Consider this your private tour of some of Lakeland’s hottest homes, without having to leave your couch. | Photo courtesy of Curtis Yopp, Harper Realty
City Editor Amelia here, and I’ll admit: I’m a bit of a real estate nerd. When I’m not out and about in Lakeland, you can probably find me curled up perusing homes on Zillow — don’t judge me, you know you’ve done it at least once.
Today, I’m sharing a bit of my scroll history featuring some of the highest-priced Lakeland listings I’ve come across.
South Lakeland waterfront estate
Just imagine the get-togethers you could host in this outdoor space.
Photo courtesy of Curtis Yopp, Harper Realty
Entertainers have met their match with this home. As soon as I saw the spacious living + dining areas, I immediately pictured them filled with people à la “The Great Gatsby.” From the full tennis + basketball court to the pool, private dock on Scott Lake, and home theater, getting bored here is simply not an option.
Adventure Days | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Kids ages 8 and older can spend the day off outdoors with lessons in archery, fishing net casting, knot-tying + lawn games.
President’s Day Special | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Family Fun Center | $24.99 | Make it a family outing with this special offer that includes two attractions and 80 arcade credits.
Auditions: “Something Rotten!” | Monday, Feb. 17-Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | Free | Tap your way into the spotlight by auditioning for this comedic tale of two brothers who want to put on the world’s first musical.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Papaya Pilates x Lakeland Girls Who Walk | 6 p.m. | Union Hall | $20 | Bring your own mat + get your sweat on with Lakeland Girls Who Walk at this pop-up pilates class that’s perfect for all levels.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Felines & Freeform Art | 6:30-8 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $40 | Professional artist Tricia Kallmeyer will teach the basics of neurographic art while you sip + snack on bevs and bites.
Thursday, Feb. 20
2025 Tiger BBQ | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $45 | Celebrate the Tigers’ return to Lakeland with a community barbecue featuring pork, ribs, chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, drinks, and more.
Friday, Feb. 21
Friday Night Live | 6 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Bring your lawn chairs + blankets to take in live music in the park while enjoying dinner and drinks to-go from downtown businesses.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Caribbean Carnival! BSP | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Caribbean Carnival BSP returns with a family-free evening including a Black + Caribbean-owned market, food vendors, and kids’ activities.*
Tuesday, March 4
Lakeland City Commission SUN ‘n FUN Breakfast | 7:30-9 a.m. | Skylight Hangar at SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $30 | Celebrate + learn more about the upcoming SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, with breakfast provided by Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, door prizes, and guest speakers.*
Y’all know how much we love a local cause. | Photos provided by CPS Investment Advisors
Cheers to 50 years, CPS Investment Advisors.
The Lakeland-based biz has been supporting the local community for a half-century now — not just as financial experts (though they’re pretty good at that, too) — but also as stewards of positive change.
Through their nonprofit, CPS Cares, and other avenues, their team has spent decades supporting Lakeland nonprofits, helping champion education, healthcare, and youth initiatives.
Investment Advisory services offered through CPS Investment Advisors. CPS Investment Advisors is a division of Chas P. Smith & Associates, PA, CPA’s, a registered investment advisor.
News Notes
News Notes
Development
Plans for a solar-powered subdivision in northwest Lakeland have been canceled after solar equipment supplier BlockEnergy notified the city that it would be winding down its solar operations. The city will be refunded the $1.27 million it contributed toward the project. (LkldNow)
Opening
Are you ready to soar? Sora Eatery, the new food hall-style dining concept coming to Lakeland International Airport, could begin full operations as soon as April 1 upon approval by city commissioners. Whet your appetite for the opening by refreshing your mind (and palette) on what the eatery could include. (Tampa Bay Business & Wealth)
Sports
The City of Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board will consider a zoning change during tomorrow’s meeting that could convert a warehouse owned by The Ruthvens into an indoor pickleball facility. While the company behind the facility remained unnamed in the request, we’ve got some dill-tails on who it might be. (LkldNow)
Arts
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art is going even more local. From Saturday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, March 23, the museum will continue its annual tradition of featuring pieces from Harrison School for the Arts’ graduating visual arts students. Find them in the George W. Jenkins Student Gallery.
Number
4,000+. That’s how many Valentine’s Day cards the Polk County community made for VISTE and Senior Helpers to deliver to older adults, exceeding the campaign’s goals by more than 1,000. What can we say — we’re all about spreading the love. (Fox News 13)
Feel Good
If you’re not attending weddings on your lunch break, what are you even doing? On Friday, Feb. 14, 20 couples tied the knot at the Polk County Clerk’s 12th Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding — and we were lucky enough to be in attendance. Cheers to the newlyweds.
Eat
Celebrate the start of Spring Training with the Detroit Tigers at the 78th Annual Tiger BBQ, the beloved Lakeland tradition featuring a classic southern barbecue buffet.*
Home
Want to easily monitor your energy usage, pay bills, and report outages from your smartphone? There’s an app for that.Download Lakeland Electric’s app and take control of your energy needs.*
Number
$0. That’s how much it costs to post your first job listing on our community job board. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain — you’ll discover talented local candidates. Try it now.
Category
Seasonal
🍪 Calling all cookie monsters
No matter if you’re feeling minty or nutty, we’ve got the scoop on where you can find your favorite seasonal cookies. | Photo by LALtoday
Girl Scout cookie season is upon us, LAL, and you’ve still got time to get yours.
Whether you’re looking to snag a box (or 12) of a classic favorite or try something new, you have until Sunday, March 9 to meet the flavors and run to these Lakeland locations. Bonus: You’ll support the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
Publix, 3636 Harden Blvd. | Monday, Feb. 17-Friday, March 7
Sam’s Club, 4600 US Hwy. 98 N. | Monday, Feb. 17-Sunday, March 9
Harvest Meat Market, 6143 US Hwy. 98 S. | Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, March 1
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi, 114 N. Tennessee Ave. | Friday, Feb. 21-Saturday, March 8
Pro tip: Check the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder and search by zip code to find more dates, locations, and specific times. BRBwhile we go support these young entrepreneurs now.
Asked
Asked
If Lakeland were a Girl Scout cookie, which one would we be?
A. Thin Mints — classy and timeless B. Tagalongs — nutty and satisfying C. Samoas — sweet and salty D. Something else
On Friday, I got the chance to attend a mixology class at Lugo’s Distillery where we learned to make three Valentine’s-themed cocktails. My personal favorite was the strawberry daiquiri, pictured above, which featured Lugo’s original pitorro rum, lime juice, and strawberry + demerara syrups. Keep an eye on our Instagram today to get a sneak peek of what else we learned.
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