Look inside Lakeland’s highest-priced homes | From a west Lakeland retreat to a south Lakeland entertainer’s paradise, take a virtual step inside some of Swan City’s most luxurious listings.
Trumpet trees are blooming again | Learn where these brightly colored trees come from, when they blossom, and how to take care of one in your own backyard — these flowers won’t last long.
Asked
Asked
Which MLB team previously called Lakeland its Spring Training home before the Detroit Tigers?
A. Boston Red Sox B. New York Yankees C. Chicago White Sox D. Cleveland Indians
Strawberry Bash | Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, Feb. 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Farm-fresh berries, cider, and wine await — plus friendly camels you can hitch a ride on.
Saint Sophia Greek Festival 2025 | Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Winter Haven | $2+ | Enjoy Greek cuisine, pastries, dance, and live entertainment — and don’t miss a stop in Yia Yia’s Attic.
Satya Life Yoga Open House | 1-3 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga | Free | Celebrate 21 years of this Lakeland studio with free yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes.
Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies | 1:05 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium | $17+ | The Tigers return to Lakeland — don’t miss the first game of the Spring Training season.
A Tribute To Nirvana | 6 p.m. | Union Hall | $20 | “Come as You Are” to rock out with global touring band Nirvanna + special guests The Linkin Park Tribute.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Family Day | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Uliana Estate | Free+ | Bring the whole fam to enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, and vendors — all proceeds will go toward Achievement Academy.
Lakeside Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Browse 80+ vendor booths to find something unique and locally made — pets are welcome and parking is free.
“A Cracker at the Ritz” | 11:30 a.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | Satirists Compton + Bennett will present their new musical poking fun at all things Florida.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Book Club | 6 p.m. | Pressed Books & Coffee | Free+ | RSVP to join this group discussion of “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson while sipping handcrafted coffee bevs.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Florida Strawberry Festival | Thursday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $4+ | Don’t miss opening day of this annual festival full of food, headliner entertainment, and midway rides.
Spirits sales are down by 1.1% — with one exception. Tequila sales are up by 2.9%. As good an excuse as any for National Margarita Day today (and our favorite happy hour spots).
Eat
Are you heading to Chick-fil-A this weekend? You’re not alone. The restaurant is the top-rated fast food chain in Florida. Just don’t forget to show our local chicken spots some love, too — we recommend LoveBird. (Brilliantmaps.com)
Pets
French Bulldogs are the most popular breed of dog in America, according to Visual Capitalist. Whether you’re a Frenchie fan or a Labrador lover, SPCA Florida has plenty of adoptable pets worth your affection — including Egg McMuffin, a 10-month-old pointer mix with a warm heart.
Number
~$80.2 billion. That was DoorDash’s 2024 gross order value, which reminds us that we didn’t pick up groceries today... time for a local pizza delivery. (Sherwood News)
City Guide
City Guide
Saddle up to Saddle Creek
If you look very closely, you may see the alligator sunning across the creek. | Photo by LALtoday
Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — we’re taking you on a field trip to one of our favorite outdoor hidden gems.
Located in east Lakeland, Saddle Creek Park covers more than four times the size of Bonnet Springs Park, making it one of the largest in Central Florida. There’s something for everyone to do here:
Hike on the Tenoroc Trails or bird watch on the Great Florida Birding Trail
Go fishing for bass + catfish in lakes that were once phosphate mine pits
Try your hand at the gun range
Pitch a tent or park an RV at the campground
Bring a picnic lunch and hang out at the playground
It’s free to enter the park, and camping starts at $10 per day. Spring break, anyone?
The lipstick that’s more like a phenomenon: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. The sheer, glossy lipstick is designed to flatter everyone (and it’s only Clinique’s best-selling lipstick shade of all time).
If you need me tomorrow, I’ll be at Jesse Carl Vinyl’s fifth Lakeland Record Fair, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year, I snagged records by Taylor Swift + Hozier — this time, I’m on the hunt for some Stevie Wonder. Pro tip: Don’t forget the location has changed to the Magnolia Building, and there’s now a $5 admission fee.
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