Start the evening with an individual reading hour, get moving with a dance party, then share your poetry open mic-style.
Friday, Jan. 31
Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | 5-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
Ladies Night in the Loft | 5:30-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $21 | Reserve a spot in the art loft and paint or mosaic the night away with friends.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Mossy Hollow Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Metals & Nature, Plant City | $10 | Immerse yourself in the world of fairies + fantasy at this themed market with a potions bar, face painting, music, and more — costumes are encouraged.
20th Annual VISTEBall | 6-9:30 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $75 | Dress in golf casual for a night enjoying games + food on the “links” while raising money for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly.
The start of the Lunar New Year — and we have just the way to celebrate the Year of the Snake. This Saturday, Feb. 1, head to Zukku Sushi in The Joinery for lion + dragon dances, red envelope giveaways, and food specials. The festivities begin at 2 p.m.
List
They’ve got the power. Several Polk County residents made Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list of influential business leaders. Lakeland honorees include Danielle Drummond, Lakeland Regional Health CEO; Angela Falconetti, Polk State College President; and Kevin Murphy, Publix CEO.
Biz
Texas-based Quiddity Engineering will open its first two Florida offices in Lakeland + Tampa. The civil engineering firm will first focus on land development and master-planned community clients before rolling out full services — plus future internships. (West Orlando News)
Civic
United Way of Central Florida and AARP are offering free tax prep to Lakelanders with low to moderate income levels and those who are 60+. Find a site near you. Pro tip: The deadline for Polk residents was moved from April 15 to May 1 due to Hurricane Milton. (LkldNow)
Outdoors
Ever wanted to stay overnight at Bonnet Springs Park? Families with school-age children can register for the new Camp BSP event to stay from Friday, Feb. 28 to Saturday, March 1. Campers will learn to fish, make s’mores, and even take a guided night hike through the park.
Sports
Kids ages 5-12 can learn baseball fundamentals at the Evan Michael Chambers Love Foundation’s free camp this Saturday, Feb. 1. Pro baseball players like Jalen Harrison and Pedro Beato will return home to teach their skills at Peterson Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration closes tomorrow.
Tech
Game on. Florida Poly computer science majors Cecilia Merion + Mason Kazebeer won first place at the statewide Collegiate Game Jam. Their video game “Click Here!” lets players manage a theme park with just a few clicks. See it on display at the school’s Game Expo on Saturday, April 19.
Edu
The Delta Kappa Gamma society’s local chapter honored 20 PCPS teachers as “Rising Stars” to keep an eye on. Teachers from Lakeland represent Kathleen, Crystal Lake, Sleepy Hill, Highlands Grove, Dixieland, and Oscar J. Pope Elementary Schools, just to name a few.
Outdoors
Bone Valley ATV Park in Mulberry will be closed this Saturday, Feb. 1 starting at 8 a.m. while the Hunt for Sasquatch trail runs take place. It will reopen at 12 p.m. (after Bigfoot has been cleared from the area). If you’d like to join the hunt, there’s still time to register for the races.
Learn
Become an entertaining pro at “The Art of Tablescaping,” the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s next fundraiser on Saturday, March 8. The event will begin with a talk by entertainer Lydia Menzies at the AGB, followed by Mimosas & Muffins and tablescape viewing at the Sorosis Building.
Answered
Last week, we asked which 2025 home trend has readers ready to call the movers. Our recent cold snap must have had fireplaces top of mind, because “cozy comfort” was the top choice. Find our pick for a cozy Dixieland property that will make you feel right at home.
Job
Don’t let your job posting get lost on over-saturated job sites. Get premium visibility when you post on our local job board. Your first listing is free.
Category
Travel
Make your next getaway a-Dora-ble
Maybe these views will offer some “Persuasion” to plan a trip in February. | Photo by @adam_brockett
Itching to escape to the past — or maybe just out of town? Jump in your car for a road trip 1.5 hours away to Mount Dora, where you can finally live out your “Pride and Prejudice” dreams next month.
Jane Austen Festival
Break out your Regency-era finery to celebrate the famed author’s 250th birthday. Registration is required to join high tea, workshops inspired by her writing, and more literary events happening Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 9.
Magical Meat Boutique British Pub
Dine on a traditional plate of fish and chips or start your day with a full English breakfast. Pro tip: Book a seat at the Valentine’s Day High Tea on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Lakeside Inn
Make a historic weekend out of your trip with a stay in Florida’s oldest operating hotel that was built in 1883. As the name suggests, the inn’s cozy rooms have views of Lake Dora.
This year, I became one of those people who joins a gym at the start of January, and I’m glad to say that membership hasn’t gone to waste. Catch me on the treadmill training for future races like the SUN ‘n RUN 5K — registration just opened for this year’s event on Saturday, April 5.
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