Get an outside look at the history behind these homes, or book a showing of one that’s on the market. | Photo by LALtoday
If you’re like us, you were disappointed to hear that the annual Lake Morton Historic Home and Garden Tour was canceled this year. Since we’re “when life gives you lemons” people, here’s how you can take your own tour of the Lake Morton neighborhoods — and maybe call it home.
The South + East Lake Morton historic districts are packed with unique homes, many of which are more than a century old. Here you’ll find bungalows and Mediterranean Revival-style houses, plus shady trees that make for lush gardens.
While we wait to venture inside during future Home and Garden Tours, we recommend strolling down Success Avenue, Vistabula Street, and Johnson Avenue to see some of Lakeland’s most charming residences. Bring your phone and search properties in the Lakeland History Room’s databases as you go to read about their architectural styles, former owners, and when they were built.
The South Lake Morton district was surveyed in 1984, with 75% of its buildings being considered contributing structures.
That’s how we stumbled upon the story of 1055 Success Avenue. This bungalow was built around 1926 and was the home of William F. Reid, who served as Lakeland’s mayor in the 1920s and 1930s. And there’s plenty more history where that came from.
If Lake Morton’s charm draws you in, these century homes on the market could get you highlighted on the next tour.
These homes are blank canvases that you can add your signature garden style to.
515 Frank Lloyd Wright Way | Built in 1922
This home was featured in the 2020 Home and Garden Tour, and the front + back yards are just waiting for your green thumb to add some life.
939 Lexington Street | Built in 1925 Not into yard work? The backyard here is paved with brick, with a raised portion where you can show off your flowers, sans mowing.
949 Success Avenue | Built in 1923
The patio overlooking a landscaping-ready front lawn caught our eye, but it’s the spiral staircase that has us wanting to call this house home.
Events
Events
Tuesday, April 15
Tribute Tuesday: Billy Joel | Times vary | The Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | Streetlife Serenader will sing us the songs of the “Piano Man.”
Choral Pops Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | The music of the stage, sound, and screen will come to life in this concert performed by local students.
Family-Friendly Paint and Sip | 7-10 p.m. | Botanical Brewing Taproom | Price of purchase | Order a kava or elixir drink, then put your creativity to the test in a guided painting lesson.
Wednesday, April 16
Fiat Lux | 12-7 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Celebrate Florida Southern College student research with an open house featuring presentations throughout the museum.
Game Show Night | 6 p.m. | The Elks Lodge | $25 | Donate to READ Lakeland and join this “Family Feud"-style game night that’s sure to be a hoot.
Brass Quintet Concert | 7 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | Follow the sounds of big brass to this student concert in the Band Room.
Thursday, April 17
Jellybean Jubilee | 4-7 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free | Hop on over to this free community event featuring an egg hunt, crafts, games, bounce houses, and face painting.
Spring Wreath Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $75 | Use faux flowers and greenery to create a wreath that will adorn your front door all season long.
Pro tip: Enable notifications so you never miss a bill or outage update. | Photo provided by Lakeland Electric
Want to take charge of your home energy management and slash the time you spend paying bills? There’s an app for that.
Lakeland Electric’s new app puts home energy management at your fingertips. Designed with Lakeland residents in mind, the app makes it easy to stay on top of your home’s energy anytime, anywhere.
Get alerts for outages, or report one in your neighborhood
Set up biometric login for quick and secure access
The Lakeland Electric app is available for both iOS and Android devices, so anyone can access it. If you already have an account for the Lakeland Electric website, you can log into the app for the first time with the same credentials.
Not tech savvy? No worries: Visit the app’s help section for a guide to become a pro in no time.
New lanes will open on I-4 East and West in about two weeks — eight months ahead of schedule. These congestion relief lanes will stretch between US-27 in Polk County + World Drive in Kissimmee. It’s part of the Moving Florida Forward plan, which also includes interchange improvements in Lakeland. (Fox 13 News)
Arts
Mayfaire by-the-Lake’s featured artist has been announced, and now the art festival has its judge. Visual artist Charles Edward Williams will step into the role this year, selecting which artist will take home Best in Show — plus the $5,000 award that comes with it.
Tech
Forget magic school buses — today’s learning is all about educational technology (aka EdTech), and Lakeland-based Happy Hands World is ahead of the curve. The sensory kit company was featured on HolonIQ’s 2025 North America EdTech 200 list of promising startups in the early learning + K-12 division.
Civic
High schoolers can make an impact on local government by applying for the Lakeland Youth Council. City commissioners will choose 15 students to serve two-year terms and be the voice for Swan City’s youngest residents. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, May 29.
Holiday
Polk County Tax Collector’s offices will be closed this Friday, April 18 in observance of Good Friday. It’s the only local government closure, but Lakeland Public Libraries will close on Easter Sunday, April 20.
Active
Find your flow (and maybe a fly ball) with Yoga Pointe’s Yoga in the Outfield event on Saturday, April 27. Tickets include a 10 a.m. yoga class on the field, followed by brunch in the ’34 club and a seat at the 12 p.m. game against the Bradenton Marauders.
Award
You just can’t beat a classic. Plant City pilot Cpt. James Verner’s 1952 Beech 18 BS won SUN ‘n FUN’s Grand Champion Custom Classic award. This marks the second time a Plant Citian has won a top honor at the expo — see the full list of this year’s winners. (Plant City Observer)
Biz
If you skipped lining up at 5 a.m. for Record Store Day in favor of extra shuteye, Jesse Carl Vinyl has you covered. The shop said Saturday was its biggest RSD yet, but some copies are still available online, including albums by The Cure and The Doors.
Festival
There are only two weekends left to experience the Blueberry Festival. Head to Keel Farms to join in on u-pick berries, blueberry shortcake, camel rides, local vendors + fresh Florida-grown fun.*
$1,300. That’s what you could spend on a brand new tablet, smart watch, and noise-canceling earbuds — or what you could spend overpaying for car insurance. If you like the former option, see what you could save by switching car insurance providers.*
Category
Eat
👋 Goodbye gluten
Find Mimi’s locations on South Florida Avenue + US Highway 98 North. | Photo by LALtoday
Navigating a menu on the spur of the moment can be tricky. That’s why we asked our readers for their favorite gluten-free restaurants and menu items to try.
Note: It’s best to check with restaurants directly to see if their dishes meet your needs.
Mimi’s Italian Ice
The menu here is always changing with new additions, but you can trust that every sweet treat is made gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Ax-Caliber
Switch to gluten-free bread for any sandwich or flatbread, enjoy Buffalo chicken dip with gluten-free tortillas, or load up on tater tots.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
Stop here all day for home-style, gluten-free eats. Our Instagram follower @michelle_maracz praised their clearly marked menu.
New Moon Sushi
According to Reader April T., “They bend over backwards to make sure you have a gluten-free and enjoyable meal. They even have gluten-free soy sauce and not all sushi places do.”
This weekend, I sent Andrew’s Coffee off with one last sugar cookie latte. If its closure is leaving a freezy-sized hole in your heart too, find a new go-to spot with our guide to local coffee shops.
Answered
Answered
How far will you travel for good food?
54% — An hour or so
22% — Within city limits
If you’re like these readers who like to keep it close to home, help us out by deciding which street’s restaurants we should feature next.
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