Our seasonal Parents’ Gift Guide is in the works, and we want to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations.
Let’s get golden
Forget Shady Pines — you can spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” right here in Lakeland. | Photo by @alexander.mclendon
Picture it: Sicily, 1922. Fans of “The Golden Girls” (like City Editor Amelia) easily caught that reference.
As the weather starts to warm up, we’re leaning into the timeless, coastal vibes found in this classic sitcom to help us create a spring that would make Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose proud.
Dress the part
You don’t need to live near the coast to lean into the “coastal grandmother” clothing trend that defines the show — just browse through Lakeland’s vintage + thrift store scene. With the weather changing faster than we can say “uff da,” we’ll be looking for pieces that can change with it. Think: Linen trousers, colorful cardigans, and the occasional bold print.
Walk or sit in the park
Whether you’re hoping to get some fresh air like Sophia or get in touch with nature like Rose, there’s no better activity for a spring day than a walk in the park. City Editor Amelia enjoys going to Peterson Park for its walking trails, and City Editor Connor likes Dobbins Park for its proximity to nearby neighborhoods + shops.
Go dancing
Dancing is a quintessential activity for “The Golden Girls”, especially Blanche and Rose. Go alone or gather your crew to try one of these groove-worthy spots around Lakeland — no dance marathons required.
Indulge in some cheesecake
A day spent like our Miami ladies wouldn’t be complete without a slice of cheesecake. We recommend first visiting Palace Pizza for a Sophia-approved Italian dinner, followed by a slice of cheesecake from the dessert case. Want to skip right to the sweet stuff? We don’t blame you. Stone Cabin Winter Haven is well worth the drive, with 15+ cheesecake flavors to choose from.
Did we miss any peak “Golden Girls” spring opportunities? Let us know — thank you for being a friend.
Asked
Asked
How are you feeling today?
A. Feeling awesome! B. Could be better, but not terrible. C. It’s fine, I’m fine, everything’s fine. 🔥 D. Nope, not today.
Selling Sunshine | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | The next installment of the Lakeland History and Culture Center Lecture Series features Brenda Eubanks Burnette, author of “Florida Citrus Crate Labels.”
Mosaic Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $55+ | Choose from designs like a flamingo, seahorse, or mermaid, then get creative with a tile nipper.
Spring Jazz Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Grab a ticket to support students in Harrison’s Music Department, and all that jazz.
Friday, April 11
Mulberry Park Trailhead Welcome Activity | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Mulberry | Free | Explore the southern end of the wetlands on opening day of this expanded trail system.
Little Learners of Lakeland | 10-11 a.m. | Peterson Park | $25 | Children ages 2-5 can join a vehicle-themed playtime led by a speech language pathologist.
Munn Park Saints w/ The Crepe Company | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Start your weekend with live music on the Swan stage, ice cold brews, and sweet + savory crepes.
Saturday, April 12
Central Florida Hyundai Archery World Cup | Saturday, April 12-Sunday, April 13 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale | Free | Watch the world’s top archers shoot their shot as they vie for a chance at the Olympic Games.
Free Your Shoulders | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga | $50+ | If you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, join this class to strengthen and stretch them.
“La Musique” | 7-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College | $29+ | Organist Matthew Corl and the FSC Concert Choir will join the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra for an evening of classical music.
We’re pouring one out for Andrew’s Coffee. The drive-thru-forward coffee shop will brew its last cups this Sunday, April 13. A reason for the closure has not been shared, but the shop will remain open its typical hours for the rest of the week. We’ll miss you, horchata lattes.
Coming Soon
Winter Haven has hit the bullseye, officially receiving site plans for its first Target store. According to the plans, the 149,000-sqft location will be at the intersection of US Highway 17 + Avenue R SW, across from the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center. A construction timeline is TBA. (Winter Haven Daily)
Development
Bartow’s increased population is straining the county fire station in Highland City, so Polk County and the City of Bartow have agreed to fund a new joint emergency services station off of US 98 South. The county + city will split construction costs, maintenance fees, and square footage. (The Ledger)
Community
Three multipurpose fields at Lake Crago Park will open soon, bringing the city’s total to 19, but local teams say it’s not enough to support Lakeland’s young athletes. Teams asked commissioners to consider funding for new facility lighting or additional fields during 2026 budget talks, which start May 22. (The Ledger)
Sports
In other sports news, the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame has announced the five inductees joining its ranks this year. Get to know the all-star class, from legendary players to next-level coaches, before the official induction ceremony on Tuesday, June 17 at the RP Funding Center. (The Ledger)
Arts
While we’re on the topic of Hall of Famers — nominations are now open for the 2025 Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame class. Send in your recommendations for individuals + organizations that should be honored at this fall’s annual gala before Thursday, May 15.
Plan Ahead
Vintful Dream and Plates on Deck are combining forces once again to host a second Plates & Palettes event on Sunday, May 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Union Hall. Each ticket includes a three-course meal + guided painting session — save your seat.
Seasonal
There’s no need to be blue. Fancy Farms Market is serving up a variety of desserts in honor of Florida blueberry season. Stop by Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. to get your fill. We’ll take a blueberry smoothie and a slice of shortcake, please.
Pets
$3,500. That’s how much dough you might have to drop if your dog eats their chew toy. Yes, pets are expensive, but they’re worth it — and this pet insurance could reimburse 90% of those expenses.*
Number
5. That’s how many minutes it takes to read 1440’s daily newsletter — an unbiased, fact-centric digest of global events, culture, business, and beyond. Subscribe for free.*
Category
Shop
💿 Put your records on
What are you hoping to find on Record Store Day? | Photo by LALtoday
This Saturday, April 12 is Record Store Day (RSD), an annual event held by independent record stores to celebrate music and show support for local shops.
Jesse Carl Vinyl will be Lakeland’s only store participating in the event. The shop also shared that it received its largest order ever for RSD this year, meaning there will be plenty to browse and choose from.
Take these tips for a spin before the big day to get the most out of your haul:
The store will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Due to high demand, copies are limited to one per customer, and everything is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if there’s something on the list you hope to snag.
Hoping to get your hands on the “Wicked” soundtrack? Visit the store before 4 p.m. on Saturday to put your name in the raffle to win one of only two copies.
Yesterday, Connor and I had the opportunity to get a first look at International Flavors and Fragrances’ new Citrus Innovation Center, located on Florida Poly’s campus. Stay tuned for more details on what we learned + how the new center will be partnering with Florida Poly to drive innovation.
The Buy
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
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