How many of these spots do you remember? | Photo via Florida Memory
If you read LALtoday every morning, you may know what’s new in Lakeland — but how’s your memory of its past?
We’re testing you with a before-and-after quiz after digging into the archives of the Lakeland Public Library and Google Maps. We’ll show you nine photos from years before, and your job is to tell us what’s in those spots today.
Ready to show off your Swan City smarts? Take the quiz, then come back to read about a few of our favorite transformations.
BINGO | 6 p.m. | Bowen Yard, Winter Haven | Free+ | Snack on birria tacos from Lake House Kitchen or strawberry sorbet from Ripples while you compete for five in a row.
Live Trivia | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Put on your smartypants and show what you know while grabbing grub from The Cultivated Pig.
Thursday, May 22
Bilingual Conversational Meetup | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Practice your English + Spanish with other Lakelanders through casual conversation.
Line Dancing in the Backyard | 7 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free | These boots were made for dancing — two-step over to this winery for lessons under the stars.
Friday, May 23
Sound Bowl Class | 5 p.m. | Sunmed Your CBD Store | Free | End the week by releasing stress with a peaceful sound bath.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | It’s Family Fun Friday at the ballpark, featuring free activities like face painting + inflatables.
Alien Moon — Movie Release Party | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist | $39 | Celebrate the release of the new “Lilo & Stitch” movie by painting your own alien step by step.
After 10 years of lululemon’s iconic yoga pant, meet the new version
Presented by The Buy
Graphic by 6AM City
Fun fact: It’s been 10 years since the Align™ pant was released — lululemon’s buttery-soft, functional yoga pant that’s amassed many a devoted fan.
Extra fun fact: In honor of the anniversary, lululemon just dropped lululemon Align No Line™, which has everything great about the original, just no front-rise seam.
City commissioners are considering adding speed enforcement cameras near eight Lakeland schools to reduce serious crashes. The cameras would have the capability to fine drivers going 10 mph over the speed limit. Share your thoughts in a public hearing in the Monday, June 2 commission meeting at 9 a.m. (WFLA)
Coming Soon
Foxtail Coffee is teasing an opening at the Shops at Lake Wire soon, and it won’t be your average joe. The shop just announced that it will also offer Kelly’s Ice Cream in addition to its coffee and breakfast items lineup. Here’s hoping for affogato.
Holiday
Memorial Day is coming up on Monday, May 26. Start planning ahead for local closures and waste collection changes: City of Lakeland collections will be delayed on Monday + Tuesday, and all Polk pickups will be delayed by one day throughout next week.
Number
200. That’s about how many years old the Lovers’ Oak near Lake Morton is estimated to be after an arborist’s recent examination. Age is nothing but a number, but the city has planned regular inspections to measure the tree’s risk going forward. (The Ledger)
Community
Has your neighborhood made history? The Lakeland Community & Economic Development Department has shared how you can make it official with a historic neighborhood designation. Before taking the first step, read up on what makes a home “historic.”
Sports
George Jenkins High School track star Chelsi Williams is going pedal to the medal, racking up more hardware than any other Polk County athlete. After winning 11 gold medals in events from hurdles to long jump, the senior plans to compete for the University of Georgia next. (LkldNow)
Plan Ahead
Brick Fan Expo will return to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa Aug. 9-10, bringing Lego-themed fun for fans of all ages. Tickets are already on sale to experience professional builds + family activities — but you can also find all things Lego right here in Polk County. (WFLA)
Eat
Treat yourself to an evening of culinary artistry + world-class winemaking this Sunday, May 25 at A Terrace Wine Dinner with Jackson Family Vineyards. Limited reservations are available to indulge in this five-course gourmet meal for the ultimate Sunday funday.*
Giveaway
We’re partnering with euphoria Food, Wine & Music Festival to give away two tickets to Aged to Perfection, Party in the Park, and Feast by the Field + a three-night stay at Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites in Greenville, SC. Enter to winnow through Tuesday, May 27.*
Real Estate
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Inspired by Ford and Tesla’s manufacturing process, BOXABL’s mission is to makeupscale, low-cost housing available globally by bringing assembly line automation to the housing industry. Learn more.†‡*
Hop off the trail to see more of Lakeland from two wheels. | Photo by BeFly Bike Tours
May is National Bike Month, making it the perfect time to hit the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway and Greenway Connector (outlined here in purple). This 26-mile trail offers a path from north to south Lakeland, wrapping around nine lakes in total.
Downtown West paths take you to Lake Beulah and Lake Hunter. Pedaling east, you can ride around Lake Morton and wave to the swans.
Head south through Florida Southern College’s campus to pedal around Lake Hollingsworth and take in the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The last stop on the path is Lake John, which borders the Cleveland Heights Golf Course.
Been there, biked that? There could soon be more room to ride in Lakeland thanks to a future pedestrian bridge over CSX railroad tracks. The project — slated to begin in March 2026 — will safely bridge the gap between Lake Wire + the New York Avenue cycle track.
The Buy
A teeth whitening pen that can eliminate surface stains to provide results within just 10 minutes. With continued use, it may even help your teeth become up to 10 shades brighter.
After we shared about the new Lucky Goat last week, other Tallahassee natives like me are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate our favorite hometown coffee shop coming to Lakeland. If you’ve also come from the capital city to Swan City, hello and go Noles.
Answered
Answered
Which dinner + a show pairing piques your interest this week?
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” at the Polk Theatre + dinner Mojo Federal was the winner this week.
If you missed that on Monday, catch “Les Misérables” on Friday night — best paired with a French-inspired dinner at Bay Street Bistro.
‡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.
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