This Citrus Innovation Center will be the first of its kind, with no other research facility in the world devoted to citrus. | Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland’s history is steeped in the citrus industry. Now its future will be too, thanks to International Flavors & Fragrances’ (IFF) newly opened Citrus Innovation Center. We got a look inside this facility that’s bridging the gap between science + creativity, and it was a feast for the senses.
Sight
The Citrus Innovation Center is located on Florida Polytechnic University’s campus, and its futuristic building fits right in with the school’s contemporary design. Stepping inside felt like being transported to EPCOT at Walt Disney World — but with a touch of Lakeland flair thanks to a mural by local artist Gillian Fazio.
The 30,000-sqft center will be a hub for IFF’s research into all things citrus, from replicating a tangerine’s scent on a molecular level to upcycling discarded orange peels for chocolate bars.
Lakeland muralist Gillian Fazio lent her talents to the building, with her work inspired by the science of scent maps.
Photo by LALtoday
Taste
IFF works with companies around the world to create flavors for products that you likely eat every day, plus many innovative creations. We tried a Creamsicle-flavored ice cream that was dreamy and refreshing. Then the scientists dropped the bomb that it was flavored without any actual orange or vanilla in an effort to keep it sustainable when citrus supplies are low. We were shocked at how good it tasted.
Does sweeter orange juice make you happier? IFF will use experiential research like this to test the most successful flavor profiles in different regions.
Photo by LALtoday
Sound
The immersive Observatory will be used to stimulate all the senses as test subjects consume a citrus product. We didn’t mind being guinea pigs for this one as we tried drinks topped with smoke bubbles, surrounded by a 360-degree screen playing smile-inducing images + upbeat music created just for this facility. Yes, Marie Kondo, it really did spark joy.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Spring Contemporary Band Big Show | 7 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | Student band Isabella Perez and Friends will take the stage for modern music with support from Boys & Girls Club.
Mixology Class: Tropical Cocktails | 7 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery | $70 | Shake things up by learning how to craft three cocktails that will have you living on island time.
Live Music by B.Haven | 7-10 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $5+ | Bring your own chair for a concert at the Paradise Pavilion with this Winter Haven party band.
Saturday, April 12
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 craft stations.
Spring Festival | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Get egg-cited to celebrate all things spring with games and music outdoors on the library’s lawn.
Auburndale CityFest | 3-9 p.m. | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale | Free+ | Enjoy a headliner performance by Diamond Rio, vendor market, food trucks, and family-friendly activity zones.
Sunday, April 13
Florida Polytechnic Time Trials | 8-11 a.m. | Florida Polytechnic University | $40+ | Test your road bike riding skills on an 8-mile course around this school’s palm tree-lined campus.
Battle of the Bands: High School Edition | 5 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Student musicians from across Central Florida will rock out for the title of “Best in Show.”
Celebrate sweet Florida-grown blueberries, local bizzes, and summer on the horizon every Saturday and Sunday in April(with the exception of Easter Sunday) at this free blueberry bonanza.
Let your little ones run wild at the kids zones featuring fun + engaging activities
Free festival entry and $10 parking means everyone can get in on the blueberry goodness.
Keel Farms is family-run, committed to quality, sustainability, and community. If you can’t make the festival, the farm is open seven days a week for tours, wine tastings, and dining.
1.8 million. That’s how many gallons of raw sewage leaked into south Lakeland wetlands from 2020 to 2024, which will cost the city $2.65 million to clean up. Officials are also considering installing generators at wastewater pump facilities to avoid future spills during power outages. (The Ledger)
Eat
Sora Eatery at LAL has extended its hours to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays + 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends. That means you can now grab a smash burger for dinner while planespotting out of the panoramic windows. Check out what else we recommend ordering.
Number
Up to $1,500. That’s how much it can cost a Polk County family to send one child to daycare for a month. Applications are open for Early Learning Coalition of Polk County’s School Readiness program, which can cover part of childcare costs depending on family income. (LkldNow)
Holiday
Chag sameach. Passover (or Pesach) begins at sundown tomorrow. Participate by joining two Seders at Chabad Jewish Center on Saturday, April 12 + Sunday, April 13. Both will begin with services and appetizers at 7:30 p.m., followed by the community Seder at 8:30 p.m.
Arts
The AGB is seeking sculpture proposals inspired by Ela’s Forest, with a deadline of Sunday, June 1. The sculpture will become part of the museum’s permanent collection as a tribute to Ela Friedman, “a radiant little girl whose life was cut short by an act of domestic violence.”
Biz
There’s a new name in local architecture: Grace Hebert Curtis Architects | Orcutt Winslow, which has acquired Lakeland firm Straughn Trout. This will be the fifth Florida location for GHC | Orcutt Winslow — you may recognize some of its work in Orlando theme parks + entertainment centers.
Edu
Incoming kindergartners can sharpen their skills before the school year begins at Camp Early Bird. This free PCPS program will take place at elementary schools countywide, including three Lakeland locations. Registration opens on Wednesday, April 16.
Try This
How’s your sourdough starter doing? If you answered “not great,” it may be time to learn from the pros. There are a few seats left in Parkesdale Market’s sourdough basics class happening tomorrow at 9 a.m. Sign up to learn how to begin and get a dehydrated starter.
Sports
And we’ll never be royals. Well, maybe you will be after trying out for the Polk County Royals professional basketball team, which is now part of the American Basketball Association. Tryouts take place Saturday, April 19, 9-11 a.m. at Carver Recreation Center in Bartow.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale is currently ranked on USA Today’s 10BEST list of luxury RV resorts. Want to see this local travel destination take the crown? You can vote once per day through Monday, May 5. See more unique stays we’d vote for if we could.
Plan Ahead
In the not-too-distant future, one event will go where no event has gone before. SYFY Bartow has set its next convention date for Feb. 28, 2026 and announced plans for a second stage with even more entertainment. Start working on your cosplay now — the theme is “Animation Invasion.”
Category
Eat
🚗 Where to next?
We’re uncovering hidden gems and local legends. | Photo by LALtoday
City Editor Connor here. One of my favorite series we’ve done is Eat Down the Street, where we tell you the best restaurants you can find — all on one road. Then, you vote which one I should visit for lunch that day.
You haven’t led me astray yet. Here’s where we’ve been so far:
Combee Road: S&L Restaurant
This burger joint has been serving up breakfast + lunch for more than four decades, so you know they’ve perfected the patty. Pro tip: Bring your billfold; it’s cash-only here.
Edgewood Drive: Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Drive through or stop inside for hot + cold creations inspired by Italian flavors. Grab a spot on the shaded patio to enjoy lunch al fresco.
Now, we’re passing the mic to you. Which street should we eat on next, and which restaurants are a must-visit?
A set of nice thank you cards. This budget-friendly 36-pack combines elegant minimalism with gold foil accents on high-quality paper. Keep it on hand for expressing gratitude at a moment’s notice.
Spring training may be over, but that means the Lakeland Flying Tigers are just getting started. They’re taking on the St. Lucie Mets this week, and fans at tomorrow’s 6 p.m. game can get a free bobblehead of Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene.
Answered
Answered
How early do you start preparing for hurricanes?
40% — At the start of the season
31% — As soon as the last season ends
20% — Only when one is spotted
5% — I don’t prepare in advance
One reader said, “In the past I didn’t prepare in advance, but after last year that will change.”
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