This is just a design concept shared with city leaders showing how the mile-long stretch could one day look. | Image via City of Lakeland
In yesterday’s meeting, Lakeland city commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that could further progress the Dixieland road reconstruction project on South Florida Avenue.
According to the MOU, the City of Lakeland is responsible for:
Funding + managing the design process
Managing construction with current city staff
Paying for design features (think: landscaping and decorative streetlights)
That leaves these to FDOT:
Approving the road design
Reimbursing the city for all typical construction costs
Funding + acquiring right-of-way
Now that the MOU has the green light — along with a $1.85 million agreement with Patel, Greene & Associates for the design — the city’s Civil Engineer Manager Ryan Lazenby says the design process could take around two years if it begins this month.
What do you think of this new plan? Put on your hardhats thinking caps + join the conversation.
“Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” | Tuesday, Feb. 4-Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $45 | Say “I do” to this immersive dinner theater experience that will have you mingling with a wedding party like one of the guests.
Rom Com Trivia | 6:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | You’ve got mail — oh wait, it’s just an invitation to this trivia night all about romantic comedy movies.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Free Tax Preparation | Wednesday, Feb. 5-Wednesday, April 9 | Times vary | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center | Free | Make an appointment to meet with an IRS-certified tax prep volunteer — income requirements + more apply.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Collectorama | Thursday, Feb. 6-Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | Free+ | Tickets and parking are free for this show featuring collectible money, gold, and jewelry — coin you believe it?
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, Auburndale | $4+ | This two-weekend event will feature crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic displays, and 60+ exhibitors.
Local Music Showcase | 7 p.m. | Mitchell’s Coffee House | Free+ | Sip your espresso while Sound House Studios artists take the stage for a concert in this coffee shop.
It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday. If you’re not wearing your favorite team’s merch, shop five comfy tees + sweatshirts that say “I’m just here for the snacks” ... literally.
Polk County commissioners approved agreements to install all-inclusive playground equipment at three parks, including Loyce E. Harpe Park just south of Lakeland. The new equipment will be accessible for kids + adults of all abilities. Playgrounds at four select sites, including Medulla Park, will also be updated.
Award
Winners of the 2025 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade were awarded in yesterday’s City Commission meeting, including local churches, businesses, and performers. City Manager Shawn Sherrouse also recognized that the parade had more entrants than the Lakeland Christmas Parade, marking its growth.
Edu
Crystal Lake Elementary could be on the up-and-up after a string of low grades from the Florida Department of Education. The school received a one-year extension to avoid closure, and PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid says he expects the school to improve its grade by this year. (The Ledger)
Arts
Keep art in the family at the AGB’s Community Day, this Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests of all ages can explore what’s new at the museum with tours, scavenger hunts, and art activities — plus, there’ll be exclusive giveaways for new + existing members.
Development
Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County will break ground on its new Mulberry Teen Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. Once complete, the center will include a computer lab, salon + barbershop, rec space, and workforce readiness programs.
Edu
Don’t overanalyze this. Florida Southern College will offer a Master of Science in Analytics program starting this fall. Students will get hands-on experience they can use in fields like data science, business analytics, and technology. Applications are open to future Mocs.
Eat
Start your weekends with a bang thanks to Bang Bang Bakehouse and Sabu Ramen’s new weekly collaboration. Every Friday-Sunday, you can now find rotating rum cake flavor combos at Sabu — the first was miso, hot honey, and cornbread, so you’re in for a treat each week.
Concert
The American Center for Public Leadership + Southeastern University are partnering up for the School of Music’s spring orchestra concert on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. “A Celebration of American Composers” will feature SEU’s Symphony Orchestra and saxophone quartet. Admission is free.
Seasonal
Spring Bloom at Bok Tower Gardens has begun, and the calendar is packed with events happening through the end of April. Don’t miss thousands of flowers blooming, daily carillon concerts, and special events like the Wine Walk on Saturday, Feb. 20 or the Carillon Classic 5K on Saturday, April 5.
Community
Join Lakeland Regional Health at Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. for a day devoted to women’s heart health. Enjoy a lively fitness class, free heart health screenings, engaging education sessions, a kid’s activity + delish dishes from local favorites. RSVP.*
Number
3.5 million. That’s how many Americans subscribe to 1440 — a daily digest for unbiased national news on business, politics, culture, and more. Subscribe for free.*
Category
Open
The latest + greatest in Lakeland
The wait is over for Chicken Salad Chick lovers. | Photo by LALtoday
Every time we look around, it seems like something new is popping up in Lakeland. Don’t miss these recently opened spots for dining, living, and stretching your legs.
Chicken Salad Chick, 5216 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 120 | Fan-favorite casual spot for chicken salad, sandwiches, and pimento cheese opening today at 10:30 a.m.
Prose Lakeside, 1320 Caprice Dr. | Apartments + townhomes with up to three bedrooms located across the Polk Parkway from Lakeside Village
Mimi’s Italian Ice, 6146 US Hwy. 98 N. | Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan frozen treats located in the Sky Zone plaza
Three Parks Trail extension, Westover Street and Cleveland Heights Boulevard | More than half a mile of additional multi-use trails to connectPeterson Park, Woodlake Park, and Publix Charities Park
A. Chicken Salad Chick — a sandwich is calling my name B. Prose Lakeside — I’m hunting for a new pad C. Mimi’s Italian Ice — make it two scoops, please D. Three Parks Trail — I’m ready to run (or walk, or bike)
Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling water bottle — the Owala FreeSip. It’s a top seller for good reason: Owala has perfected a spout design that allows you to either sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt back to swig a gulp. It’s actually patented.
This weekend, I hit the farmers market early + made a beeline to Market on Kentucky so I had my pick of pastries by Meraki Bakehouse. I went for the Holy Cannoli cruffin and it immediately became my go-to flavor. Pro tip: Enjoy yours by Lake Morton like I did for a peak Lakeland experience.
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