Be so for REAL ID | It’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on Wednesday, May 7. Here’s what you need to know about getting one in Lakeland.
Pickleball is kind of a big dill | Lakelanders’ dreams of more dink shots might be coming true with these new indoor pickleball facilities planned for Swan City.
It’s a pelican party | If you’ve ever wondered about these migratory avians lounging around Lakeland’s lakes, we’ve got you covered.
Asked
Asked
How would you rate ChatGPT’s roast of Lakeland?
ICYMI, we gave ChatGPT the opportunity to roast Lakeland. Give the roast a read, then let us know if it was completely spot on or totally off-base.
Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival | Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | International Market World, Auburndale | $4+ | It’s the final weekend for this event featuring crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic displays, and 60+ exhibitors.
PlatformKIDS Art Festival | 1:30-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | $16 | Polk County students will showcase their artwork, from visual media to film, fashion, music, and performance art.
“My Beloved Moxie” | 7-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $20+ | The 18th season of this cabaret and burlesque variety show kicks off with a performance that promises to “tantalize and tease the imagination.”
Sunday, Feb. 16
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.
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition | 1:45-4:15 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Teams of up to four people will work to complete a 500-piece puzzle in 120 minutes — will yours be the winner?
Thursday, Feb. 20
Revitalizing 92 Public Meeting | 6-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Share your feedback on the current state + future of Memorial Boulevard with city planners and project consultants.
Friday, Feb. 21
Bourbon Night | 5:30-8 p.m. | Cob & Pen | $50 | Your ticket includes four bourbon tastings, finger foods, and a donation to Achievement Academy.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Caribbean Carnival! BSP | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Caribbean Carnival BSP returns next weekend with a family-free evening including a Black + Caribbean-owned market, food vendors, and kids’ activities.*
Florida was recently ranked the No. 4 best state for a fresh start by realty group View Homes. The ranking looked at factors like crime rates, quality of life, and social connectivity. If you’re making a fresh start in Swan City, check out our Lakelander 101 guide.
Real Estate
Speaking of fresh starts — would you live in a six-bedroom home located 656 ft underwater? A project called Deep, backed by an anonymous investor, is working to create a permanent “human settlement” under the sea. We’ll just take this coastal Lake Gibson home with a pool for now, thanks. (The Guardian)
Fun Fact
Planning a wedding? You’re in luck — Taco Bell recently launched a $777 Vegas-themed wedding package featuring all the bells and whistles, like an Elvis impersonator and a Taco Bell hot sauce bouquet. For those who don’t see the vision, we’ve got a guide to local venues. (People)
Number
$200+. That’s how much a one-day adult pass to Disneyland costs now. Consider spending that money closer to home with these kid-friendly activities around Lakeland. (The Wall Street Journal)
Tech
A new app called WikiTok allows users to scroll through Wikipedia articles without end. Of course, our Instagram page is basically the local equivalent; just scroll through our Reels to learn new things about Lakeland every day. (Ars Technica)
City Guide
City Guide
🖌️ Brush up on Lakeland’s mural scene
This mural features Gillian Fazio’s signature floral art style. | Photo by Gillian Fazio
We all know that Swan City has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Lakeland itself.
Here’s where to find meaningful murals and street art pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
Let’s Ride, 1058 Florida Ave. S. | By Gillian Fazio
Get ready for a ride on your new bike from Bent’s Schwinn Cycling & Fitness with this art piece found beside the biz.
Mosaic murals, 917 E. Memorial Blvd. | By John Garth
These large-scale mosaics were commissioned by Publix founder George Jenkins for his store in the former Searstown shopping center. After being painted over and covered several years ago, the first mural was restored in early 2023.
Cultivate, 502 E. Main St. | By Maegan Carroll
You can find this mural on the other side of Catapult, out on the patio.
A zero waste lotion bar that’s perfect for on-the-go use. It’s formulated with non-toxic ingredients that soothe dry skin and provide long-lasting hydration.
Baseball is so back. Pitchers + catchers from the Detroit Tigers reported for Spring Training at Tigertown on Wednesday, Feb. 12. This year, the club is celebrating its 90th year of spring training in Lakeland — stay tuned for our guide on everything you need to know about attending a game, coming later this week.
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