See the latest in home design — from kitchens to bathrooms to outdoor living — at the Spring Parade of Homes. | Photo courtesy of Joe Goldsmith Construction
The annual event allows real estate aficionados to take a free, self-guided tour of new construction homes across Polk County. This year’s event kicked off over the weekend, and will continue this Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — and Lakelanders have something extra special to look forward to.
Summers in Florida might not feel so bad with a pool like this.
Photo courtesy of Joe Goldsmith Construction
The Eagle, a home built by north Lakeland-based Joe Goldsmith Construction in the Water’s Edge at Lake Gibson community, has been selected as the event’s Showcase Home. Located at 5472 Shoreview Dr., the 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 5,377-sqft property is putting a modern twist on a classic hacienda with features like two primary suites, double ovens + dishwashers, and a custom pool with infinity-edge spa. Where do we sign?
We’re already dreaming of the meals we could cook up in the kitchen of The Woodside home.
Photo courtesy of Tapia Construction
Nine additional Lakeland homes made the cut for this year’s parade. Save this map to plan your route — here are a few of our favorites.
The Hunter: 7903 Lake James Blvd. | Ernie White Construction
🏡 What caught our eye: Community amenities, including a heated pool, fitness center, game room, library, and walking trails — it’d be impossible to be bored here.
The Miralles: 4818 Foxglove Circle | M/I Homes
🏡 What caught our eye: Three bedrooms, plus a bonus room — there’ll be room for the whole family at the holidays.
The Woodside: 5087 Cliffside Dr. | Tapia Construction
🏡 What caught our eye: Modern farmhouse style with luxury finishes — the direct views of Little Banana Lake don’t hurt either.
Events
Events
Monday, April 28
Bad Art Night | 5:30-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Leave your art skills at home and work to create a piece worthy of the “Worst in Show” award.
Mamas & Mocktails Social | 6:30-8 p.m. | Tienda Studio | $17 | Expectant mothers can join the Bellies-2-Babies Doula team for light bites, refreshing bevs, and the chance to win prizes.
Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Price of purchase | Order a round of drinks and Ultimate Fries to fuel your trivia team for a win.
Tuesday, April 29
Recruitment Event | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | CareerSource Polk | Free | Polish off your resume and complete in-person interviews for foreman + mechanic positions.
You Can Grow Orchids: Tips for Success | 10-11 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | A UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer will show you the ropes of caring for these delicate flowers.
Wednesday, April 30
Soul, Sass, and Brass | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | Trumpeter + vocalist Nicole Sasser will captivate the audience with musical odes to jazz greats.
Thursday, May 1
Spring Short Film Festival | Thursday, May 1-Friday, May 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Head to the film theatre to watch 17 movies written and directed entirely by students.
Friday, May 2
First Friday: Dos de Mayo | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a few days early with mariachi music, later hours at shops, and performances by the band Cuban Son.
Webster Park could be getting a new identity. City commissioners are expected to vote during their Monday, May 5 meeting on renaming the park after Lakelander + civil rights activist Nellie Madalynne Brooks. Did you know? Brooks marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963 to help end racial segregation. (The Ledger)
Edu
The Polk County School Board voted unanimously to begin planning for a new high school in Poinciana. Predevelopment for the 343,000-sqft school will be led by Fortess Secured LLC. It’s expected to accommodate 2,712 students + cost $187.4 million end-to-end, with a projected opening in 2028. (The Ledger)
Stat
Speaking of PCPS, charter schools are expected to see a ~10.3% uptick in enrollment next school year, according to a new report shared with School Board members. Out of 35 charter schools countywide, New Beginnings High School — originally established in Lakeland — is expected to see the largest projected increase. (The Ledger)
Sports
Lakelander Arian Smith is shipping up to the Empire State after being selected by the New York Jets as the 110th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday. The wide receiver + graduate of Lakeland High School isn’t the only Dreadnaught to join the NFL’s ranks — meet the rest. (The Ledger)
Watch
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a… rocket? That’s right — this evening’s Amazon rocket launch is expected to be visible in Lakeland at ~30 + 90 seconds post-liftoff from Cape Canaveral. Keep your eyes on the skies starting at around 7 p.m., or watch online as early as 5 p.m. (The Ledger)
Mansion Monday
If you have a heart for hospitality, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom Queen Anne Victorian home in Dixieland that previously operated as a bed and breakfast will be right up your alley. Plus, the wrap-around porch overlooking Lake Hunter is the perfect spot for sipping an iced cappuccino from nearby Concord Coffee.
Number
$29,639. That’s how much Andrew Logan’s Confections, Dermageneous, Resilient Meals, and REZILYENT received in total grant funding after Catapult’s most recent Launch Pitch Night. The four Lakeland start-ups spanning sectors from food to genetics to hearing protection will use the funds for assets to enhance their business operations.
Kids
Calling all future leaders. Registration for Polk State College’s summer Civic Leadership Academies is now open. Students in sixth through ninth grade can sign up for a one-week session in Lakeland or Winter Haven to learn about all things civic engagement + meet with community leaders.
Arts
The Lakeland Arts Association is now accepting submissions for its 53rd Annual Fine Art Exhibition at Florida Southern College’s Melvin Gallery from June 27 to July 25. Enter your pieces before Saturday, May 31 — a $1,000 best in show prize is on the line.
Community
Summer Fun Days will be back at Bok Tower Gardens this year, courtesy of Wawa. Pre-register to get free admission to the Gardens for the whole family on the last Thursday and Friday of the month, May-August. Study up on the landmark’s history before you go.
Pets
Class is in session, but not for humans. Welcome to Wag University, the Humane Society of Polk County’s six-week dog training course. Register to secure your pup’s spot before the next sessions begin on Saturday, May 17 — tuition is $150.
Job
Hiring just got easier. Post unlimited job listings with us for free on the LALtoday Job Board + connect with the right candidates faster. We’ve got your back.
Finance
They went from a 40-seat “blink-and-you’d-miss-it” bar to routinely topping “best of” awards lists across the country. Now Death & Co is expanding to Nashville, Seattle, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and even Australia. Don’t miss your chance to invest in Death & Co stock and lock in the current share price by May 15.†‡*
And with that, the 2025 Lakeland Book Crawl has come to an end. I crawled my way across all seven stores on the first day and had a page-turning time. While the crawl might be over, keep the good vibes going and support our local bookstores year-round.
Answered
Answered
What year did the first Publix Danish Bakery open?
The correct answer was 1957, correctly guessed by 41% of respondents. Tap the button below to find 20 locally owned bakeries that are sure to give you a sugar rush — just what we need on a Monday morning, right?
‡This is a paid advertisement for Death & Company Regulation A offering. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please read the offering circular at invest.deathandcompany.com.
}})
