LALtoday staff here. We receive hundreds of thank you emails every week, and often you ask how you can support us. That’s why we’ve created this campaign with a goal to raise $5,000 by the end of the week. If you’ve gotten something out of being subscribed to LALtoday, like finding that life-changing concert in our Events section or using our City Guides to plan the perfect way to spend the day with family, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life — and we’re calling on you now to help support our mission.
🍓 Don’t get caught in a jam
The festival has been ranked one of the top 40 fairs in the US — and we can see why. | Photo by LALtoday
The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival is coming up this Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 9 in Plant City. Here’s what to know to have the berry best experience.
Tickets
General admission tickets are $15 per adult + can be purchased at the Main Gate, located at the north end of the festival. Pro tip: Tickets are cheaperonline or at participating Publix stores.
Parking Parking at lots on festival grounds costs $5 per car, pickup truck, or van. Bring cash to park in private lots near the festival — when those fill up, find a private driveway offering parking nearby.
We dream of Peachey’s doughnuts all year long.
Photo by LALtoday
Strawberries
If there’s one thing you try at this festival, it has to be strawberries, right? There will be dozens of sweet + savory options, like strawberry pizza, brisket tacos, kettle corn, and — of course — strawberry shortcake. This delicacy is such an integral part of this event that booths selling it are marked on the festival map.
Coffee Crawl Week | Monday, Feb. 24-Saturday, March 1 | Times vary | Locations vary, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Celebrate Winter Haven’s local coffee scene by asking for the “Coffee Crawl Special” at a participating shop.
Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Class | 6:30-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $5 | Get off the wall and on the dance floor at this weekly movement class.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Art with Character | 6-7:30 p.m. | Enchanted Fairytale Hollow | $50 | Young artists can sing, dance, and create with characters at “Whimsical Winter Painting with the Frozen Sisters.”
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Rom-Com Trivia with Gin Khao | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | You’ll never forget when trivia met locally brewed beers + food truck bites.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Board Game Night | 5:30-9 p.m. | HP Guild Games | Free | Borrow from the game library to play with others, or BYOB — bring your own board (game).
Friday, Feb. 28
“Curtains” | Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 2 | Times vary | Harrison School for the Arts | $16+ | Prepare for a night of laughter as these talented high schoolers perform this comedic “whodunit” musical.
Saturday, March 1
Cat-titude and Cardio | 10-11 a.m. | Purrology Cat Cafe | $20 | Work up a sweat in a beginner-level dance fitness class, then enjoy 30 minutes cooling down in the cat room.
Spoiler alert: Students learn to fly actual airplanes out of the Lakeland airport while earning the degrees and certifications they need to soar into successful careers.
What we tried
Accompanied by instructor Dr. Kenneth Stevens and a pair of future pilots, we headed to Lakeland Linder International Airport and hopped in the cockpit for some hands-on learning.
Both options put you on a runway to employment post-graduation, with opportunities to build flight hours and gain work experience while still in school.
Along the way, students will also earn their FAA Commercial Pilot Certification with Instrument Rating (Single and Multi-Engine Land) and become Certified Flight Instructors.
$683 million. That’s how much Spring Training generates for the local economy each year, thanks in large part to out-of-town visitors. More than 50% of fans travel from outside of Florida to see the Detroit Tigers play — but even locals should know these new tips. (WFTS)
Asked
Which dining options are missing from Lakeside Village? The shopping center put out a call on Facebook asking Lakelanders what kind of eateries they’d like to see added, and answers range from restaurants like Cheesecake Factory to drive-thru drink spots like Swig. Add your ideas.
Mansion Monday
This spacious six-bedroom home sits on two acres of tranquil land off of Kathleen Road, but it’s the custom conveniences that make it a dream home. Think: dual walk-in closets, a laundry chute from the second floor, and electronic blinds that make easy living a breeze. Peek inside.
Biz
Support local strawberry farms by purchasing a Strawberry Passport. Each one includes eight stops from Lakeland to Plant City where passport holders will get a free gift (plus, there’s a special gift for the first person to visit all eight). Buy yours at Keel Farms or Parkesdale Market.
Cause
Registration for the Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run is full, but Lakeland Regional Health is still seeking volunteers to help out this Saturday, March 1 at 8:35 a.m. Send an email to see how you can get involved. Pro tip: Service hours are available for students.
Community
Want to learn more about how the Lakeland Police Department operates? Apply for the Citizens Police Academy to get an inside look through a 13-week class running from Aug. 7 to Oct. 30. The application deadline is Friday, July 18.
Award
Nominations for the Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award are open through Tuesday, April 15. This award from the United Way of Central Florida honors an individual dedicated to the well-being of children in Polk, Highlands, or Hardee Counties.
Biz
Connect with our 43,300+ Instagram followers by partnering with LALtoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.
Category
History
Got memorabilia?
Big names + locals alike have brought their shows to the RP Funding Center. | Photo by @lakelandgov
Lakeland Center, Lakeland Civic Center, RP Funding Center — our city’s largest event venue has gone by many names since opening in November of 1974. Now, it’s looking for memorabilia to celebrate its 50 years in the entertainment biz.
Do you still have tickets from one of Elvis Presley’s shows in the 1970s? How about a program from the 2001 debut of Disney on Ice’s “Toy Story 2" show? No matter what memorabilia you’ve held onto, the RP Funding Center wants it all.
Items can be submitted via email by Friday, March 14 at 5 p.m. to be cataloged + displayed at upcoming anniversary events — which basically means you’ll be featured in the same place Prince + Elton John were, right?
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
If you were hoping to see Reba this Friday at the Florida Strawberry Festival, we hope you already got tickets — her show was the first to sell out. No worries if you didn’t snag yours in time. There are still plenty of big names performing, like Nelly, Lauren Daigle, and Boyz II Men.
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