History has its eyes on these Lakeland women | In honor of Women’s History Month, get to know some of the game-changing women who have made history + are paving the way for the future in Lakeland.
Now boarding: Sora Eatery | This new restaurant in Lakeland International Airport officially opens its doors tomorrow. Get a sneak peek of what to expect, including what we tried during our visit.
A dynamic healthcare duo | Orlando Health is pairing up with Watson Clinic for its new hospital. Get the deets on the new collaborative medical facility — now known as Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital — that’s set to open in June 2026.
Asked
Asked
Which nearby city should Lakelanders visit next?
With guides to Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Plant City, Dade City, and Lake Wales in the bag, let us know where we should write about next.
29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party | 10 a.m.-2 a.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free+ | Get ready to shamrock and roll with live music + green beer all day, plus a street party starting at 8 p.m.
Board Gamers at the Library | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | You won’t be board at this afternoon of gaming with other Lakelanders.
Teen Night | 6-9 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Center | Free | LGBTQ+ teens can meet new friends while playing games in safe, supervised environment.
The Freakin’ Hooligans w/ Feasts of Nutley | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Head to this brewery for live music, green beer, and Irish-inspired bites in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Sunday, March 16
Kpop Bazaar Market | 4-8 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | A live DJ will spin the Korean pop tunes while you shop from vendors, dance, and play music trivia.
Forever Elvis ’73 with Dwight Icenhower | 7-10 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $31+ | Grab your “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Jailhouse Rock” over to this Elvis Presley tribute show performed by a five-time world champion impersonator.
Monday, March 17
How to Start a Food Business Class | 12-1 p.m. | Catapult | Free | You don’t have to be a Catapult member to join this session on vetting concepts, finding a commercial kitchen, and permitting.
Tuesday, March 18
Sunrise Release Party | 6:30-7:30 a.m. | Pressed Books & Coffee | $20 | Inklings + Pressed will celebrate the next installment of “The Hunger Games” series, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” with coffee and giveaways.
Craving Born and Bread Bakehouse, but don’t want to wait in that line? There could be another solution — if you’re willing to pay. Line standing services have become popular recently through apps like Taskrabbit and NYC-based Same Ole Line Dudes. (Wall Street Journal)
Seasonal
Getting a start on spring cleaning? If you’ve got a heap of clothes in the “maybe” pile, consider bringing them to a local buy, sell, trade shop where they can find a new home.
Tech
Do you want to taste this newsletter? An experimental device called e-Taste is in the works which would allow the sensation of taste in virtual reality. Cool, but we think we’ll stick with our local haunts for now. (Gizmodo)
Region
Lakeland is located in the “Southeast” region, at least according to Amazon. The online retailer has divided the nation into eight distinct regions to help best meet customer demands. We have thoughts, but we wanna know yours — do you think Lakeland has Southeast vibes?
City Guide
City Guide
We’re not kiddin’ around
Mini golf, arcade games, and more await. | Photo via Family Fun Center
It’s officially spring break here in Polk County. If you’re needing ideas for entertaining the youngsters, save this list of kid-friendly activities around the 863 — starting with these weekday spring break specials beginning on Monday:
Family Fun Center | Head to this indoor arcade from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to snag unlimited attractions and Time Play arcade games for just $18.99 per person.
Picassoz Art Cafe | Stop by this walk-in art studio until Thursday to paint the project of the day for a discounted price. We have our eyes on the Flamingo Ring Holder.
Skate World Lakeland | This roller skating rink is opening up its doors for open skate, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Pro tip: Go all out by snagging tickets to the Sonic or Stitch-themed skate nights on Tuesday + Thursday, respectively.
Bonnet Springs Park | Kids will go full STEAM ahead with daily activities in the park that teach a science, technology, engineering, arts, or math concept.
Earlier this week, I attended the preview performance for “Waitress” at Theatre Winter Haven, and y’all — I truly cannot recommend it enough. Rumor has it, the production is already 80% sold out for its entire run, so make sure to get those tickets sooner rather than later before it closes up shop on Sunday, April 6.
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