Step inside and cue the classic rom-com makeover montage. | Photo by LALtoday
Tickets, dresses, tuxedos, corsages, hair + makeup, limousines — the cost to attend prom adds up quickly. But thanks to Project Prom, Polk County high school students can get formal wear for free, with one requirement that could make a big difference.
Project Prom is an initiative of InnerAct Alliance’s UthMpact coalition, which educates teens on making healthy decisions when it comes to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. We stopped by its pop-up store at the Lakeland Square Mall, which was packed with teens trying on clothes and volunteers restocking shelves.
Members of the UthMpact Leadership Program spend nine months learning about local government, business, and health — plus, they run the Project Prom store.
Photo by LALtoday
UthMpact members Addison Dhue and Delaney Pieske showed us around the racks of sparkly dresses and sharp suits — plus the perfect accessories to pull the look together — all available for free. They said it stays busy on shopping days, but they have plenty of donated items to choose from.
When they’re ready to check out, teens don’t have to swipe their parents’ credit cards, but instead show a PCPS student ID. So, what’s the catch? They just have to sign a pledge to celebrate the evening safely. The wall behind the register was full of pledges to stay sober on prom night and to encourage friends to make safe decisions as well.
Students can find current trends and classic styles — all at no cost.
Photo by LALtoday
Project Prom is open on select Saturdays during prom season each year. Don’t miss its final two shopping days of the season on March 29 and April 5. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Dillard’s.
Events
Events
Wednesday, March 26
BINGO Night | 6-8 p.m. | Bowen Yard, Winter Haven | Free+ | Grab bites from six food hall eateries before settling in for a game under the stars.
Adult Hockey Clinic | 9:45 p.m. | Lakeland Ice Arena | $15+ | Sign up to drop in and work on your puck shooting and passing.
Thursday, March 27
Better Together Job Fair | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Esperanza City Church | Free | Have your resume ready to connect with a new career — there will even be on-the-spot interviews.
Movie Night at the AGB | 6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Student ambassadors have planned themed crafts + a scavenger hunt before an outdoor showing of “Fantastic Mr. Fox” at 8 p.m.
Trivia Night | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Win prizes by showing off your chick flick knowledge — what, like it’s hard?
Mixology Class | 7 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery | $70 | Sip your way through the steps of making three types of old fashioneds with help from a master mixologist.
RnB Night | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Black Swan Venue | $25+ | Feel the rhythm as DJ Les spins smooth R&B hits — tickets include food + drinks.
Tuesday, April 1
Tyler Hubbard featuring Uncle Kracker | 6-9 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo | $45+ | SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo 2025 will launch its 51st Fly-In with acclaimed country music stars Tyler Hubbard featuring Uncle Kracker on the renowned SUN ‘n FUN Warbird Ramp.*
Here’s some sweet news: PALS Candy Shop will soon open downtown next to Revival, offering 70+ types of candy you can buy by the ounce. Join the grand opening on Tuesday, April 1 at 10 a.m. for a ribbon cutting and exclusive deals.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Bonnet Springs Park is currently ranked in USA Today’s awards for the 10 best city parks in the country. You can vote once per day through Monday, April 7 at 12 p.m. to help BSP keep its spot above places like New York’s Central Park.
Number
$4.95. That’s the average price of a dozen eggs in the US this year, leading to a spike in demand for chickens in Lakeland. Tractor Supply is expecting another shipment this morning, but arrive early for your best chances — they sold out in 45 minutes last time. (LkldNow)
Edu
Teaching is an art — just ask Jennifer Wilkinson of Lakeland Highlands Middle School. Wilkinson was named a Florida Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association for her involvement with state + national initiatives.
Sports
The Florida Gators are moving on to the Sweet 16 round of the men’s NCAA Tournament, thanks in part to Bartow High alum Walter Clayton Jr. The point guard has been racking up accolades, from earning 2,000+ total career points to leading the team in points scored. (The Ledger)
Watch
If sports competitions aren’t your thing, maybe singing competitions are. Lakeland native Jacquelyn George is singing for stardom on “The Voice” this season, where she just passed the Battle Round on Monday. Watch her audition, where she sang an impromptu duet with coach John Legend. (WFLA)
Drink
Raise a mug to Concord Coffee, which is celebrating a decade in business this Friday, March 28. The cafe will have chocolates by Andrew Logans + exclusive merch for sale, plus giveaways and custom drinks. Sounds like we know where we’ll be working remotely on Friday.
Kids
Teens interested in law enforcement can now apply for this summer’s High School Police Academy. From July 21 to July 25, participants will learn from Lakeland Police officers about SWAT, crime scene analysis, physical training, and more.
Eat
In honor of National Brunch Month, The Juice Box will dish up brunch bites every Saturday in April from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can order exclusive plant-based specials, shop vendor pop-ups, and even bring their own bubbly to make mimosas with the cafe’s cold-pressed juices.
The Word
En plein air: A French phrase for “outdoors” that also refers to painting outside in nature. Experience the practice at the Lakeland Art Association’s next Art Escapes series with artist Wayne Chunat, Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 at Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale. Tickets begin at $650.
Trending
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*
Category
Community
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhoods
Lakelanders know there’s no place like home, but other areas make for great destinations to visit. | Photo by @raelinmonet
Each of Lakeland’s ~100 neighborhoods has its own special flair that keeps us coming back to explore more. Use our tips to discover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call a few of these neighborhoods home.
South Lake Morton
Need some fresh air? Take a walk around this historic neighborhood to get some curb appeal inspiration, and look out for landmarks like the Lover’s Oak.
Dixieland
Shop ‘til you drop at the small businesses that line South Florida Avenue in this district. Pick up a unique read at The Unbound Bookery, hone your green thumb at Austin’s Backyard Garden, or find a vintage get-up at 360 Unlimited.
Cleveland Heights
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a meal from 1916 Irish Pub at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course clubhouse. Further up the road, we also recommend dinner fresh off the grill at Zarza Latin Food.
The Buy
The Buy
A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
Are you following March Madness? Our annual company-wide bracket challenge is going on, and I’m pleased to say I’m in first place with my women’s bracket this week. If you’re out of the loop, it’s never a bad time to be a bandwagon fan and cheer for a local player who’s making it big.
Answered
Answered
When should you switch from hot to iced coffee in Lakeland?
Sounds like readers check their weather apps before ordering a latte:
48% — Like the weather, I switch it up depending on the day
36% — Never, I always take mine hot.
12% — Hot? My coffee stays iced year-round.
4% — When “Florida winter” ends + snowbirds leave town.
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