The pelicans give Lake Morton’s swans a run for their money each winter. | Photo via @silly_runner_girl
Lakelanders have two birds in their hearts: the swan and the snowbird.But what about the other flocks that inhabit local lakes and spots around town, like the white pelican?
Reader Tracy N. once asked us where the white pelicans come from each winter. While the royal avians made their way here via the Queen, the pelicans have their own story.
Weighing in as one of the biggest birds in North America, these migratory creatures boast a 9-ft wingspan and flock to Polk County every winter. Unlike their brown pelican relatives, which inhabit the Sunshine State’s coast year-round, the white birds are typically found along the coast or inland along lakes + rivers solely in the winter months. No wonder they make Lakeland home.
While in Florida, the birds don’t nest or breed — that’s reserved for their home in Canada. Instead of dinners at Nineteen61, these part-time Lakelanders live off of minnows, bottom feeders, salamanders, tadpoles, and crawfish.
Dungeons & Dragons | 4-6 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Sign up to learn to play this classic tabletop role-playing game — you might even get to see some real dragons (or just kitties).
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.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Senior Social | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Foundation | Free | LGBTQ+ older adults can connect at this monthly social over coffee and snacks.
Love on the Dance Floor | 7-8 p.m. | The Stage Room | $5+ | Don your best Valentine’s-inspired outfit for this themed workout class, then stay after for post-class treats + giveaways.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Taste of Winter Haven | 6-9 p.m. | Venue 650, Winter Haven | $55 | Sweet or savory, baked or brewed — try it all with tastes from Winter Haven’s top culinary creators.
Galentine’s Build a Bouquet Workshop | 7 p.m. | Amelia Paige Boutique Lakeside Village | $70 | Taylormade Floral Design will teach you how to craft your own floral arrangement while you indulge in wine and chocolates.
Friday, Feb. 14
Kids Night Out | 5:30-10 p.m. | Little Lake Play | $45 | Children can spend the evening playing + crafting together while the grown-ups enjoy a night out.
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.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Black History Festival | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jackson Park | Free+ | Entertainers, vendors, and activities await at this family-friendly festival — don’t miss educational exhibits inside the Coleman-Bush Building.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Start your week off on the right foot by shopping from local makers + bakers before heading inside for a themed brunch and entertainment.
Stay ahead of your health: The importance of a PCP
Presented by Lakeland Regional Health
Dr. Patel, along with all primary care providers at Lakeland Regional Health, is committed to providing expert care. | Photo provided by Lakeland Regional Health
It’s easy to put off seeing a doctor when you’re feeling healthy, but getting established with a primary care physician (PCP) while you’re feeling good can make all the difference down the road.
81.8%. That’s the percentage of on-time flights Avelo achieved in 2024 according to Anuvu. The rate marks the airline as the most punctual in the Central Florida region, surpassing other major airlines like United, Delta, Sun Country, and Spirit. Save our guide to traveling on Avelo out of LAL.
Biz
Private investors have purchased Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, from Aldi after less than one year of ownership. The ~220 markets already set to be converted into Aldi stores, including at least one Lakeland Winn-Dixie location, will continue that process through 2027. (Tampa Bay Business Journal + The Ledger)
Sports
Get ready to roar, Tigers fans: pitchers + catchers report for Spring Training tomorrow, Feb. 12. As the MLB team gets ready to celebrate its 90th year of spring training in Lakeland, here’s what you need to know, from new faces on the squad to the schedule of games.
Transit
Speaking of spring training, Citrus Connection will offer complimentary transportation to Detroit Tigers Spring Training home games once again this year. Lakelanders can grab a ride from four locations around town to the Tigertown complex, and, new this year, tourists can catch the service from Lakeside Village hotels.
History
In 1996, Timothy Coon became the first Black judge in Polk County — 134 years after the county’s establishment. Now a retired senior judge who continues to preside over cases on an assignment basis, Coon is reflecting on his career in a Q+A with columnist Thomas Oldt. (The Ledger)
Legacy
Army Air Force Pfc. Robert Colter Jr. died overseas during World War II in 1942, but he will finally be buried back home in Lakeland this week. The public is invited to attend his reinterment on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. (LkldNow)
Edu
Calling all Florida college students — applications are now open for the Florida Supervisors of Elections scholarship. Local college students who are interested can send an email to the Polk Supervisor of Elections to get an application packet before the Friday, March 7 deadline.
Eat
Ribs on the Ridge returns to Lake Eva Park Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15 for the final leg of this year’s Florida Triple Crown of BBQ competition. Look forward to live music, family-friendly activities, and taste the region’s best BBQ.*
Community
Thousands of engaged subscribers are reading this right now — just like you. So why not make it about your business? With our easy-to-use self-service ad portal, promoting your business, event, or brand has never been simpler. Get premium visibility in our trusted local newsletter.
Wellness
Say you can’t sleep? Baby, I know... that’s anxiety. Luckily, Beam Dream’s Brownie Batter hot cocoa improves sleep for 93% of users, helping them fall asleep faster + stay asleep longer. (And it’s only 15 calories; zero added sugar.) Grab yours for up to 40% off before it sells out.*
Category
Travel
Be so for REAL ID
Starting May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID or a valid passport if you want to pass through TSA + fly across the US. | Photo by LALtoday
After years of delayed deadlines, it’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025.
Why do I need one?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, apply for benefits, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.
How can I get one?
If you currently have a Florida driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID by making an appointment at one of Polk’s Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Centers. Pro tip: Make sure it’s at a Dual-Service Center like the Polk County Tax Collector office in Lakeland, as certain centers like the First Lakeland Tag Agency don’t offer driver’s license or ID services.
ICYMI, the Florida State Fair opened last Friday and will run until next Monday, Feb. 17. When it comes to top fair must-dos, ~71% of readers shared that they’re here for the food — and we’re right there with you. Check out a few of the food items we’re most excited to try with our full guide to the fair.
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