They have the Wright stuff | These unique, modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright are hitting the market — just look for those butterfly roofs.
Where our “lore” began | Hop on the trend and share those pivotal moments that made you feel like a true Lakelander.
Out with the old | In the spirit of spring cleaning, we’ve rounded up afew Lakeland organizations that accept donated items and help locals in need.
Events
Events
Saturday, March 22
City-Wide Garage Sale | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mulberry Cultural Center, Mulberry | Price of purchase | Grab a map of host sites from the Cultural Center, then go treasure hunting across the city.
Ask a Master Gardener | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Nectary | Free | Get gardening tips from an expert just in time for spring planting.
Detroit Tigers vs. Atlanta Braves | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $22+ | Catch the Tigers’ final home game of the 2025 spring training season — remaining tickets are limited.
“A Night at the Opera… Scenes” | 7 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | Warm up those pipes and enjoy an evening of student performances from various operas.
The Unteachables Comedy Tour | 8-10 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $20 | A group of teachers will give you a lesson in comedy during an “unprofessional development” session.
Sunday, March 23
Heartfulness | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Yoga Haven, Winter Haven | Free | Sign up to join this free meditation practice focused on joy, love, and mindfulness.
Lakeside Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Enjoy the fresh air while shopping from 100+ curated vendors — this market is pet and family-friendly, too.
The Rat Pack Together Again | 2-4 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $25+ | Relive the era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. with a mix of songs and sketches.
Tuesday, March 25
Horticultural Workshop: Vegetable Gardening 101 | 10-11 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Beginner gardeners can veg out after learning how to prepare their gardens to plant vegetables at home — registration required.
Wednesday, March 26
Swing Dance Social | 7:30 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Drop in for a beginner lesson, then grab a partner and get swingin’ on the dance floor.
Clothing company Forever 21 is the latest in a recent string of chain retailer bankruptcies. The company is expected to “wind down” its US stores while searching for a buyer for its remaining assets. Of course, you can still pretend you’re forever 21 by touring Florida Southern College. (USA Today)
Drink
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. The average workday now ends at 4:39 p.m., according to recent data from ActivTrak that tracked the workplace behaviors of 200,000+ employees. Sounds like 21 more minutes for an after-work drink to us. (Bloomberg)
Seasonal
This Thursday marked the beginning of spring, when the sun set at 7:39 p.m., but there are sunnier days ahead in Lakeland. Sunsets will happen a little later each day this season, and when summer starts on Friday, June 20, the sun will go down at 8:27 p.m.
Tech
TikTok is introducing new ways to encourage kids to log off, like a meditation feature if users under 16 are using the app after 10 p.m. If it works it works, but have you tried touching grass?
Number
47%. That’s the percentage of US adults who say that people are behaving more rudely now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps that’s a sign to make someone’s day with one of these random acts of kindness. (Pew Research Center)
City Guide
City Guide
🌸 Spring has sprung
This weekend’s weather is shaping up to be beautiful. | Photo submitted by Bob K.
It’s officially spring in Swan City, and we have sunny days spent outdoors on the brain. If you’re like us, check out a few of our favorite ways to soak up some rays.
Make it a park day
Lakeland has 70+ parks and recreation spots to enjoy, and there’s something for everyone. Find a playground, sports court, or dog park near you.
A bark + a bite
Rover would probably love a sunny day on the town, too. Bring your pup along for a bite at these Lakelander-recommended restaurants.
Sunshine is on the menu
Whether you want to sit in full sun or need a bit of shade, we have you covered with this guide to outdoor dining.
Olay Super Cream with sunscreen. The tried-and-true cream boasts better hydrating power than the no. 1 luxury moisturizer on the market — plus, it plumps, firms, and protects skin, making it a great daytime moisturizer to wear alone or under makeup.
Spring break is ending, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep exploring — especially with our quick trip guides to cities you can reach without filling your gas tank.
Here are more places readers recommended: Ximena’s Tacos in Auburndale, suggested by Bre G.; Unfiltered Coffee House in Bartow, suggested by D.B.; and Panaderia San Miguel in Plant City, suggested by an anonymous reader with great taste.
Answered
Answered
Can you guess the real Florida Poly research project?
Did we stump you with this one? Tech no. School researchers aren’t working on waterproof laptops, self-driving trains, or a hurricane-proof building, but assistant professor Dr. Rawa Adla is working to relieve I-4 congestion using drivers’ smartphone data.
We first shared about Adla’s innovative work back in November, and more than half of readers guessed correctly.