This corner of South Florida Avenue + Belmar Street is becoming a foodie paradise. | Photo by LALtoday
There’s a new name in ice cream we’ll be screaming soon: Bright Ice. The Tampa Bay-based shop will open its fifth location — and its first in Lakeland — at 1200 S. Florida Ave. today at 1 p.m., and we’ve got the scoop on what you can expect.
Bright Ice will take over part of the Dixieland building that was formerly home to Petals Flower Shoppe. Co-owner Kurt Drake gave us a sneak peek of the interior — which has a colorful design that’s undeniably Floridian — and the shaded patio that was made for slurping up a waffle cone on sunny days.
There’s plenty of space to pull up a seat indoors or on the covered patio.
Photo by LALtoday
The shop has 19 signature flavors that are always on the menu, including three vegan options. Grab your favorite in a cup, on a waffle cone, blended in a milkshake, or on an ice cream + cookie sandwich. Can’t decide which flavor to try first?
City Editor Connor stands with the other lactose-intolerant Lakelanders — she’s looking forward to the non-dairy Caramel Coconut with Oreos.
Get Oat of This World with City Editor Amelia’s pick. It’s made with oatmeal cream pies + maple syrup.
Drake understandably found it hard to make a decision but ended up recommending the lemon with crystallized ginger.
Don’t worry, coffee lovers, there’s something for you, too: affogato, iced coffee, and cinnamon roll lattes await.
All of Bright Ice’s products are made by hand each week in Pinellas Park, then delivered to shops around Tampa Bay.
Bright Ice will open later than usual on its first day, but after that, you can stop by daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a sweet treat.
Bonus: The Wine Garden will open right next door the first week of April, and By the Chef Pizza is already slinging slices next door. Pizza, ice cream, and wine? Sounds like date nights are officially planned.
Asked
Asked
What will you try first at Bright Ice?
A. I’ll take a scoop or two in a cone. B. Non-dairy flavors for me, please. C. An ice cream sandwich sounds amazing. D. There’s coffee? Say less, I’m in.
Ultimate Improv for Teens | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Teen actors ages 13-17 will think fast and create scenes on the spot.
Relay for Life of Polk County | 6 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free+ | Help raise money for cancer research, treatment, and support at this community walk.
Open Mic Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Hop on stage to share your spoken word, poetry, comedy, or musical talents.
Saturday, March 29
Bloom & Berry Bazaar | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Parkesdale Farm Market, Plant City | Price of purchase | Enjoy strawberry shortcakes + fresh fruit milkshakes while you shop from vendors curated by The Citrine Ghost.
Genealogy Speaker Series | 10 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Former professional investor Kate Townsend will present on using court records as a genealogical resource.
The Write Spot | 2-3:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Consider your weekend booked as you find encouragement and support for your writing.
Sunday, March 30
Woodland Gnome Cookie Decorating | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Ellie Mae’s Bakery will teach you everything you need to gnome about icing the cookies you’ll take home.
Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market Vol. 10 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | It’s okay to be a punk at the 10th iteration of this event featuring 70+ vendors, food trucks, and live performances by bands hailing from Lakeland to Atlanta.
Thursday, April 3
The Bash | 6:30-9 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $175 | The Bash is the premiere fundraising event during the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, benefiting the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s STEM, Education, and Scholarship Programs for the local community.*
Crave Cookies will open its doors on Saturday, April 12 in the Oakbridge Publix plaza. Expect weekly rotating cookie menus and dirty sodas loaded with unique flavors. Take a peek at what’s on the menu starting today to whet your appetite before next weekend.
Tech
Florida Polytechnic’s 25/30 Strategic Plan, which outlines its strategic initiatives over the next five years, has been approved by the Florida Board of Governors. The plan’s core goals include increasing enrollment to 3,000 students and establishing a research park around the school that could be an innovation hub.
Number
500,000+. That’s how many people have visited The Brass Tap since it opened 12 years ago, with Lakeside Village being one of its first three locations. Celebrate its anniversary with live music, special cocktails, and free tab giveaways on Friday, April 4 at 1 p.m.
Edu
Professor Terri Hubbard is expanding Polk State’s Early Childhood Education degree program this fall with six new classes spanning various teaching specialties. Hubbard’s work to bolster the program is already seeing success: since 2022, graduation + certification exam first-time pass rates are climbing
Health
Lakeland Regional Health will welcome 69 residents for its third Graduate Medical Education program. The residents will work + learn alongside LRH’s staff in specialties like internal medicine, general surgery, and psychiatry. We hope they bookmark our New to Lakeland guides — doctor’s orders.
Closed
The Larsen Memorial Pier has gone fishing. The city announced the pier will be closed indefinitely, citing safety risks due to its proximity to Larsen Power Plant and the new Cypress Point subdivision. Fishers can use Lake Crago, Saddle Creek, or Tenoroc instead.
Drink
Cheers to 19 years. Black & Brew is celebrating 19 years in business today with 19% off coffee drinks, free cupcakes, double rewards points, and a champagne toast at the downtown location from 5 to 8 p.m. As if we needed an excuse to get a cookie butter frappe.
Cause
After we shared about Project Prom earlier this week, many wrote in asking how to donate. Dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories can be dropped off at the Project Prom store during shopping days, or brought to the InnerAct Alliance office Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Asked
Pilots are already landing for SUN ‘n FUN, so that means it’s time to start making your flight plan. Do you have questions about this event that draws 200,000+ visitors to Lakeland each year? Airdrop them to us and we’ll try to answer them in our upcoming guide.
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
Job
Your business’s hiring ad could be here reaching thousands of our daily readers. Ready to find your ideal candidate? Post your first listing on our community job board for free + level it up with a Featured Job Post.
Wellness
Looking to boost hair thickness and volume in as little as 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can access personalized, clinically-backed treatment options without leaving home (if prescribed). Skip the office visits and insurance headaches — just effective solutions that work.*
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
Category
Outdoors
Take Lakeland’s walk of fame
You don’t need to go to Graceland to see Elvis’ weeping willow. | Photo by LALtoday
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