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You can buy a lot of chicken with $25,000
Taher not only won a scholarship, but a laptop and one-year mentorship from a Chick-fil-A leader. | Photo by LALtoday
An afternoon orchestra performance didn’t seem out of the ordinary for Southeastern University student Aaron Taher. Yesterday, he joined his classmates in the School of Music building for what he thought was just a small concert for a visiting group of VIPs. Little did he know, in the audience was Chick-fil-A’s CEO, Andrew T. Cathy, and a $25,000 check with Taher’s name on it.
“It’s just a normal Tuesday, I thought,” Taher said. “All of a sudden, I see my Chick-fil-A teammates, and my family comes in.” Cathy pretended to hop in as a guest conductor before stopping the show to award him with the $25,000 Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship.
This year, only 13 team members from across the country will receive an award from the Remarkable Futures program, which has given more than $200 million in scholarships since it began in 1973.
2025 Polk Senior Games | Wednesday, Feb. 26-Saturday, March 8 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary | $12+ | Cheer on adults aged 50+ as they compete in sports and activities across Polk County.
Premium Tasting Experience | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | ABC Fine Wine & Spirits | $15 | Sample wines, spirits, beers, and more until you find one you like — then, take it home with a discount.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox | 1:05 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium | $17+ | Take us out to the ballgame, and don’t forget to arrive early due to construction on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.
Improv Acting for Teens | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | It’s teenagers’ time to take the stage, creating characters and scenes without scripts.
Friday, Feb. 28
Glowing Sunset Palms | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist | $39 | Use a special glow paint on your masterpiece, then watch it light up under blacklights.
Roots and Boots | 3:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City | $45 | The festival stage is set for this country music trio featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye.
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.*
We have another peek at what Hakucho will offer when it opens its doors downtown this spring — maybe even by April. Get ready for shareable small plates like grilled skewers + udon noodles, Japanese soft serve ice cream, and seasonal cocktails. (LkldNow)
Holiday
Laissez les bons temps rouler. Mardi Gras is next Tuesday, March 4, but you can “let the good times roll” at Lake Wales’ party + parade Friday, Feb. 28-Saturday, March 1. Closer to home, celebrate at Lakeland’s themed First Friday on March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Festival
The goal of the Florida Strawberry Festival isn’t just to eat as many shortcakes as possible — it’s also about supporting farmers who care for crops year-round, like Gary Parke of Parkesdale Farms. Support local agriculture by buying a flat of berries at the festival or picking your own. (Spectrum News 13)
Stat
Just 5%. That’s how many of the country’s four-year colleges + universities were named Fulbright Top Producing Institutions — including Lakeland’s own Florida Polytechnic. The US Department of State honored the university’s scholar program as one of 11 “Top Producers.”
Plan Ahead
SUN ‘n FUN has released the airshow schedule for its 51st Aerospace Expo. Visit April 1-6 to see big names in aviation take to the sky, including the US Navy Blue Angels + Red Bull Air Force. Pro tip: Catch night shows on Wednesday, April 2 and Saturday, April 5.
Legacy
Award-winning basketball coach Hal Wissel died earlier this month at the age of 86. Wissel became Florida Southern College’s men’s coach in 1977, leading the team to a national championship, plus four state titles. He was inducted into the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame in 1997. (The Ledger)
Network
Break out your business cards. The Lakeland Downtown Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet up tonight at Smith’s American Tavern from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It’s free to join and connect with other professionals — RSVP online.
Seasonal
Get glowing before spring starts with Liv Tan’s free tanning day this Sunday, March 2. Stop by the salon off of East County Road 540A from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for spray tans, time in the infrared sauna, and more, free of charge.
Drink
Starbucks will cut 13 drinks from its offerings next week, with plans to shrink its menu by 30% by September. If you were faithful to the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino (say that five times fast), find your fix at a local coffee shop instead. (Business Insider)
Mood’s Rapid Onset THC Gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Category
Outdoors
🛶 Shake, paddle, and roll
Canoe believe it? There are plenty of places to paddle near Lakeland. | Photo via @lakelandparkrec
When reader Gene D. reached out saying, “We are new to the area and we are having a heck of a time trying to find canals and rivers to kayak,” we called on you — and as usual, you delivered. Row on over to these spots recommended by readers.
Tenoroc Public Use Area, Lakeland
Explore this outdoor haven via two paddling trails, each about three miles in length. It’s $3 per person to enter, but reader Nancy N. shared that it’s free for paddlers 65+.
King’s Landing, Apopka
Not too far from the state park, you’ll find this “nature theme park” recommended by Bill M., complete with guided + solo tours, an 8.5-mile shuttle run, and river camping. Pro tip: Bring your own gear and self-launch to save money.
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
The views here are worth the drive. Rent a watercraft and ride through crystal-clear water under cypress trees for a taste of “real Florida.”
A Diamond Dazzle Stick — aka, a travel-sized diamond cleaner pen that keeps jewelry sparkling on the go. Keep it in your purse for quick touch-ups so your rings will gleam. Bonus: It’s got 30,000+ five-star reviews.
In our search for Swansation statues, we stumbled upon a smaller, but no less creative, member of the flock. Reader Beatty R. sent in these photos of her own concrete swan, saying, “My husband bought one of the few small ones and my sister-in-law painted our house and the lake.” Plus, it even gets seasonal hats. We’re waiting for photos of that one, Beatty.
Answered
Answered
Which strawberry treat would you try first?
We asked which item is calling your name at the Florida Strawberry Festival, and we have to hand it to a classic — strawberry shortcake garnered 81% of the votes. Now, let us know which booths you won’t be missing.
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