How many of these unique butterfly sculptures have you spotted around Lakeland? We found this sports-themed one outside of Play It Again Sports on South Florida Avenue. | Photo by LALtoday
It’s no secret that Lakeland takes pride in its public art, from murals to sculptures.
City Editor Amelia here. One collection of art that has always caught my eye are the butterfly sculptures found across the city. So, I decided to put on my sleuthing hat and crack open the cocoon of where these sculptures came from.
The butterfly sculptures first fluttered into Lakeland nearly 20 years ago in October of 2006 as part of a public arts project titled “Kaleidoscope, Butterflies in Flight.” It raised funds for the construction of Common Ground Playground, which was considered Polk County’s first-ever fully inclusive play experience for children of varying abilities.
The idea came following the highly successful Swansation project that took place four years earlier in 2002. Each aluminum butterfly — spanning roughly four to eight feet in size — is mounted on a pole and was decorated by local and regional artists to become a totally unique piece.
Next time you visit Common Ground Park, you can wow your crew with the knowledge of how it came to be.
Photo by LALtoday
Six months after the sculptures landed, they were auctioned off to the tune of nearly $600,000 in April of 2007, making a substantial dent in Common Ground’s $2 million price tag — that’s around $3,077,832 today.
So, why butterflies? The sculptures are a direct nod to the theming of Common Ground Playground, which looks like a butterfly when viewed from above.
Today, you can find the butterfly sculptures all over Lakeland and continue to raise funds for Common Ground through the Lakeland Rotary’s annual Rotary Twilight 5K. Look out for these flutterific sculptures and add them to our community map. Snap a photo and upload it with the sculpture’s location so others can find them as well. Good luck.
Asked
Asked
When do monarch butterflies begin to migrate through Florida?
A. August B. September C. October D. Monarch butterflies don’t migrate through Florida
Get Down On It SOUL Line Dancing Class | 6:30-8 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $10 | You’ll be ready for your next outing after learning classic and contemporary soul line dances for all skill levels.
Wednesday, April 9
Grapevine Wreath Workshop | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $50 | We heard through the grapevine that this class will allow you to unwind and leave with a unique piece of home decor.
Thursday, April 10
Vellum Overlay Workshop | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Upgrade your best hardcover book from home by designing and installing translucent overlays for your favorite scenes.
Friday, April 11
“Piano Men: Generations” | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $25+ | Pianists Terry + Nick Davies will celebrate the music of Elton John and Billy Joel together.
Swemo Night (Emo Night Taylor’s Version) | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $25 | This tour is making one stop in Florida at Union Hall, bringing rock + pop-punk versions of Taylor Swift’s hits.
Saturday, April 12
Teachers’ Free Yard Sale | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ruthven Business Park II | Free | Teachers can stock up on free classroom supplies on a first-come, first-served basis.
World of Reading | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Barnett Family Park | Free+ | Kids will experience the magic of reading with free book giveaways, local author readings, and activity stations.
A new elementary wing will open this fall for the 2025-26 school year. This new wing will have its own dedicated entry, numerous safety features, and classrooms featuring the latest educational technology. Take a virtual tour.
LCA will welcome freshmen and sophomores for the first time in the 2025-26 school year, meaning Lakes Church Academy will celebrate its first graduating class in 2028.
Ashley Stathatos has been appointed Lakeland’s new Assistant City Manager. Stathatos has been working in city government for 30+ years, most recently serving as the City Manager for High Springs, FL. She fills the role previously held by Rob Hernandez, who was promoted to Deputy City Manager last December.
Traffic
FDOT will be closing lanes on US 98 North this week as part of the US 98 Widening Project. Give yourself extra time if traveling between West Socrum Loop Road and County Road 54 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) + West Socrum Loop and Rock Ridge Road (8 p.m.-6 a.m.).
Opening
Calling all cookie monsters. Crave Cookies will bake its way into Oakbridge Centre with a grand opening on Saturday, April 12. Keep your eyes peeled to see which cookies + dirty soda flavors will be available — the menu rotates each Friday.
Ranked
We know that shopping is a pleasure at Publix, and based on data from Fortune and Great Place to Work, so is working there. The supermarket chain ranked No. 42 on the “100 Best Workplaces” list for 2025, with employees sharing their appreciation for advancement + stock ownership opportunities.
Development
The iconic Strawberry Festival stage is getting an upgrade for the first time in decades. Construction has begun to improve the fairground’s stage before next year’s festival, including larger stadium sound and light grids. See the renderings. (Fox 13 News)
Biz
Wigs, weaves, and extensions — oh my:A new beauty supply store is joining the Lakeland biz scene. KC Beauty and Cosmetics will open this Saturday, April 12 around the corner from The Green House, across from the Southgate Publix. Join the grand opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Number
$7,000. That’s how much funding Watson Clinic’s Arts in Medicine program received from the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance to fund its upcoming Legacy Lane + Arts and Health Week initiatives. Legacy Lane — a photography exhibit — will launch this summer, while Arts and Health Week will take place Nov. 3-9.
Coming Soon
Bring on the burgers. A new Adler’s Burgers could be coming to Auburndale near Downtown City Park according to plan review paperwork filed with the city. The food truck-turned-restaurant has two other locations in Davenport and Winter Haven. A timeline for the Auburndale location is TBA. (What Now Tampa)
Arts
Brush up on your painting skills in a workshop with professional painter Kate Carney on Saturday, May 3 at the AGB. Carney will teach techniques for painting white tones using reference photos taken right at Lake Morton. Secure a spot before registration closes on Sunday, April 27.
Seasonal
Spring your landscaping forward by shopping Bok Tower Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale this Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Browse flowers, plants, and more from local vendors in the Visitor Center’s picnic area while listening to the musical stylings of local performers. Admission is $20 for non-members.
Ever wondered, “Why am I seeing this ad?” RAD Intel fixes that so brands get 3.5x better results and customers actually get seen (in a good way). Investors include Adobe, Fidelity, and insiders from Google and Meta. The company is pre-IPO and shares are $0.55. Invest before prices change Thursday, April 10.†*
Shop
Put your business’s product or service in front of 35,000+ locals in our upcoming Parents’ Gift Guide. Don’t wait — secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day celebrations.
Category
Try This
Get out + give back
There’s no time like the present to turn a leaf and give back to the community. | Photo by @bonnetspringspark
April is recognized as National Volunteer Month, meaning it’s the perfect time to get involved and share your passions. Check out a few of our favorite volunteer opportunities around Lakeland.
For the outdoorsy types
If you’ve got a green thumb, apply to become a Master Gardener Volunteer and provide horticulture education through UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Training runs from July through November, and applications close at the end of this month.
For the good neighbors
Give back to older adults by sorting and packing food items or by delivering groceries to their homes with Volunteers in Service to the Elderly.
A cap sleeve V-neck tee with a tasteful ruching design. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric and available in 10+ colors, this shirt will become your go-to for spring and summer outfits.
And that’s how the carrot cake bread pudding crumbles. We asked where you could find this delectable treat in Lakeland, and 51% of readers spooned up the correct answer: Metro Diner. Looking for more brunch-spiration? Have we got a guide for you.
}})
