March Madness is right around the corner, with the first round of the men’s NCAA Division I Tournament tipping off tomorrow.
While you won’t find any Lakeland colleges on the men’s or women’s DI brackets, we’ll still be cheering loud and proud for these Polk County natives who will shoot their shot to advance their respective schools forward — and maybe even win the whole thing.
1,927. That’s how many points Isaac Celiscar scored at Winter Haven High School — the second-highest amount in the school’s history — before becoming a Bulldog. He also earned back-to-back nods as the Polk County Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
Watch: No. 13 Yale vs. No. 4 Texas A&M | Thursday, March 20 | 7:25 p.m.
Speaking of Bulldogs, you’ll find this 6-foot-9-inch Winter Haven High alum also playing for a team of the same name, albeit a little further south. During his time as a Blue Devil, James secured 57 double-digit-scoring games + was named Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2022.
Watch: No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 Gonzaga University | Thursday, March 20 | 4:35 p.m.
Before becoming a Gator, this Lake Wales native helped lead Bartow High School to two 6A state championships in 2020 and 2021.
Watch: No. 16 Norfolk State vs. No. 1 Florida | Friday, March 21 | 6:50 p.m.
Events
Events
Wednesday, March 19
Knit One, Crochet Too | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Sit and stitch a while as you socialize with other crocheters over your current projects.
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, March 20
“An Evening of Song” | 6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | FSC faculty will bring art to life through music with performances inspired by current museum exhibitions.
Bunny Yoga | 6-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $25 | Flow on the farm with floppy-eared (adoptable) bunnies from Rescue Pets of Florida.
Friday, March 21
National Swan Day | 5:30-7 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $22 | Celebrate Lakeland’s beloved birds by creating your own swan mosaic — walk-ins welcome.
Friday Night Live | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Bring your lawn chairs for live music in the park and dinner + drinks to-go from downtown businesses.
Saturday, March 22
Searching for Spring Guided Hike | 8-10 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands Gopher Tortoise Gate, Mulberry | Free | We hope your boots are made for walking — registration is required for this hike focusing on all things spring.
Candles & Coasters | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $55+ | Create your own scented candles and wooden coasters with help from AR Workshop’s crafting experts.
City commissioners unanimously gave Rec Room the green light for its downtown expansion on Monday. The barcade will expand into the space formerly occupied by Lkld Live on the west side of its current building + hire additional security for weekends. (LkldNow)
Development
Most work on the widening of West Pipkin Road could be complete by the end of the month, according to county officials. Construction for the project began in August 2021 and, after more than three years, the contract is expected to wrap up by May. (The Ledger)
Ranked
No. 4. That’s where Florida Southern ranked on Travel and Leisure’s 25 most beautiful college campuses list. The publication praised FSC’s collection of unique Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and lakeside location, and really, can we blame them?
Outdoors
If you have the springtime sniffles, it’s not just you. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released its annual Allergy Capitals report, with Lakeland ranking No. 30 in the US for seasonal allergies. Tampa and Orlando also made the list, ranking at No. 25 and No. 34, respectively.
Award
Nominations are open for United Way of Central Florida’s Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award. Shout out a leader making a difference in the lives of children before nominations close on Tuesday, April 15 — last year’s winner was Cindi Parker-Pearson of Achievement Academy.
Edu
Florida Poly and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida are teaming up once again this year to host STEMapalooza on Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Girls + their families are invited to experience all things science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities and exhibitions. Get your tickets.
Family
Legoland Florida is putting the “theme” in “theme park.” Get a first look at 20 renovated rooms in Legoland Hotel, themed after Lego’s Duplo, Friends, and Ninjago brands. Opening in April, the new rooms aren’t the only things coming soon to Legoland — SEA Life Aquarium is opening Friday, May 23.
Edu
Giving Day at Southeastern University starts this weekend. The 35-hour annual campaign supports initiatives like scholarships, research programs, and textbooks for students in need. See how you can help fuel future leaders.*
Donate your designer clothes to Top Buttons — the proceeds from their sales support the store’s Wearing Confidence Program. | Photo via Top Buttons
Tomorrow marks the first day of spring, and if you’re anything like us, you’re more than ready to say “out with the old.” In the spirit of spring cleaning, check out these Lakeland organizations that accept donated items + help locals in need.
Lighthouse Ministries relies on donations of linens + clothing to provide a place to stay for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Dream Center of Lakeland accepts childcare supplies, hygiene items, and clothing, plus unopened, unexpired food for parents in need.
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity uses donated equipment and furniture to build homes — whether you have leftovers from a project you didn’t complete or reusable supplies from a remodel.
$200 million. That’s how much gross domestic product the information technology sector produced for Polk County in 2020, guessed correctly by 44% of respondents in our poll earlier this week. ICYMI, get the scoop on more of Lakeland’s top industries + employers with this go-to guide.
Answered
Answered
Would you take a party bus tour of local bookstores?
All aboard, book lovers — 61% answered that they’d be some of the first on the bus, while 39% shared that they’d be interested after getting more details.
This is still just an idea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on familiarizing yourself with Lakeland’s local bookstore scene. You know, for science.
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