This downtown independent bookstore becomes an introvert’s paradise every second Thursday evening. | Photo by LALtoday
Here at LALtoday, we’re all about getting out in our community and seeing all that our city has to offer — but we also love our alone time.
Whether you prefer quieter social events, feel drained by excess socialization, or just need a push to get out there, we’re here to help with a guide to local organizations and events well suited for the introverts in our Swan City flock.
Silent socialization
Book clubs are on the rise, but you don’t have to be chatty to get in on the fun. Check out these silent book club meet-ups where you can bring your own book to independently read alongside others, followed by optional conversation.
Enjoying a beverage while reading in the library’s Main Branch will always be one of our go-to quiet Lakeland activities.
Photo by LALtoday
Laid back libations
Like the idea of grabbing a drink somewhere, but dislike the noise and hubbub? Try these spots:
Revival | The only talking you’ll need to do here is ordering your drink of choice — ours is a Lavender Collins — then you can sit back, relax, and maybe even do a bit of people-watching.
Rogue Coffee | Settle in with a chocolate chip cookie and strawberry boba from this hidden gem cafe in Downtown West for a quiet afternoon of good tunes.
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | Head to the Lake Morton location, grab a latte to-go, then take it into the Lakeland Public Library to sip silently while you browse the stacks.
Mom’s Momo Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Catapult | Price of purchase | Try Chinese cuisine with dishes like curry chicken and spicy dumplings on the Catapult patio.
Women’s Self-Defense Classes | 6-7 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $12 | Enhance personal safety and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 13 and up.
Lakeland City Commission Forum | 6:30-8 p.m. | FSC Weinstein Auditorium | Free | Florida Southern College student groups will host city commissioners for a Q+A with Lakelanders.
Thursday, April 17
Improve Your Online Presence | 8:30-10 a.m. | Lakeland Chamber of Commerce | Free | Business advisor Melissa Wing will teach you the three things you can do to improve your brand online in this workshop from Central Florida SCORE.
Easter Egg Hunt | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $5 | RSVP to join one of four egg hunts in the cat room to search for paw-some prizes like free drinks, food, merch, and even a one-year membership.
Gary Love & The Moonlighters | 7 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | This local favorite band will bring the vibes with a night of live music to kick off Swan’s 7th birthday bash.
Saturday, April 19
Spring Fling Sunflower Maze | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, Polk City | $14+ | Find your way through a maze of flowers, take a farm hayride, and pet cows from KT’s Mini Moos.
Sunday, April 20
Easter Sunrise Service | 7-8 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | Free+ | The 99th annual sunrise service will feature music by carillonneurs, cellists, pianists, and a bagpiper — stick around afterward for brunch at the Blue Palmetto Cafe.
Wednesday, April 23
2025 Annual Career Expo | 4-6 p.m. | Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center | Free | Learn about LRH careers + benefits like tuition reimbursement at this annual expo open to aspiring healthcare workers, high school seniors, and college students.*
ICYMI, I-4’s new congestion relief lanes will open the week of April 28. But that’s not the only project in the works. FDOT is beginning construction on the Poinciana Connector this summer — two years early — to connect Polk + Osceola counties via I-4, State Road 429, and the Central Florida Expressway. (The Ledger)
Travel
Avelo is ending its Charlotte/Concord, NC route out of Lakeland Linder International Airport. Avelo representatives confirmed with LkldNow that the route will be permanently canceled after Monday, April 28 due to “poor performance indicators.”
Community
Two more nonprofits are coming to Polk County to assist homeowners with remaining Hurricane Milton repairs. GiveWell Community Foundation + United Way of Central Florida have recruited Rebuilding Together Greater Florida and Inspiritus to provide cost-free essential repairs to ~34 homes — here’s how to apply. (LkldNow)
Eat
Fusion&Sabor Kitchen, a cozy counter-service spot, has taken over the former Cafe Zuppina space on South Florida Avenue. Stop by Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. to get a taste of the spot’s arepas, empanadas, samosas, and more made with a Latin-fusion flair.
Number
400+. That’s how many active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and veteran military and family members are impacted by Polk State each year. As a result of its commitment to military members and their families, the college has earned Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus status alongside 11 other Florida College System institutions.
Biz
Welcome to the tank. Catapult has announced the finalists for its next Launch Pitch Night on Thursday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP to watch local businesses Andrew Logans Confections, Dermageneous, Franklin Bread House, Resilient Meals, and Rezilyent LLC pitch to receive up to $10,000 in funding.
Edu
PCPS is asking community members to provide feedback on the programs + initiatives it created with the help of the Stronger Connections Grant. Share your thoughts in an anonymous survey to help inform PCPS’ strategic decision-making to create safer and healthier learning environments.
Lakelander
Jab, straight, hook. These are more than just boxing terms — they’re how Lakelander Jill Spangler is helping individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Spangler is the founder of the PunchWorx boxing exercise program at Kelly Recreation Complex, which focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance. Sounds like a knockout to us. (Bay News 9)
Holiday
Easter is coming up on Sunday, April 20. Commemorate Holy Week by joining First United Methodist Lakeland on its lawn at the corner of East Walnut Street and Lake Morton Drive for communion, 8:30-9:30 a.m. each morning until Sunday. Looking for more Easter-themed events? We’ve got you covered.
Job
Small business owners, we know you wear a lot of hats. Let us handle one. Post your job listing on the LALtoday Job Board for free and get it in front of some of the best local candidates.
Health
Protect your eyes and your wallet when you get personalized coverage with VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Enroll today for as little as $13 a month.*
Category
Answered
🚧 Your West Pipkin perspectives
The $55.6 million project began in August of 2021. | Photo via Google Maps
We asked you to share your thoughts on the West Pipkin Road widening project, and as always, you understood the assignment:
“It has certainly taken a long time for this project, but I have never had a real problem traveling through the construction area. Never any long delays. Hope it is done soon though.” — Carol G.
“I have simply learned to avoid the area, I will probably never travel those roads unless someone else is driving.” — TS Moore
“This may be taking a long time, but it has been planned with safety first in mind. I live off Pipkin, drive it almost daily and admire all the work being done.” — Anonymous
“Pipkin has a problem with flooding after heavy rains. Hope the new drainage ditches are able to handle the heavy downpours.” — Gracee
“I just hope it’s finished soon. I understand the need to alleviate the congestion but it’s been dragging on.” — Ryan H.
The best pet supply products to simplify at-home care and keep your fur baby happy:
🐾 Pet ear wipes are a quick, one-step solution to make sure pets don’t develop problems caused by build-up.
🐾 This cat + dog steam brush de-sheds better than plain brushes or combs, thanks to hair-attracting steam.
🐾 Eager to avoid expensive teeth cleaning? Once-a-week dental wipes can get you there without tangling with a toothbrush.
🐾 Swapping water bowls for a pet water fountain keeps water filtered and fresh — and pets tend to love drinking from it.
🐾 As seen on TV, Muddy Mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, and sand from paws, keeping entryways clean — no toweling off required.
There’s nothing like spring time in Swan City, and we have the blooms to prove it. Just check out this garden of Chihuly roses — grown + maintained by the City of Lakeland — that the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce shared with us. If only we could make this newsletter scented.
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