It’s time to stack those shelves. | Photo by LALtoday
March is National Reading Month, and there’s no better place to be a bookworm than Lakeland. Find a new read with these recs.
Local bookstores
Pair the latest bestseller with a latte, find a pageturner inside a repurposed camper, or comb for beach reads on Key West-themed shelves at one of Lakeland’s locally owned, independent bookstores.
There’s always something happening at these shops. Don’t miss the new menu release at Pressed this Saturday, March 8, and bookmark your calendar for the Lakeland Book Crawl happening April 24-26.
Local libraries
The Lakeland Public Library is your place for rentable reads and free events for the whole family. With three locations around town, you’re sure to find a recent release or classic for you, plus there are book clubs and story times for all ages to join.
The Lakeland Public Library has an entire collection of locally written books.
Photo by LALtoday
Local authors
What’s better than a good book? Maybe a good book written by your neighbor. Here are a few on our reading list:
“Dream Weaver” by Sofia Simpson | Ari is part of a parallel world that teaches humans to dream when romance sparks between her and her best friend.
“Melanin’s Motive” by Abisola Adeyemo | This PCPS alumnus wrote about protagonist Kemi’s life on the fictional African island of Oloro. Reviewers say this book will keep you guessing through the story’s twists + turns.
The Oak Ridge Boys | 3:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City | $40 | Sing along to hits like “Elvira” and “Leaving Louisiana In the Broad Daylight” at this headliner show.
Clay Class: Gnome Trio | 5:30-7 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25 | Grab your gnomies for this hands-on class where you’ll learn to create three figurines out of raw clay.
Friday, March 7
First Friday: Mardi Gras | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Celebrate Fat Tuesday on a Friday with food, drinks, vendors, and more — don’t forget the beads.
Ladies Night Out | 6-8 p.m. | Union Hall | $30 | Keynote speakers, trivia, karaoke, and a silent auction await at this fundraiser for Pace Center for Girls Polk.
Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles | 6:05 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium | $17+ | See if the Tigers can out-bop the Orioles in this rare evening Spring Training game.
Saturday, March 8
Family Engagement Conference | 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kathleen High School | Free | Get schooled on Polk County Public Schools in workshops on district offerings, plus door prizes, childcare, and lunch.
The Art of Tablescaping: A Discussion with Lydia Menzies | 9-11:30 a.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $150 | Dig deep into the art of entertaining with an acclaimed designer, followed by a reception and tablescape viewing at the Junior League Building.
Doll and Bear Show and Sale | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lake Mirror Center | $5 | Find all things dolls, from antiques to accessories, plus get your collection appraised or repaired.
Crave Cookies is coming to Oakbridge Centre. An opening date is unknown, but we spotted new signage in the plaza at the end nearest to Target. The chain is known for its weekly cookie menu drops and dirty sodas loaded with cream + flavors.
Open
Come on in, the water’s fine. Gandy Pool has been resurfaced + reopened on Monday at Kelly Recreation Complex. The pool is now available Monday-Saturday for lap and open swim — plus, it’s heated for chilly days like today. (LkldNow)
Concert
Two Concerts Under the Stars will take place this month at Bok Tower Gardens: Chris Jones & the Night Drivers this Friday, March 7 and Sister Sadie on Friday, March 28. Tickets include garden admission, so you can stroll the grounds before the shows begin at 7 p.m. (ClickOrlando)
Community
Shawn Smith was appointed Polk County Fire Rescue Chief by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday. Smith first joined the Polk County Fire Rescue team as a firefighter in 2003, and has served as interim chief since September.
Cause
Make a difference for families at Peace River Center Victim Services by donating items to Two Men and a Truck’s Movers for Moms initiative. The moving company will collect donations of hygiene products, clothing, household supplies, and more at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce through Friday, May 9.
Job
Lakeland Regional Health is seeking new nurses to apply for its one-year Nurse Residency Program. Apply online and join an in-person hiring event this Saturday, March 8, from 7 to 11:30 a.m. in Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center’s Mulaney Auditorium.
Eat
Brunch now lasts even longer at the Terrace Grille, with newly extended times from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by on Saturday + Sunday to try locally inspired dishes like the Terrace Omelet, Lake Mirror Benny, or Hollingsworth Salad. Craving more? Lakeland’s brunch options are bottomless.
Biz
The Juice Box Cafe is hosting a market soon, and it’s looking for your favorite local businesses to be part of it. Do you have a go-to food truck, vendor, or maker who specializes in vegan and organic products? Tag it to possibly see them featured at the market.
Holiday
Finding deals on Pi Day (Friday, March 14) is easy as, well, pie. Here’s one: Jet’s Pizza will celebrate the day with a $3.14 lunch deal featuring two slices of Detroit-style pizza and a drink. Use code JETS314 to order online and pick up at either Lakeland location.
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Finance
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Pets
Veterinary clinics are being pushed to focus on profit, resulting in higher bills. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs — with up to 90% reimbursement. Find plans starting at only $10/month.*
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Category
Watch
🎥 Swan City’s silver screen moment
Avians, architecture, aviation — this series has it all. | Photos by LALtoday and Triforce Pictures
Local stories in WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series will get the star treatment with a screening at the Silver Moon Drive-In on Saturday, March 8. Starting at 7 p.m., watch these episodes back to back:
“Frank Lloyd Wright: Child of the Sun”
Shed some light on Wright’s iconic architecture at Florida Southern College.
“The Swans of Lakeland” Swan dive into the royal beginnings of our city’s beloved birds.
“Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre”
Learn the decades of history behind the screening’s venue, the last of its kind in Polk County.
“Women in Aviation”
Fly through Lakeland’s aviation history and the role women play in it.
“Bonnet Springs Park”
Find out how a former rail yard was restored into a world-class park.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for kids, and include admission to Saturday’s other movies. Pro tip: Don’t miss a chance to chat with filmmakers + interviewees after the showing.
The Buy
The Buy
A pack of seamless underwear. These no-show thongs for women have a 4.4-star rating, are stretchy and comfortable, and won’t show underneath clothes.
When we shared the news of the new J. Crew (sorry, I love a rhyme), recommendations poured in for more retailers Lakelanders want to see in Lakeside Village. A few popular answers included Old Navy, Lululemon, Zara, and Banana Republic — sounds like Swan City has a passion for fashion.
Answered
Answered
Will you attend the Florida Strawberry Festival this year?
Results were split. Around 42% said they planned to visit this season, another 36% said it’s not their thing, and 21% were on the fence. If you haven’t made your way to the festival grounds yet, let us try to convince you (it’s worth it just for the strawberry mac + cheese and shortcake).
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