Take a seat for a moment of reflection at this peaceful park. | Photo by LALtoday
On the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of downtown Lakeland, you’ll find a lakeside park where you’re encouraged to slow down. Veterans Memorial Park is packed with meaningful tributes to Polk County veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and others who have made an impact on the United States.
Platform Art raised money for this sculpture by artist Becky Ault, called “Friends of Freedom.”
Photo by LALtoday
Upon entering the park, located on Lake Beulah Drive, you’ll find 14 monuments and memorials. Many honorees are represented, from the Buffalo Soldiers of the Spanish-American War that camped out on the shores of Lake Wire, to the organizations that support Polk County’s 60,000+ veterans.
You’ll also find the Bicentennial Rose Garden near the park’s north end, which was erected to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Photo by LALtoday
Walk the paved paths to each monument to learn more about the stories behind them, or take a seat on a bench beneath the shade of an oak tree for a quiet moment.
Veterans Memorial Park is free to enter, and tomorrow’s NAACP Lakeland Branch Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. is the perfect time to check it out. Pro tip: There’s a small three-car parking area near the park’s northwest corner, but we’d also recommend finding an open spot at the RP Funding Center.
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.
Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | 5-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
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.
Malaya | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $8+ | Soulful vocals and catchy tunes inspired by pop, R&B, and alternative genres await at this concert.
Saturday, May 24
“Cave Diving in Florida” | 10 a.m. | Legacy Christian Church | Free | Join the Polk County Archaeology Club as guest Woody Vinzant gives an interactive presentation on his cave diving experiences.
Book Signing with Kayla Tirrell | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Inklings Book Shoppe | Free+ | Local author Kayla Tirrell will sell + sign her books while talking all things romance.
Purrs & Popcorn Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $19 | Cuddle up with cats for a showing of “Coraline” — popcorn and a drink are included.
Sunday, May 25
Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Stroll, shop, and support local vendors at this outdoor market before it takes a summer break from June to August.
Lakeland United FC x Inter City FC | 6:30 p.m. | Bryant Stadium | Free | The Swans will take on this Fort Myers team in hopes of securing a spot in the playoffs.
60%. That’s the probability of an above-normal hurricane season, as reported yesterday by NOAA. The prediction falls in line with others ahead of the season’s start on Sunday, June 1, with NOAA forecasting 13-19 named storms and up to five major hurricanes.
Development
A new tenant is heading to LAL, bringing a 137,000-sqft aircraft maintenance hangar to the northeast area of the airport. Arcade Aviation will lease the land for 40 years, adding up to 300 local jobs at the hangar and paying the city $257,000+ per year for the lease. (The Ledger)
Civic
Heading to Polk County’s North Central Landfill for a drop-off? County commissioners approved an increase in solid waste disposal fees starting Oct. 1, plus a 5% increase each year through 2030. Construction and yard waste disposal fees will now be $46 and $36.50 per ton, respectively.
Coming Soon
Another IHOP location could be coming to Lakeland after a franchisee submitted plans for a site off Highway 98 South near Clubhouse Road. It would be the company’s third local restaurant. If pancakes and omelets are what you seek, grab brunch at one of our favorite spots. (What Now Tampa)
Outdoors
Are you tracking with us? There are still spots open for next weekend’s guided hike at Se7en Wetlands. Register to join the 3-mile trek on Saturday, May 31 at 9 a.m., where you’ll learn to identify the animal tracks you spot along the way.
Eat
Something sweet is always in the works at Sweet Cup Cafe, and this time it’s in the form of an updated menu. Expect to see your favorites alongside new additions, like the churro French toast, Mexican hot chocolate, and carne asada fries.
Kids
WonderHere is hosting summer camps for kids ages 4-12 from Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, July 30. Sign-ups are now available, and with themes like “Fun on the Farm” and “Storm Chasers,” we’re wishing we could join too.
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
Category
History
The answer is waiting in the wings
Lakelanders lined up down the block for showings at The Palace Theater. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
This week, we asked you to hop in our time machine (better known as Google Maps + the Lakeland Public Library archives) to match old pictures with the places there now.
Readers definitely proved their Swan City smarts, but one of the most-missed questions asked what is now at the former Palace Theater.
Before we give the answer, take a look back at these facts:
The theater was open downtown from 1925 to 1950.
It once featured an orchestra pit + a full stage, with curved opera-style windows.
In its heyday, moviegoers could catch flicks like “The Shadow Behind the Mask” + “Jinx Money” and would wait in line for double features.
Ready for the big reveal? We’re surprised the name didn’t give it away — this location is now home to Palace Pizza.
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
How did you fare on our Lakeland history test? We saw many 100% scores, but I wanted to shout out a few readers who slid into our inbox for a virtual high-five: Tim, Dawn, Stevie, Susan, Perry, Julia, and Angela. Gold stars all around.
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