South Florida Avenue road project gets funding | Here’s what the City of Lakeland will be responsible for and when Lakelanders can expect the next steps in the Dixieland-area reconstruction process.
Own a piece of Lakeland history | This home in the Beacon Hill Historic District has a story that spans over a century — in fact, it’s almost as old as the City of Lakeland itself.
Top Valentine’s + Galentine’s events | Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these events around Swan City.
Asked
Asked
Where did you meet your partner or friend in Lakeland?
Share your love story with us — romantic or platonic — and we may share it in our guide to meeting someone new.
EmpowerHer Heart: A Women’s Wellness Affair | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Get free screenings + join a line dancing class at this event all about women’s heart health.
L.B. Brown Heritage Festival | Saturday, Feb. 8-Sunday, Feb. 9 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | L.B. Brown House Museum, Bartow | Free+ | Celebrate Brown’s legacy with community entertainment at the home he built in 1892.
Anne Jenkins Memorial Symphony Series: Fire and Water | 7 p.m. | Florida Southern College, Branscomb Auditorium | $29+ | The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra will journey through compositions like “Water Concerto” and “The Firebird” suite.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Botany Cats Birthday Scavenger Hunt | 11 a.m. | Locations vary | Free | Keep an eye on this mobile cat lounge’s Instagram for clues to find hidden bracelets around town and win free lounge time.
Lakeside Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | This market is back with a new name, 80+ vendors, and one more day to shop each month.
Super Bowl Watch Party | 6-10 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Price of purchase | Watch the big game on the big screen while munching on all-you-can-eat wings.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Galentine’s Cake Decorating Class | 6 p.m. | Union Hall | $50 | Kakes by Kiersten will bring everything you need to decorate your own heart cake — you just need to bring your creativity + your sweet tooth.
Friday, Feb. 14
Fleetwood Mach Tribute Show | 7:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $25+ | Your “Dreams” will come true as Fleetwood Mac look-alikes play the band’s greatest hits.
Tomorrow is National Pizza Day, Lakeland. We’re celebrating with a big slice of stuffed pizza from Palace downtown, which is double-crusted and served with marinara for dipping. If that’s not your style, our pizza guide is sure to satisfy your appetite.
Watch
“Puppy Bowl XXI” airs before the Super Bowl this Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. on Animal Planet and streaming on Max. Representatives from 40 states will compete for the Lombarky trophy at this grr-diron game, including brothers Jason + Travis from St. Cloud, FL playing for Team Ruff.
Trending
Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” — the third book of the “Empyrean” series — recently became the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. Already torn through it?Find your next read written by an author with ties to Lakeland. (The New York Times)
Eat
The people love a good meal deal — or at the very least, Chili’s “3 for Me” value deal. The chain restaurant saw a 20% increase in traffic last quarter. But you don’t have to go to a chain to get a deal around here; check out some of our favorite local happy hour deals. (Restaurant Dive)
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway at one of these unique spots nearby.
Camp Margaritaville | Auburndale
Book a Cabana Cabin and enjoy amenities like pools, parks, restaurants, and a tiki bar for an upscale trip. RV and motorhome owners can also park here for great views of Lake Myrtle.
Safari Wilderness Ranch | North Lakeland
Take staycationing to a wild new levelat this animal safari ranch. Camp out in furnished tents on wooden decks and enjoy a panoramic view of the animal herds.
Streamsong Resort | Bowling Green
Outdoor adventures meet indoor luxuries at this thoughtfully designed golf resort. And it’s not just for golfers — make reservations at the spa or many restaurants, then head outdoors for archery, bass fishing, and other experiences.
Women’s walking sneakers from NORTIV 8. Designed for daily wear, these sneakers have a non-slip rubber sole, a shock-absorbing midsole, and breathable mesh fabric on top.
If you stop by the Lakeland Public Library this weekend, there’s plenty to explore (aside from Avengers bingo today at 2 p.m.). Check out the displays throughout the main floor featuring local Black history stories — there are some tucked behind the History & Culture Center, too.
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