This cake from Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen is a matcha made in heaven. | Photo via @vegetationcafeandkitchen
But somebody has to do it. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Monday, March 17. Celebrate by attending one of these Lakeland events, or by partaking in one of these gloriously green treats, available now.
Bites
If you’re looking for an excuse to have cake for breakfast, consider this your sign. Head to Vegetation Cafe and Kitchen to grab a slice of its fruity matcha cake, a vegan vanilla cake filled with four-berry preserve and matcha-flavored frosting. For a more savory bite, don’t skip out on the spinach puffs.
Keep the green vibes going through dinner time with a stop into Palace Pizza for its pasta al pesto — spaghetti or ziti noodles sautéed with pesto cream sauce, garlic, and Parmigiano cheese.
Which new matcha flavor from Tea Largo wins in your bracket?
Tea Largo is going green all March with “Matcha Madness.” Stop by to try this green tea mixed with unique flavors like chocolate mint, ube cupcake, and Irish creme.
For a refreshing sip, head next door to Sabrina’s Delicacies to try the limited-edition kiwi cucumber lemonade, topped with a mini leprechaun rubber ducky while supplies last.
Finally, get your fruit + veggie fix in with the Juice Box Cafe’s Shamrock Shake, featuring banana, fresh mint, agave, spinach, vanilla, cacao nibs, and milk.
Events
Events
Thursday, March 13
Around the World in a Day | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Medulla Resource Center | Free | Older adults will explore iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and global traditions — no passport required.
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 + special weekly programming.
“Waitress” | Thursday, March 13-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $36 | This musical featuring a score by Sara Bareilles is “opening up” for the first time in Polk County, with local actors at the helm.
Friday, March 14
Health Fair | 12-3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland | Free | The Alzheimer’s Association will share about Alzheimer’s warning signs, healthy brain habits, and advancements in research.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
Saturday, March 15
FCA Lead the Way 5K | 8-9:30 a.m. | Lakeland Christian School | $30+ | Proceeds from this run around Lake Hunter will go to students in the FCA Emerging Leader Experience.
29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party | 10 a.m.-2 a.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free+ | Get ready to shamrock and roll with live music + green beer all day, plus a street party starting at 8 p.m.
Plant Swap | 10-11 a.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Register in advance to exchange full plants, clippings, or seeds with other plant parents.
Sunday, March 16
Forever Elvis ’73 with Dwight Icenhower | 7-10 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $31+ | Grab your “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Jailhouse Rock” over to this Elvis Presley tribute show performed by a five-time world champion impersonator.
ICYMI, Orlando Health and Watson Clinic are partnering up to create the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, set to open in June of next year. Grab your imaginary hardhat + get a sneak peek of the facility’s construction so far. (The Ledger)
Award
Bonnet Springs Park is asking Lakelanders to spring into action. The park is up for USA Today’s Best City Park award. Vote once daily through Monday, April 7 to help the park get its flowers.
Try This
Calling all leaders: Nominations for Polk Vision’s Leadership Polk program are open through Monday, March 31. Individuals selected for the 10-month program will enhance their civic engagement through networking and hands-on curriculum geared toward improving life in Polk County.
Number
651,647. That’s how many people attended this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival, a record in the event’s 90-year history. Didn’t get to attend this year? Worry not — mark your calendars for next year’s festival, happening Feb. 26-March 8, 2026.
Edu
Polk County Public Schools will open applications for Controlled Open Enrollment on Monday, April 7, giving parents the opportunity to enroll their child in a school outside of their designated zone. Get the scoop on all things education in Polk County with our schools guide.
Biz
Medline’s Auburndale facility has been recognized as one of the company’s Distribution Centers of the Year, chosen out of 45 centers nationwide. Opened in 2017, the Auburndale operation is comprised of ~600 employees + provides medical-surgical supplies to healthcare providers across Florida.
Kids
Today is the last day to sign kids up for UF/IFAS Extension’s spring break camps happening next week. Kids ages 8-18 can solve hunger problems through games in the Food for Thought STEM Challenge, or learn to build a hydroponic system and vertical farm in the STEM in Agriculture workshop.
Eat
What do Bananas Foster, New Orleans Caramel Praline, and Peanut Butter Pie have in common? Besides being deliciously nostalgic treats, they’re also just a few of the new limited-edition ice cream flavors from Publix, available now. See what other flavors made the list. (WFLA)
Home
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.*
Plan Ahead
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Finance
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
Travel
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
Category
Travel
🧳 No baggage fees here
These cabins will transport you to a magical land far, far away without the plane travel. | Photo via Airbnb
Southwest Airlines announced this week that beginning Wednesday, May 28, it will end its policy of allowing all travelers to fly with two free checked bags. Luckily, we’ve got several unique getaways that you can get to within an hour of Lakeland — no flights necessary.
JR Cabins | Davenport
This gated retreat is comprised of three cabins formerly part of Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort. How many “hidden Mickeys” can you find in the cabins’ decor?
TreeHouse in the Cloud | St. Cloud
Cozy up in a cottage nestled high in the oaks. Enjoy lazy mornings on the wraparound porch, feed the horses that live on the property, and spend nights cuddled around the firepit.
Mission to Mars Extreme Private Attraction | Davenport There’s no astronaut training required for an out-of-this-world stay. This luxury travel experience is designed for groups. With 20 suites, a lazy river rocket, and the world’s largest private residential 3D video wall, this stay is one you won’t forget.
This top-rated hair and scalp oil as seen in Vogue and Vanity Fair. It features a dynamic blend of organic ingredients that boost shine and strength, smooth split ends, tame frizz, deeply hydrate the scalp, and encourage hair growth.
Trend alert. Folks across the Internet are sharing the moments that made them feel like the sheer joy + euphoria captured during singer Hozier’s yell during his verse of Noah Kahan’s “Northern Attitude.” Head to our Instagram to see the moment we chose.
Answered
Answered
Which Sora menu item has your mouth watering?
Our readers are ready to drift, with 30% of respondents drooling over Sora’s Tokyo Drift smash burger. Following close behind, 24% answered that all of the options we presented sounded appealing — and we can’t say we blame them.
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