Have you ever seen alligators at Circle B Bar Reserve? | Photo submitted by reader Ethan C.
It’s officially the time of year where alligators are looking to meet their match — minus the dating apps. April marks the beginning of alligator mating season in Florida, where male and female alligators will begin the courtship process before formally mating in May or June. Guess they do have a “swipe right” period after all.
During mating season, alligators tend to become more active — and occasionally more aggressive — than usual. Follow these tips from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to keep yourself + our scaly friends safe.
If you see an alligator, keep your distance + never feed them.
Keep pets on a leash in public, and keep them away from the water’s edge around lakes and ponds.
Swim only during the day, and don’t stray outside of designated areas.
Considering Lakeland is home to 38 lakes, our likelihood of finding alligators in our bodies of water is fairly high. Lake Hancock, which is part of the Circle B Bar Reserve, ranks No. 13 on the state’s list of lakes most populated by alligators + Gator Creek Reserve in north Lakeland is also home to several scaly friends — as the name might imply.
Events
Events
Wednesday, April 2
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.
“Declaring Independence” | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | ELKS Lodge 1291 | Free+ | Dr. K. Alan Snyder will speak at this forum, held in celebration of a proposed monument to the printer of the Declaration of Independence.
Thursday, April 3
Board Game Night | 5:30-9 p.m. | HP Guild Games | Free | Borrow a game from the game library to play with others, or BYOB — bring your own board (game).
The Bash | 6:30-9 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $175 | The Bash is the premiere fundraising event during the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, benefiting the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s STEM, Education, and Scholarship Programs for the local community.*
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $45+ | You won’t need a “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to get to this tribute show acclaimed by Art Garfunkel himself.
Friday, April 4
First Friday: Foodie Fest | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Sample small bites from your favorite Polk County eateries as you shop the Makers Market.
“Something Rotten!” | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $28+ | Local performers will welcome you to the Renaissance in this comedic show that tells the tale of the world’s first musical.
Saturday, April 5
Spring at the Barre | Times vary | Pure Barre | Free | Claim a spot in one of two 30-minute morning classes to try out barre fitness and enter into giveaways.
Bloom at BSP | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | This free first-annual, weekend-long flower festival features music in the gardens, festive cocktails and eats, free gardening workshops and tours, take-home plant cuttings, a makers’ market and more.*
Speaking of Circle B, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners will match a $200,000 grant from Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection to develop a pond in the nature reserve. Once completed, the pond will be available for educational opportunities and fishing. A timeline is TBA.
Open
The Wine Garden is ready to pour one out. Lakeland’s newest full-service wine bar is now open, serving up global wine selections + gourmet goods Tuesday-Sunday in Dixieland. Find it right between Bright Ice Scoop Shop and By the Chef Pizza. Wine Wednesday, anyone?
Real Estate
We’re feeling hot, hot, hot — and we’re not talking about the weather. According to new data by Redfin, the 33811 zip code is Lakeland’s hottest neighborhood, with ~11.3% of homes sold over asking price. Allow us to jumpstart your search. (WFLA)
Edu
Four finalists are up for the Polk County School Board’s general counsel position. Finalists will be interviewed Tuesday, April 15-Wednesday, April 16 at the Jim Miles Professional Development Center in Lakeland. Want to be in the room where it happens? The April 16 interviews are open to the public. (The Ledger)
Gallery
SUN ‘n FUN has landed in Lakeland, bringing thousands of guests into Swan City for a dose of aviation excitement — including a few who came by air. Meet some of the pilots joining the expo this year, from 1960s aircraft enthusiasts to relief aid carriers. (The Ledger)
Seasonal
Bok Tower Gardens will host its 99th Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20 at 7 a.m., featuring music by carillonneurs, cellists, pianists, and bagpipers. Admission to the Gardens will be free from 6 to 8 a.m. + following the service, the Blue Palmetto Cafe will serve a brunch buffet. (The Ledger)
Stat
~85%. That’s the percentage of edible crops the western honey bee is responsible for pollinating. Learn more about these busy bees with an interactive beekeeping seminar hosted by The Ridge Beekeepers Association on Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Buzz on over to get your tickets.
Network
Registration is open for the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s (JLGL) 2025-2026 Provisional Class. Over 10 months, participants will learn the ins + outs of JLGL’s programming before becoming official Active Members of the organization. Secure your spot before Saturday, June 21.
Try This
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Munch on some avocado toast while enjoying your bottomless mimosas at Frescos. | Photo by @localfoodieengineers
Consider that our motto for the next month. April is National Brunch Month, and we’ve got ample places to celebrate the occasion here in Swan City.
Pro tip: Tap the button below for each spot’s address + hours.
The Egg Factory | This South Combee Road staple will soon gain its second location as it takes over the former Wooden Spoon Diner on South Florida Avenue. Bring on the breakfast bowls and lunch deals.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar | Try City Editor Amelia’s go-to order: A Dirty Chicken biscuit paired with a pineapple mimosa.
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli and Bagels | There are more than 20 fresh-made bagel flavors to try here, but City Editor Connor’s go-to recommendation is a bacon, egg, and cheese on a cheddar everything bagel.
Fred’s Market Restaurant | Can’t decide? Try this all-you-can-eat buffet spot that’s known for serving up Southern comfort in every bite, from casseroles to French toast.
200,000+. That’s how many people attend SUN ‘n FUN each year, correctly guessed by 47% of respondents in our recent poll. Connor and I will be two of those 200,000 folks popping in and out of the expo all week — if you see us flying by, be sure to give us a wave + don’t forget to tag us in your event photos.
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