The parking lot is still just steps away from where you’ll board your Avelo flight. | Photo by LALtoday
In yesterday’s meeting, the Lakeland City Commission approved $1.15 million in parking improvements for Lakeland International Airport. Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible on these new additions:
Covered entry + exit kiosks at the current paved parking lot
A connector from the paved lot to the grass overflow lot
Other improvements, including lighting, paved handicap parking, and additional sidewalks + crossing signs
Why the upgrades? The airport welcomed Avelo Airlines to restart passenger travel service less than a year ago. Since then, LAL has become a base for the airline and flew 46,000+ passengers in 2024. Avelo currently offers six routes, plus a new Nashville flight beginning this Thursday, March 6 — and CEO Andrew Levy says that number could continue to grow.
Coming soon: paid parking, lot improvements, and a connector from the paved lot to the overflow grass lot at the top of this image.
Screenshot via Google Maps
All good things must come to an end, including LAL’s free parking. Assistant Airport Director Adam Lunn shared that the airport is “going to keep costs extremely low,” and, according to LkldNow, you can expect that cost to be up to $10 per day. Pro tip: If you’re visiting Sora Eatery or staying for less than four hours, parking will remain free.
In the City Commission meeting, Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said they’re expecting to wrap up the project by early summer, just in time for those vacations.
Does paying for parking impact your LAL travel plans?
A. Not at all — I’ll pay for parking. B. A little — I’ll rideshare or get dropped off. C. Somewhat — I may travel less. D. A lot — I won’t fly from LAL.
Swan-tastic Seminar | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Fun + feathers are guaranteed as City staff teach on what it takes to care for Lakeland’s swans.
Study Hall Hours | 2-6 p.m. | Pressed Books & Coffee | Free+ | Students can head to this independent bookstore and coffee shop for $4 beverages with a student ID.
Clay Class: Potted Succulents | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $36 | Learn to create three small succulents from raw clay — no green thumb is required.
Wednesday, March 5
Free Tax Preparation | 12:30-4 p.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center | Free | Make an appointment to meet with an IRS-certified tax prep volunteer — income requirements + more apply.
Knit One, Crochet Too! | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Sit and stitch a while as you socialize with other crocheters over your current projects.
Thursday, March 6
AGB Thursdays | 4-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | The museum is staying open late with extra time to explore, and a director’s tour at 6 p.m.
Friday, March 7
Dance Hall: Pirates & Princess Theme | 8-11:59 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | Free+ | Adults can don their best costumes for a night of dancing, music, and live entertainment.
The Lakeland City Commission unanimously voted to immediately end water fluoridation in yesterday’s meeting. With fluoride pumps turned off, the city currently has three to four months’ worth of unused stock on hand, which it could try to sell or return. (The Ledger)
Community
Put on your thinking cap hardhat. Learn how feedback for Polk County’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan is being used to update local policies in listening sessions coming up in April. Bonus: The Polk Transportation Planning Organization is also seeking input for the next update of its Long Range Transportation Plan.
Number
172,709. That’s how many Florida homes were on the market at the end of January, the highest monthly amount on record according to Redfin. Lakeland was one of eight cities with a record high number of active listings, meaning it’s a buyer’s market. We know right where we’re heading. (WFLA)
Closed
The Polk County History Center in Bartow will close today for ongoing renovations, with plans to reopen on Tuesday, July 15. History Center staff will still be accepting artifact donations + answering questions, and digital collections are available to browse.
Award
A unique home in the Paul A. Diggs neighborhood won the March beautification award from the City of Lakeland. Constructed by Elon Wright, the house features a butterfly roof and design based on one by Frank Lloyd Wright. We toured inside after construction had just begun.
Cause
Tag, you’re it. Specialty license plates created by local fifth graders for the Kids Tag Art fundraising program will go on sale tonight at 5 p.m. Purchase a tag you love made by students at dozens of Polk schools to raise money for art supplies in their classrooms.
Arts
Speaking of local artists, two new murals are going up downtown. Park in the Summit garage to find a new black + white piece by Bump Galletta, and keep an eye on a mural in progress by Samara Ash on the side of the RP Funding Center.
Edu
PCPS honored its Career and Technical Education Students and Teachers of the Year at last week’s Polk County School Board meeting. Student honorees include Makayla Belford, who studies communications + information systems at George Jenkins High, and agriculture student Danielle Tamayo from Southwest Middle.
Lakeland Electric’s new app is your all-in-one resource for hassle-free energy management. Download for free to monitor usage, pay bills, and report outages right from your phone.*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try LALtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Category
Holiday
We have the need… the need for beads
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at First Friday — Harry’s is right along the vendor path, too. | Photo by LALtoday
Today is Mardi Gras — also known as “Fat Tuesday.” Let the good times roll with these events happening around Lakeland.
Fish City Grill
Head to this Lakeside Village restaurant for music, drinks, and “food specials straight from the bayou” on Tuesday, March 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
This downtown eatery is leaning into its Cajun roots. Join the fun on Tuesday, March 4 with an all-day happy hour from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
First Friday
Bring the whole family downtown for Mardi Gras fun on Friday, March 7, 6-9 p.m. Shops and restaurants will stay open late, and local vendors will set up shop on Kentucky Avenue.
La Gran Muralla
Disguises are encouraged at this speakeasy’s masquerade on Friday, March 7. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., party with a live DJ, drink specials, and beads galore.
The Buy
The Buy
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Thanks again to all of our readers who donated to LALtoday during our fundraising campaign. Whether you gave $500 or $5, know that Amelia and I could not do what we do without your daily support. Here’s to many more years of celebrating Lakeland together.
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