Many Lakeland landmarks served as the backdrop for part of your Lakeland stories. | Photo by @kindredsparks
The “where my lore began” trend is taking over social media, with thousands sharing where they feel like life truly began for them. We put a local spin on it, and the results might have you taking a walk down memory lane to those pivotal moments + places that had you feeling like a real Lakelander.
For many, childhood memories weren’t complete without trips to Explorations V Children’s Museum or Family Fun Center. When it came to entertainment, readers reminisced on the AMC Theatre at Merchant’s Walk, the bandshell at Florida Southern College, and the Cobb Theatre at Lakeside Village.
Do you remember Food World, Publix’s discount store at Lake Miriam Square?
Lakeland’s food + drink scene is unmatched, and many said their lore began at a local eatery, grocery store, or coffee shop. Among those mentioned were Mister Fish, Gelati Joe’s, Food World, the former Starbucks on Beacon Street that’s now home to LoveBird, and the Poor Porker. We’ll never forget those lakeside beignets, either.
Reader Beth B. remembers Searstown as “a very active place,” calling out the S&H Green Stamps store, Eckerd Pharmacy, and restaurants like Morrison’s Cafeteria, Kissin’ Cuzzins, Benny’s Oyster Bar, and Jimbo’s BBQ. “Much has changed but Lakeland is a great place to live,” Beth said.
The iconic Southgate Shopping Center opened in 1957, and even drew one Lakelander to Swan City.
Photo by Joe Castagno
Finally, we loved this story from @hadleystrainge: “My lore began before I even knew Lakeland existed. Saw the Southgate Plaza in ‘Edward Scissorhands’ when I was 12 and told myself I would see all the places in the movie as an adult. By pure coincidence I work in that plaza now.”
Do you have some local lore of your own?Drop it in the comments over on Instagram and see if any other Lakelanders can relate.
Events
Events
Tuesday, March 18
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes in Munn Park | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab your tickets to eat your way through downtown while listening to live music in Munn Park.
Wednesday, March 19
Black Swan Birthday Party | 12-8 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | Free+ | Celebrate the one-year anniversary of this event venue with a ribbon cutting, vendor showcase, and networking with light bites + bevs.
Adult Hockey Clinic | 8:45-9:45 p.m. | Lakeland Ice Arena | $15+ | Sign up to drop in and work on your hockey shooting and passing.
Thursday, March 20
Bilingual Conversational Meetup | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Practice speaking English + Spanish in conversation with other Lakelanders.
Sip and Paint with Hart Art | 6-9 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville | $65+ | Paint your own piece of paradise with expert instruction from Caroline + Laurie Hart.
Friday, March 21
A Goofy Karaoke Night | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $5+ | “Stand out” at this karaoke night featuring classic Disney tunes, themed drinks, and a costume contest.
The Unteachables Comedy Tour | 8-10 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $20 | This group of teachers will give you a lesson in comedy during this “unprofessional development” session.
It’s spring break, baby, and the overflow parking lot at Lakeland International Airport is open for travelers. Parking is still free for all drivers, whether you’re flying out, picking up a passenger, or grabbing a bite at the newly opened Sora Eatery.
Civic
Lakeland city commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the Vision Zero Action Plan in yesterday’s meeting. The plan includes adding red light cameras to additional intersections, school zone speed detection cameras, crosswalk lighting, and more to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities. (LkldNow)
Outdoors
The City of Lakeland received a 90-day emergency permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to operate an emergency pump for Lake Bonny as needed. The permit will allow the city to pump water to Lake Parker before it reaches the previously approved 10-year flood stage.
Environment
The Creek Ranch Wildlife Management Area in east Polk is one of the latest properties purchased by the state’s Florida Forever land acquisition program. Join a public hearing on Tuesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in Haines City’s Lake Eva Event Center to comment on the Land Management Plan draft. (The Ledger)
Community
Shawn Smith may have just been appointed as Polk County Fire Rescue Chief this month, but he’s already looking forward to the department’s future. Crews just broke ground on a $15.6 million training center in Bartow, and the department will add 75 roles to reduce mandatory overtime. (WFLA)
Development
Lake Wales has cut the ribbon on Park Avenue + Market Plaza as the city aims to revitalize its downtown. The Lake Wales Connected plan includes more developments to make the area pedestrian-friendly, entice new businesses, and keep the garden vibes going with plenty of plants. (The Ledger)
Biz
Vendor registration is now open for Polk Pride 2025, happening Saturday, June 14 in Munn Park. Spots for businesses + nonprofits are limited (and food truck spots are already full), so register online to join this event that welcomes thousands of attendees.
Mailbag
The RP Funding Center will host the Miss Florida scholarship competition in June, but did you know Lakeland’s history with pageants goes back decades? Reader Dave M. shared that Bob Barker himself hosted Miss USA at the former Lakeland Center in 1984 and 1985. We guess the price was right.
Finance
Car insurance premiums are projected to hit $2,101 annually by 2025 — a record high. Switching providers might save you over $1,300 each year. Why leave money on the table? Get matched with a more affordable plan.*
Stat
0%. That’s how much interest this card offers into 2026 — no wonder experts call it “hands down” one of “the best balance transfer cards."*
Outdoors
With spring comes outdoor concerts + music festivals — luckily, these hearing aids are the world’s first with multi-stream processing, designed to help you engage in conversations effortlessly (even in noisy environments, like that must-see show).*
Travel
The opposite of sticker shock? Going’s free travel membership, which alerts you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. You’re welcome.*
Category
Lakelanders
⭐️ Take a walk of fame
The stars shine even brighter in Swan City. | Photo via @jbonilla72
Lakeland is a breeding ground for all-star athletes, stellar singers, big-time actors, and more. If we could bring the local celebrities of yesteryear and today back home, here’s where we’d show them around Swan City.
Frances Langford
What we’d give to sightsee with this singer + actor around the Lake Mirror promenade that bears her name today, followed by a show at Lakeland Community Theatre.
Ray Lewis
After years of playing football, we’d take Lewis to a Lakeland United FCgame at Bryant Stadium to see some fútbol instead.
KO
This Tony Award-winning stage actor honed their skills at Harrison School for the Arts — maybe they’d like tickets to the school’s April performances of “Hamlet: The Princess of Denmark.”
Lindsey Allen
Where better than the Lakeland Antique Mall to find Disney memorabilia for this former Mickey Mouse Club member? The store will open in its new location this spring.
Strawberry season keeps rolling, with a Bloom & Berry Bazaar set for Saturday, March 29 at Parkesdale Market. Visit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to shop from curated plant vendors + Parkesdale’s shortcake. I always keep it classic with just cake, whipped topping, and berries, but you can fully customize your order (and even add ice cream).
Answered
Answered
Which feature of the new, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired homes has you booking a tour?
The ceiling’s the limit at these two homes that just hit the market — 32% said it’s the 22-ft ceilings that piqued their interest, while 27% chose the unique butterfly roofs.
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