Maybe you’ll meet your soul mate on the streets of Swan City. | Photo by @brayleekayphotography
Meeting the one for you can be daunting — good thing we live in the No. 1 best state for singles. We asked our readers where you met your partner or friend, and while the love stories poured in, so did responses from readers like Don J., who said, “I didn’t, I’m still hopelessly single.”
We’ve created the ultimate guide to meeting someone new using real reader stories. Plus, we even gave you opening lines to use. This one’s for you, Don.
Get on the floor — maybe even literally — to dance with friends at LKLD Lindy Hop’s classes + socials.
If you’re more of a dancer, swing by LKLD Lindy Hop, where @khiemosabi said, “Haven’t made a love connection (yet) but definitely have made an amazing group of friends.”
Pickup line: “Looks like we both need a partner. Can I have this dance?”
Valentine’s Day Family Special | 10 a.m.-12 a.m. | Family Fun Center | $29.99 | If gaming is your love language, don’t miss this deal including four attractions, arcade cards, and plenty of candy.
Valentine’s Dinner | 4-10 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | $50+ | Book a table or seats at the bar to enjoy a four-course meal together.
Date Night Challenge: Paint Your Partner | 6-8 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | $50 | It’s the Valentine’s Day edition of this trendy date night — save a spot for two and see who can paint the other the best.
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.
SYFY Bartow | 11 a.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free+ | Downtown will get downright villainous at this event that’s “comic con meets renaissance faire.”
Valentine Night Market | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | “Come and get your love” at this festive market with 150+ food vendors, makers, and more.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Totally 80s Flamingo Bingo | 2-4:30 p.m. | United Women’s Club | $20 | Play bingo in your most bodacious costume to support GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Lakeland.
Spiritus Piano Trio | 4 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | School of Music faculty members Ron and Annabelle Gardiner + Charles Hulin will perform together in the Choral Hall.
Brownie Batter Dream is a first-of-its-kind nighttime blend for better sleep, now available hemp-free. | Photo by Beam Organics
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Luckily Beam Dream’s best-selling Brownie Batter hot cocoa packed with five powerful ingredients for deep rest improves sleep for 93% of users, helping you fall asleep faster + stay asleep longer. (Plus, zero added sugar + only 15 calories.)
Circuit Florida, a private racetrack with on-site condos in Auburndale, is putting the pedal to the metal. Auburndale city commissioners approved zoning changes last week allowing developers to build more than two miles of additional tracks, 75 more garage condos, and off-road experiences. (The Ledger)
Sports
Tigertown has a fresh look. Detroit Tigers pitchers can now practice their curveball indoors or under a new shade structure. The city hopes the $9 million addition will allow the team to play in Lakeland more, even during the off-season. (LkldNow)
Closing
Joann announced plans to close 500 of its stores nationwide soon, including the Lakeland location on US Highway 98 North. If you’re mid-project, you can still visit the Winter Haven location or shop sewing supplies closer to home at Fabric Warehouse. (The Ledger)
Holiday
Forget a Valentine’s Day gift? Black & Brew has your back. Visit any of its cafes today starting at 10:30 a.m. for a free rose, chocolate, and BOGO drink coupon. The cafe said it’s limited to one per person because, “We’re not out here trying to support your game, players.”
History
Celebrate the opening of a new Black History Month exhibit at the Museum of Winter Haven History with a reception tomorrow, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. The museum is free and open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with tours available by appointment. (The Ledger)
Civic
Monday, Feb. 17 is Presidents’ Day, and the Polk County Tax Collector’s service centers + call center will be closed for team training. If you need service, visit a private tag agency or tag renewal kiosk. Pro tip: City of Lakeland and Polk County offices will remain open.
Edu
Florida Poly’s Board of Trustees have given the title of president emeritus to Dr. Randy K. Avent, the university’s first president. Avent led the school for its first 10 years and won a Fulbright Award at the end of his tenure to complete a research program in Spain.
Arts
If you have tickets to the opening of “Tootsie” tonight at Lakeland Community Theatre, don’t miss the Evening by the Lake Auction. Support the theater’s programs by bidding on items like art, tickets, and gifts — bids and donations will be taken in person + online.
Sports
Things are getting rowdy. The Tampa Bay Rowdies pro soccer team from St. Petersburg will play against CF Montréal tomorrow, Feb. 15 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale. This preseason match starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free.
Health
Feel like your vision benefits are leaving you in the dark? Brighten things up with VSP® Individual Vision Plans, starting as low as $13 a month.*
Drink
Drink
☕️ Hit us with your best shot
Lakeland is home to many roasters we think could capture its essence in a cup. | Photo by @honeycombbread
We can’t lie — when Haines City announced its new signature coffee, making it the first municipality in Polk County to have a branded blend, we were a little jealous.
Not to be outdone, our readers became the roasters and created coffee blends inspired by Swan City. Most voted for a perfectly balanced medium roast, and out of 10 choices, the top three notes were sweet, nutty, and chocolatey.
Now comes the fun part: your favorite flavor combos. Reader Jan S. suggested vanilla and coconut, and Naiomi A. would try out lavender with hazelnut. Jean B. brought it back to Lakeland’s citrus growing roots, saying, “An orange essence with rum flavoring to make it go down smoothly.” We’ll take a cup now, please.
If you’re craving a cup of sweet + chocolatey java, pick up one of these blends from local roasters:
It’s Valentine’s Day and Friday… a combo that won’t happen again for another six years. Why not treat yourself for the occasion? We’ve got five picks we think you’ll love.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Lakeland. Finding the words to express your feelings can be hard, so we’ve created virtual valentines you can send to a love interest that are guaranteed to work — if they appreciate bad jokes, that is.
My favorite: Are you a sunset over Lake Mirror? Because you light up my world.
Answered
Answered
Would you use an indoor pickleball club in Lakeland?
Will Lakeland’s new pickleball clubs be your bread and butter? Here’s what you said:
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