What personal stamps would you put on these homes? | Photo courtesy of Nellymar Albelo, Orange Slice Properties
If there’s one thing we love about Lakeland’s real estate scene, it’s the wide variety of homes that make it up, from luxurious lakefront estates to cozy cottages. But not every home can be move-in ready from the get-go.
In honor of May being National Home Improvement Month, take a look at these five Lakeland fixer-uppers that — with a little bit of TLC — could be your next dream home.
For those just starting out
At just 936 sqft, this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom central Lakeland home is ideal for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, but want to keep their projects to a manageable size.
Imagine the gatherings you could host around this fireplace.
Photo courtesy of Renee Dewolf, Premier Property Solutions
For the endless entertainer
Between the large backyard, spacious kitchen, outdoor patio, and oversized living room, this home situated in the Lakeland Highlands area is ready to be made over by those who want to host with the most.
For the vintage visionary
Built in 1920, this historic Lake Hunter Terrace estate is the definition of “good bones,” making it the perfect project for someone who wants to tap into their inner interior designer without worrying about infrastructure.
This home is a completely blank canvas, ready for its next masterpiece.
Photo courtesy of Renee Dewolf, Premier Property Solutions
For those seeking a challenge
If you’re wanting to put your skills to the test, look no further than this Medulla home that is an entirely blank slate, ready to be guided by expert hands to its full potential.
For the location lover
If you find yourself hung up on location, location, location, this quiet, southwest Lakeland property might speak right to your soul. Take it from real estate agent Ashley Mossow who says, “With some TLC and a touch of handyman magic, you can transform this space into something truly special.”
Events
Events
Tuesday, May 20
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes In Munn Park | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab 10 tasting tickets to try dishes like Tsunami’s Freedom roll or Blue Dog’s pulled pork slider.
LEGO Club | 5 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Kids and their grown-ups can build a fun evening together, brick by brick.
Women’s Self-Defense Classes | 6 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $12 | Enhance personal safety and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 13 and up.
Daisy Fever | 6:30 p.m. | The Ritz Theater, Winter Haven | $35 | Bell-bottoms and fringe are the suggested dress code for this performance featuring hits of the 1970s.
Thursday, May 22
Bingo: APDA Community Needs Assessment | 2-4 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex | Free | Join the American Parkinson Disease Association for a lively game of bingo and complete the Community Needs Survey for an extra card.
Graphic Novel Talk - “Heroes in Crisis” | 6 p.m. | Revival | Free+ | Grab a Moscow Mule from the happy hour menu to sip while discussing this DC Universe read.
Friday, May 23
American Cornhole Tournament: ACO Camp Margaritaville Major | Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24 | 8 a.m.-11 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $30+ | Sign up to show out on the court in divisions for singles and doubles for all ages.
“The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” | Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $15 | See the story of the magical land of Narnia come to life on stage.
Saturday, May 24
52 Ways of Love Community Celebration | 12-5 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | Free | NFL legend Ray Lewis returns home for a community event featuring entertainment + celebrity guests to promote mental health awareness.
FDOT crews will be closing I-4 westbound between Lakeland exits 41 and 33 nightly through the end of the month as part of the State Road 33 Interchange Improvements and Wildlife Crossings project. Expect to take alternate routes if you’re traveling between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Stat
2.7%. That’s how much the median list price for homes in Polk County decreased in April compared to that time last year, according to data from Realtor.com. The current countywide median list price is $339,450 — see what that can get you in Lakeland. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
Time to get shuckin’. A new oyster bar will make its way to downtown Winter Haven this summer, next to Upper Crust Pizzeria. Oyster Bar Winter Haven describes itself as a “New Orleans-themed ‘hole-in-the-wall’ cold kitchen/bar.” An opening date is TBA.
Opening
Polk County Fire Rescue will host an open house during the grand opening of its 45th station on Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. Located on Moore Road, the fire station will support the north central area of Lakeland alongside existing stations in the Polk City and Providence areas.
Award
Lather, rinse, repeat. Lakeland’s Venue Salon & Spa has been named a top 200 salon by SALON TODAY Magazine for the second year in a row. The salon took home an award in the growth category, having boosted its sales by more than 15% from 2022 to 2023.
Legacy
Dr. Edwin “Ed” Vetter, a pioneering Polk County educator, has died. Vetter worked for Polk County Public Schools for 46 years + is best known for establishing the county’s first-ever International Baccalaureate program at Bartow High School in 1995, where he served as the principal until his retirement in 2015. (The Ledger)
We spy with our little eyes: a new website for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The new digital resource for the 2,000-mile-long trail allows individuals to find nearby sites, upcoming events, and info on different species. Spoiler alert: there are several Lakeland-area locales on the map. (WFLA)
History
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, an annual celebration of Jewish Americans’ contributions to history, society, and culture. Did you know? Lakeland’s Jewish community can be traced back to as early as the mid-to-late 1800s. Get the full story.
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our LALtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting.
This semi-pro team serves as a bridge program for players from around the world to take the next step in their soccer career, from playing at the collegiate level to going pro. When you watch this team play, you’re seeing some of the best the world has to offer.
Don your best blue, white + black kits and snag a free ticket to one of the team’s upcoming home games at Bryant Stadium to cheer them on to the playoffs.
Sunday, May 25 vs. Inter City FC — 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4 vs. Club Nacional de Tampa — 6 p.m.
One of our favorite trends of the summer: textured handbags. From straw to beaded, these are our top five picks:
🌟 This standout wood bead bracelet handle bag is the perfect accessory for your beach vacation.
🌟 This versatile braided tote made with 70% recycled plastic is available in 35+ colors.
🌟 MANGO’s woven canvas crossbody with smooth faux leather detailing offers fun textural interplay.
🌟 This crescent straw bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will be our go-to all summer long.
🌟 An elegant rope clutch is a must for summertime weddings and cocktail parties.
As the weather starts to heat up, nothing hits harder for dinner than a delicious burger. Luckily, we’ve got lots of options around Polk County where you can get a taste. My personal favorite is a single burger from Super Duper Spot in The Joinery, paired with an order of sweet potato fries — extra crispy, of course.
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