The ball’s almost in our court. | Photo provided by Dill Dinkers
Pickleball is a big dill in the sports world, quickly becoming the country’s top growing sport. Lakelanders have hoped to see more courts around town, even in places like the former Sears building, and those dreams of dink shots could be coming true soon.
In January, the Dill Dinkers franchise announced plans to open 20 locations in the Lakeland + Tampa areas. These clubs offer indoor courts that are open to both visitors and members. The biz told us it hasn’t signed any leases yet, so opening dates are still TBA.
Meanwhile, an unnamed company is seeking a zoning change from the Planning and Zoning Board to allow for “indoor racquet sports” in an industrial space on Gateway Boulevard in southwest Lakeland. Could it be TBPB Pickleball Academy, a Tampa-based club that lists a “Lakeland Gateway” location as coming soon on its website?
We’re still waiting for more dill-tails from TBPB + will share an update when they get a break between matches.
Galentine’s Day Party | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 8.28 Boutique | Price of purchase | Enjoy sweet treats while you shop discounted clothing, including kids’ digs from The Smocked Swan.
Mulberry Teen Center Groundbreaking Ceremony | 12 p.m. | 301 NE Fifth St., Mulberry | Free | Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County invites the community to celebrate this milestone for its next facility.
Soap & Scrub Workshop | 6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $50 | Suds up with AR Workshop as they walk you through creating your own bath essentials.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser | 4-6:30 p.m. | Heritage Park | $7+ | Support the Kathleen Area Historical Society by ordering a pasta dinner and reminiscing with other Lakelanders.
Favorite Things Party | 6-7:30 p.m. | Sabrina’s Delicacies | $40 | Bring two of your favorite items to trade with others in the Lakeland Girls Who Walk group over sweets by Sabrina’s.
Gallery Concert Series | 7 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $38+ | Music + visual art combine at the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s performance within the “Dutch Impressionism” exhibition.
Friday, Feb. 14
Valentine Tussie Mussie Workshop | 2-3:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Spend Valentine’s Day learning the art of creating Victorian-era flower bouquets.
Relaxing Partner Yoga with Frankie | 6-7:15 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga | $50 | Bring a partner for a relaxing yoga flow + meditation followed by chocolates and bubbly.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
And so it begins. Two eastbound I-4 lanes will now be closed nightly as crews work to add new lanes + improve ramps. There’s no estimated end date yet, but expect slowdowns between US 27 and Disney Springs from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Tampa Bay Times)
Ranked
Publix ranked No. 1 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s study of the most popular supermarkets in the US — tying only with Trader Joe’s. The Lakeland-based company earned 84 out of 100 points for its friendly staff and product quality. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Sola Salons will open its first Lakeland location soon at Lakeside Village. The biz will offer rentable salon suites for hair stylists, barbers, makeup artists, and more. An opening date is TBA, but we’re keeping a perfectly made up eye out for it.
Stat
115%. That’s how much enrollment increased at Southeastern University from 2014 to 2024, the highest percentage growth across Tampa Bay-area colleges. Get schooled on what makes Lakeland such a hub for higher education. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Edu
Now that you have education on the brain, attend today’s inauguration of Florida Southern College’s 18th president Jeremy P. Martin. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. in FSC’s Branscomb Auditorium and is open to the public. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
Pace Center for Girls Polk will hold its next Ten Story Challenge on Friday, Oct. 3. To join, raise funds to help provide educational and mental health services for 190+ local girls, then face your fears by rappelling down the Lakeland Electric building.
Learn
Some people just want to watch the wood turn. If that’s you, visit the RP Funding Center for the 22nd annual Florida Woodturning Symposium happening Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 16. This year’s event will also welcome field trips where local students can learn about the woodturning craft.
Eat
Give your Valentine a pizza your heart with a heart-shaped pie from J. Burns’. These personal-sized pizzas will only be available on Friday, Feb. 14 from its Lakeland + Winter Haven locations.
Festival
Professional + amateur chefs from across our region are about to descend upon Lake Eva Park this weekend, Feb. 14-15 to compete in Ribs on the Ridge, the finale of Florida’s Triple Crown of BBQ. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and all the brisket you can handle at this free event.*
Finance
Out for 2025: High-interest debt. In for 2025: This balance transfer card, featuring cash back on purchases, zero annual fee, and 0% intro APR into 2026.*
Trending
Shop the No. 1 new face powder release: Laneige’s Neo Blurring Powder. It absorbs excess oil, leaving you with a more natural, softer complexion.*
Forrest Gump told us life was like a box of chocolates, but you never know what you’re gonna get from the Lakeland dessert scene either. Check out this list of local treats to give your sweetheart — or yourself — this week.
Milk and Honey Macarons
Visit this booth at the farmers market to find Valentine-themed French macaron cookies with flavors like banana split + lavender.
Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
You can trust that all the sweets here are made with vegan ingredients. Order a mini heart cake by tonight for pickup Thursday-Sunday.
Rogue Coffee
Skip the chocolate box and get the trending Dubai chocolate here. Plus, don’t miss this week’s specials: heart-shaped brownies that pair perfectly with the red velvet latte, topped with cream cheese cold foam.
A really good pet insurance plan. Let’s face it — vet bills aren’t getting any cheaper, and your fur baby’s health shouldn’t be a financial stressor. Money has ranked top pet insurance picks, with plans starting at just $10 a month.*
Where should Lakeland’s next mural be? Several readers say to skip the public art and paint it right at their house. Now I’m wondering if artists like Gillian Fazio + Bump Galletta do house calls...
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