First down, Lakeland | With Super Bowl LIX right around the corner, we’re taking a deeper dive on the NFL players whose athletic journeys began right here in Swan City.
What’s the latest, doc? | New year, new developments.Check out these seven healthcare developments around Lakeland that we’re keeping a pulse on in 2025 and beyond.
Home is where the trends are | Stay on top of what’s new with these hot Lakeland homes that align with Zillow’s forecast for top 2025 real estate trends.
Asked
Asked
Which Lakeland chef or establishment should be nominated for a James Beard Award?
As Lakeland’s food + bev scene continues to grow, tell us which chefs and restaurants should get recognition alongside the best of the best.
Welcome Back Bash | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Celebrate the return of the renovated Youth Services section with games and face painting.
Dumb Coffee + Crash Bookshop Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Somos Church | Free+ | Pick up your next read while sipping on a coffee at this dual small-biz collab.
Chinese New Year & Care For Kids | 12-4 p.m. | La Gran Muralla | Free | The speakeasy will welcome families with free meals for young kids, games, and red envelope giveaways to benefit Kiwanis Club of Lakeland.
Swan City Improv | Times vary | Quinteassence | $10 | This local comedy team will make you laugh in back-to-back shows in the intimate Barter Box performance space.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Shop the goods of local makers outside before heading inside for a themed brunch.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Ribbon Cutting for Chicken Salad Chick | 9:30 a.m. | Chicken Salad Chick | Free+ | Celebrate the grand opening of this restaurant’s long-awaited Lakeland location — the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year.
Friday, Feb. 7
Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival | Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | International Market World Flea and Farmers Market, Auburndale | $4+ | This two-weekend event will feature crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic displays, and 60+ exhibitors.
Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will emerge and predict whether or not we’ll see an early spring. If you don’t trust Phil’s judgement, feel free to consult our seasonal weather forecast through March.
State
Florida is home to the headquarters of 22 Fortune 500 companies, according to this map by Visual Capitalist. That’s 1.02 Fortune 500 companies per a million people, in case you were wondering. (Brilliant Maps)
Outdoors
It will soon cost $15,000 to climb Mount Everest when Nepal raises its permit fee by over 35% in September. Or you could hike one of our perfectly good trails right here in Lakeland. (Reuters)
Drink
Costco is going back to Coke. After switching to Pepsi in 2013, Costco will flip-flop back to Coca-Cola products in its food courts this summer. But which do you drink? Let us know. (USA Today)
City Guide
City Guide
🥑 Every day we’re brunchin’
Munch on some avocado toast while enjoying your bottomless mimosas at Frescos. | Photo by @localfoodieengineers
Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, check out these 20+ options for brunch around Swan City.
Note: All times listed are brunch-only.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar | Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | After shopping the farmers market, our perfect brunch lineup includes fried green tomatoes, apple bourbon monkey bread, and spicy chicken and waffles paired with a pineapple mimosa.
Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m-5 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | $ | This spot offers pastries + breakfast sandwiches all day long — try the Western Omelet or a guava and cheese pastry.
Egg Station | Daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (stays open until 7 p.m. on Friday) | $ | We recommend the Southern French Toast (made with biscuits) + a side of home fries if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Calling all Italian ice fans — ICYMI, Mimi’s Italian Ice is opening its north Lakeland location today in the same plaza as Sky Zone. Head there between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. to secure one of the shop’s fan-favorite vegan + gluten-free delights. Rumor has it there will even be exclusive flavors.
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