This 1980s office building has transformed into three condominiums — will one be yours? | Photo provided by Lake Morton Place LLC
If you’ve ever felt like you could sit by Lake Morton watching the swans forever, these new condos could be the spot for you. Meet Lake Morton Place, three lakeside condominiums located in a former office building — lucky for movers, there’s still one unit available.
The project is the brainchild of Lakeland couple Neal and Gabrielle O’Toole. When they couldn’t find the perfect forever home near downtown, they decided to buy 200 Lake Morton Dr. and turn the second floor into their paradise, with space for two more buyers. After stripping the interior, they were left with three condo units, one on each floor.
Each floor has been stripped down to the concrete, allowing residents to put their own spin on the design.
Photo by LALtoday
Here are five things that we love about this site:
Panoramic views of the lake — with floor-to-ceiling windows + private balconies to enjoy them
Private parking space and an elevator with high-tech security features
Backup generator (sure to come in handy during hurricane season)
Walkable distance to our favorite downtown + Lake Morton spots
A blank slate for owners to bring their vision to life, from the floor plan to finishes
We could wake up to this view every day.
Photo by LALtoday
What will the condos look like? That’s up to each resident. The O’Tooles are turning the second floor into a family oasis, and plans for the already-sold third floor call for a sleek + modern design. The available first floor includes 2,578 sqft of living space, and it’s up to you to build it exactly to your liking.
The O’Tooles are on the hunt for the perfect buyer — and neighbor — to snatch up the remaining space. Think you’re the right fit? Reach out for more information.
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
Jazz Dinner Night | 6-9 p.m. | La Gran Muralla | Price of purchase | Musician Tom Kay will perform smooth jazz and R&B live to add some ambience to your dinner + drinks.
Salute to our Hometown Heroes | 6 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free+ | Friday Fest will include live music, local vendors, a car show, and opportunities to meet local emergency departments.
Caribbean Street Fest | 1-8 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free+ | Feel the rhythm of reggae music as you enjoy entertainment + a vendor market.
Plantae Palooza | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Grow your own fun by shopping from plant vendors and enjoying bites + bevs from the farm.
Teen Night: Cosplay Prom | 6-10 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Center | Free | Teens ages 12-18 can dress as their favorite characters for a fun night on the dance floor.
Gather your crew and head to Lakeside Village — J. Crew Factory opens today at 10 a.m. You can now visit daily to shop for clothing, denim, and accessories for the whole family at discounted prices. Find it near Sunglass Hut and Fish City Grill.
Weather
Strap in for a hot week ahead. Starting this weekend, the National Weather Service expects that heat records could be tied or broken across Florida, with the heat index reaching 100º in some cities. Reminder: Even after recent rains, Polk County is still under a burn ban. (The Ledger)
Eat
A new spot has opened at the former Tea RX Cafe location on South Florida Avenue: Taste of India. Stop by for dishes like tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and samosas, which are available for dine-in or takeout — see the menu.
Coming Soon
You can also get a taste of Brazil at Sambrazil Market, coming soon to Combee Road just south of That 716 Pizza Joint. An opening date is TBA, but the grocery store says, “we’re here to make life tastier and easier with authentic products and freshly baked treats.”
Closing
Marshall Jewelers first opened in Lakeland in 1921 — now, the family behind it will close the business in mid-June. Bill + Carol Marshall, the shop’s second-generation owners, plan to sell as much stock as possible before retiring. Need a new jeweler?Try these hidden gems. (The Ledger)
Legacy
Hollis H. Hooks, a Lakeland native and wealth manager, has died at the age of 74. Hooks worked with Morgan Stanley for 40+ years, but he was also well known for his civic contributions to organizations like the Polk County School Board, Lakeland Regional Health, and Polk State College. (LkldNow)
Community
Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County’s George Jenkins Memorial Club is nearly ready to reopen in Winter Haven. A $4.8 million renovation is complete, with upgraded infrastructure and features like a teen center, recording studio, and athletic areas. Join the ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 22 at 4:30 p.m.
Lakelander
High schooler Aksh Ladegaonkar is making waves after winning second place at the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition. His project, focused on new pancreatic cancer treatments, was inspired by his aunt’s cancer diagnosis. This week, he’s showing off his smarts again at the International Science and Engineering Fair. (The Ledger)
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
For those who chose a coffee bar, you’re in luck — the Pours counter will offer specialty coffee drinks. Check it out now at the 4747 S. Florida Ave. Publix. | Photo by LALtoday
In case you missed it, the Lake Miriam Square Publix is currently undergoing a major rebuild and will reopen as a “prototype” Publix with unique features in the near future. Before we see what’s in store, we asked our readers which already-announced feature would make shopping a pleasure.
32% — I would put it back the way it was
30% — Pizzas + burrito bowls
22% — The Pours section
14% — Mezzanine seating
Social media followers also sent in suggestions for new offerings, including order screens (or even a drive-thru) just for Pub Subs, as well as a gourmet butcher counter. Several suggested more self-serve bars, featuring foods like ice cream, olives, fruit, and chicken wings. Another idea we can get behind: covered parking, perfect for rainy day grocery runs.
Have more ideas? Our poll is open for those with fewer than 10 items.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Parents, mark your calendars. PCPS students are almost to the finish line, with the school year ending Thursday, May 29. Start planning for summer vacation with our guide to kid-friendly activities — there’s something in there for Lakelanders of all ages to enjoy, even you.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
}})
