This historic house was home to former Lakeland mayor Edward L. Mack. | Photo via Florida Memory
If the words balustrade, modillion, or porte-cochere mean anything to you, you may be part of the ~6% of Lakelanders who live in historic homes. These houses hold a key to our city’s past through architecture + character — and yours could be the next one designated historic.
Homes in one of Lakeland’s seven historic districts can be considered “contributing structures” if they are at least 50 years old and have a distinct and authentic architectural style based on the time of construction.
Dixieland’s historic district is known for its bungalow-style architecture.
Photo via VRBO
The City of Lakeland resurveyed the South and East Lake Morton historic districts in 2023. Through these surveys, structures built in 1975 or earlier can now be registered as historic properties, whereas only homes built before 1940 and 1942 were eligible in two previous surveys.
Dixieland and Munn Park are up next, with five-month resurveys beginning today. Keep an eye out for a small crew in these areas through Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Valentine’s Day Family Special | Monday, Feb. 10-Friday, Feb. 14 | Times vary | Family Fun Center | $29.99 | If gaming is your love language, head here this week for a special including four attractions, arcade cards, and plenty of candy.
Jukebox Bingo | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Gather your crew and listen out for the songs on your bingo card — prizes are on the line.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Tribute to Carole King | Times vary | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | This Tribute Tuesday is all about the music of Carole King — can you feel the earth move under your feet?
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Swan City Roller Derby Info Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Learn what it takes to join this team of roller derby skaters — there’s no experience required.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Gallery Concert Series | 6-8 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $49 | Music + visual art combine at the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s performance in the “Dutch Impressionism” exhibition.
Friday, Feb. 14
Cupid’s Night Out | 5-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Love songs will play as you shop a Valentine’s-themed vendor market and create a flower bouquet with your sweetheart.
Alzaytoon is now open downtown on North Tennessee Avenue, offering single-origin olive oils from Tunisia + flavored balsamic vinegars. It’s father-son duo Feres and Khalil Mezni’s first physical location, but you may recognize them from the farmers market. Stop in daily to stock up. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
That’s not the only new addition downtown. Local restaurateur Ryan Neal and business partner Christopher Cleghorn will soon open Hakucho on Main Street. They’re eyeing a spring opening for this upscale restaurant with Japanese small plates + cocktails. Keep an eye out for sneak peeks on Instagram. (The Ledger)
Ranked
If you’re looking for more academic bang for your buck, Florida Polytechnic University is the place to find it. The school ranked as the state’s No. 1 best value college on Research.com’s list of the Best Colleges in America, with annual tuition and fees of $4,940.
Wellness
Bird flu is on the rise, and although no cases have been reported in Polk County, locals can do their part to protect Lakeland’s flocks — especially its royal swans. My Pet’s Animal Hospital vet Price Dickson says to wash your hands before + after Lake Morton visits. (LkldNow)
Mansion Monday
If you love indoor/outdoor living, this newly listed home checks all the boxes. Laze away by the screened-in pool, relax in one of six luxurious bedrooms, or take a walk around Lake Hollingsworth, which is just steps away. See inside — and outside.
State
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is introducing Elevate Florida, a residential mitigation program to reduce damage from natural disasters. Property owners can now apply for projects like structure elevation + wind mitigation. Pro tip: Use Lakeland’s new Flood Risk Portal to check your home’s stats.
Health
The Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center has received accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology. The rigorous accreditation process recognizes LRH’s radiation oncology care through safety, communication, and patient engagement. (Central Florida Health News)
Watch
The Lakeland Police Department will host regional Police K-9 Field Trials this week. Some events are open for public viewing, including today’s obedience competition at John McGee Park at 9 a.m. and the Public Demo at Kathleen High School on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
Outdoors
How does your garden grow? With help from the Lakeland Public Library’s new Seed Library. Visit the main branch’s service desk to get up to three packets of vegetable or flower seeds — brush up on what’s in season.
Eat
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida troops are now opening their booths for the season. Don’t let your shopping plans get Tre-foiled — Do-si-do to the booth locator to Tagalong to a sale near you and stock up on S’more cookies. Okay, we’re done.
Heads up, college hopefuls: There’s an SEU Preview on Friday, Feb. 21. It’s one of the best ways for students (and their families) to experience a slice of campus life firsthand. Here’s what that includes.*
Murals like these bring Lakeland to life. | Photo by @lakelandced
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 pieces that really paint a picture of our city. Pro tip: Save our mural map and make a day of finding them all.
Midtown Mini Murals, 114 E. Parker St. | By various artists
The City of Lakeland Community and Economic Development Department called on many artists to add their own flair to the wall outside Talbot House Ministries. While each mini mural is different in subject and style, each one is inspired by diversity + inclusion.
Summit, 117 N. Massachusetts Ave. | By Bump Galletta
Using just pens and markers, Galletta has brought Lakeland icons like the Southgate sign inside the lobby of this company. And if that wasn’t enough, he also freehanded a 51-ft mural, one of his largest ever, on the fifth floor.
High-quality jewelry from Mejuri. Whether you prefer the elegance of pearls, the classic beauty of gold, or the brilliance of diamonds — all of Mejuri’s collections are crafted with responsibly sourced materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Psst — they’re the perfect self-gift for Valentine’s Day. Shop now.
Last week, we asked readers to share how they met their significant others + friends, and I’m loving this one from reader Reid R.:
“I met my wife when we were in our parents bellies still. Our parents were friends and we have known each other our entire lives! We’re both Lakeland natives!”
It might be too late to recreate Reid’s meetcute, but keep an eye out for our upcoming guide to meeting someone new — it’s not too late to add your story.
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