Construction is coming along on this new supermarket, which was originally planned to be 63,000+ sqft. | Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland isn’t just part of Publix’s history — soon it will be at the forefront of its supermarkets’ future. The grocer is in the middle of a major remodel of its new “prototype” store at the corner of South Florida Avenue and Lake Miriam Drive that could change the grocery shopping game.
Before we jump into what’s new, let’s refresh: Publix closed and demolished its Lake Miriam Square store in the summer of 2024 to then rebuild it with a larger footprint.
You can order coffee, beer, wine, and more at Pours and enjoy it in-store while you shop.
Photo by LALtoday
Now, details have been released about what will set this supermarket apart. Expect features you won’t find at the chain’s other Lakeland locations, like:
Pours counter offering beverages, smoothies, and acai bowls
Expanded deli options, like burrito bowls + fresh-baked pizza
Mezzanine seating area where you can enjoy your bites
You can see these features on display at other “prototype” stores in Wesley Chapel and Tampa — and some Publix devotees may recognize a few from the former GreenWise Market (may it rest in peace). This location was converted into a regular supermarket in 2024, but the Pours section is still alive and well.
Don’t forget that the other businesses in the Lake Miriam Square plaza are still open during Publix’s reconstruction.
Photo by LALtoday
One notable option missing from the new Publix is the Chinese food counter, but worry not, lo mein lovers. It’s now open as Lake Miriam Chinese Kitchen in the same plaza, along with surrounding businesses, which are all still open to customers. Lunch at Palace Southside before an appointment at Vy Nails, anyone?
While Publix has been mum on an exact date, plans originally called for the grocery store to reopen this summer. In the meantime, you can shop at the nearest store right across the street at 4747 S. Florida Ave.
Asked
Asked
Which feature would make shopping a pleasure for you?
A. Fresh pizzas + burrito bowls, please B. Drinks on me at the Pours section C. I’ll be on the mezzanine D. I would put it back the way it was
Rose Lace Bowls | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Fabric Warehouse | $20 | Join this workshop to craft lace bowls with a floral theme, perfect for spring.
Tribute to Whitney Houston | Times vary | The Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | Local performers will pay homage to “The Prom Queen of Soul” with a concert of her greatest hits.
Wednesday, May 14
Yoga in the Vines | 6-6:50 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15 | Nicci from British Yoga Babe will lead you through a class for all levels, and tickets include a free drink voucher.
“Proof” | Wednesday, May 14-Thursday, May 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $15 | The next installment in The Edge Stage Read series is this dramatic play that is “both simple and elegant.”
Thursday, May 15
Lakeland Arts Forum | 6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Sit in on a discussion with creatives and advocates about cultivating the local arts scene over light refreshments.
Place That Sample: A Musical Game Show | 8-10 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $10+ | Test your knowledge of iconic music samples used in other songs in this show hosted by comedian Juan Rosario.
Friday, May 16
JJ’s Fusion Khaana Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Price of purchase | Flavor is in your future at this pop-up event featuring food truck bites “with an Indian twist.”
Tommy Stinson Live | 9 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee | $25+ | Tickets are limited for this performance by the guitarist and vocalist of bands like The Replacements + Guns N’ Roses.
Start on the path to a meaningful career with hands-on education. | Photo provided by Southeastern University
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As open conversations around the importance of mental health increase, so does demand for passionate counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Southeastern University’s College of Social Sciences & Humanities offers several degrees that set you up for a successful career or graduate study in mental health and helping professions.
Each degree sets you up for versatile career paths, from case management in community health organizations to clinical counseling in hospitals.
Whichever path you choose, SEU is committed to helping you explore your passions through Divine Design courses. These credit hours are built into degree programs so that students can freely explore areas of interest without falling behind.
Do you still have hurricane debris in your yard from last season? Tomorrow, May 14, is the final day for unincorporated Polk County pickups. Call the Polk County Roads and Drainage Division today to put your address on the list.
Award
The winners of Mayfaire by-the-Lake have been announced, with the $5,000 Best in Show award going to digital artist Alex Lanier. Also among this year’s 18 winners was Lakelander Daryl Ward — just check out this gallery to see why the photographer won a Merit Award.
Coming Soon
Shark your calendar. SEA LIFE Florida will officially open at Legoland on Friday, June 6. The aquarium will be the first of its kind in Polk County, and its 3,000+ sea creatures are already arriving. Pro tip: You’ll need park tickets to check out SEA LIFE. (The Ledger)
Biz
The Oakbridge Center plaza will soon be home to Lakeland’s second Publix Employees Federal Credit Union location, which opens on Wednesday, May 21. Despite its name, the credit union is open to more than just Publix employees — see if you’re eligible. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
The next Red, White & Kaboom! is already set for Thursday, July 3, on the Frances Langford Promenade. Make plans to attend the City of Lakeland’s free Independence Day celebration, which ends with a fireworks spectacular over Lake Mirror. We give it five big booms.
Watch
We’d like to buy a vowel. Next week is a Margaritaville takeover on “Wheel of Fortune,” with contestants spinning + solving for vacation prizes. Watch from Monday, May 19 to Monday, May 26 to see Polk County’s own Camp Margaritaville featured and enter to win prizes from home.
Tech
Wish Farms is incorporating AI technology into berry picking with its new Harvest Computerized Robotic Optimized Obtainer (aka a strawberry harvesting robot). Owner Gary Wishnatzki says the machine can now pick as many berries as a human worker, and it could fill a growing worker gap. (WFTS)
Eat
There’s a truckload of flavor in store at Keel Farms’ first Food Truck Wars, a new monthly event pitting the winery’s Sisimoto against a local vendor. Each order equals one vote at the first battle against A Boy Named Sous on Sunday, May 25, 12-5 p.m.
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
Category
Concert
🎶 Don’t miss a beat
The RP Funding Center is the place for big shows this summer. | Photo by @lakelandgov
Drumroll, please. From pop to country and everything in between, Lakeland is bringing the beat with 18 artists and bands. Scan this list and snag your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on any of them.
I had the best — and rainiest — weekend with my mom who came to celebrate Mother’s Day. She loved Mayfaire by-the-Lake, and our favorite booth was paws-itively the work of Haijin Sun.
}})
