Are you ready to berry? | The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival is happening now until Sunday, March 9, and we’re bringing you the berry best of what you need to know before you go.
Play ball, Lakeland | Planning to head to today’s Spring Training game where the Tigers will take on the Phillies? Before you grab your ball caps, check out this guide chock full of tips for this time-honored tradition.
Winner, winner, Chick-fil-A dinner | Southeastern University student Aaron Taher got the surprise of a lifetime this week when he received a $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A — now that’s a lot of chicken biscuits.
Events
Events
Saturday, March 1
Arrow + Bow Grand Opening | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Arrow + Bow | Free+ | Shop this new children’s consignment boutique along with vendors Cap & Cole, Lil Cake Co., Spark & Suede, and Double T Co.
Cat-titude and Cardio | 10-11 a.m. | Purrology Cat Cafe | $20 | Work up a sweat in a beginner-level dance fitness class, then enjoy 30 minutes cooling down in the cat room.
Sunday, March 2
Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | Shop the goods of local makers outside before heading inside for the Indie Super Bash.
Tuesday, March 4
Sweet & Spicy Book Club | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Discuss “The Wren in the Holly Library” by K. A. Linde at this meeting that promises not to be your mother’s book club.
Wednesday, March 5
Veterans Appreciation Happy Hour | 4-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free | Veterans + active duty military members can enjoy a round of drinks together on the patio — just bring a military ID.
Friday, March 7
First Friday: Mardi Gras | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Celebrate Mardi Gras with food, drinks, vendors, and more — don’t forget the beads.
Speaking of the Tigers — robot umpires are in training. The MLB is testing an automated ball-strike challenge system in about 60% of spring training games, including all games played in Joker Marchant Stadium. Don’t get too excited — none of these robo-umps will be in use for the 2025 regular season. (NPR + Detroit Free Press)
Closing
In case you missed it, Joann Fabrics is closing all of its stores — including its Lakeland and Winter Haven locations. After shopping the Joann discounts, you can find us hitting up local fabric stores like Fabric Warehouse. (Fast Company)
Number
2.4 million. That’s the number of hotel rooms currently under construction across the world — with 6,378 hotel projects in development in the US. But who needs new when you’ve got The Terrace? (Hotel Dive)
Ranked
Florida was recently ranked the No. 4 most pet-friendly state in the US by Highland Cabinetry. Considering how many dog-friendly spots you can find around Lakeland, we aren’t surprised at all.
The Word
Telephobia. It’s a word to describe the fear some people — primarily Generation Z — have of making or getting phone calls. If your friend would prefer the written word over a call, send them this newsletter as a subtle message that you’d like to hang out this weekend. (CNBC)
City Guide
City Guide
🏋️ You’re an athlete, you’re a gym star
When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, Lakeland’s got your back. | Photo by CYCLEdelic’s Private Rides Team
Today is the first day of March, meaning it’s also the first day of National Athletic Training Month. No matter what your fitness goals are — from lifting weights, to spin or yoga — use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in Swan City.
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
CYCLEdelic
Take a high-energy spin class set to great music at this indoor cycling concourse that just came under new ownership. Pro tip: Head to the studio today until 12 p.m. to meet the new owner + snag deals on class packages.
CrossFit OCI
Join a free high-intensity group workout on Saturdays at 9 a.m., including today, to get your whole body moving as you get to know the space.
Balance Culture
This women’s studio features group fitness classes, including barre, pilates, cross training, yoga, and more. Book a single class or opt for a yearlong membership — your first class is $12.
Cheers to the weekend, Lakelanders. I’ll be spending today out and about, starting with a stroll through the farmers market and ending with a stop at the inaugural Central Florida Food Truck Rally. Make sure to keep an eye on our Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at everything going on this weekend, and if you see us around, don’t be afraid to say “hey.”
Answered
Answered
Which MLB team previously called Lakeland its Spring Training home before the Detroit Tigers?
53% of respondents scored a home run with the correct answer: the Cleveland Indians. The team (now known as the Cleveland Guardians) trained at Lakeland’s Henley Field from 1923 to 1927 before parting ways. When one door closes, another one opens.
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