When you see this statue of Frank Lloyd Wright, you know you’re in the right place. | Photo via Florida Southern College
You don’t have to travel to a bustling metropolis to find excellent architecture. In fact, the work of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright can be found in the most surprising of places: Florida Southern College, right here in Lakeland.
There’s no better way to explore Wright’s works than by taking a tour in person, but there’s a new way to go behind the blueprints.
“Frank Lloyd Wright & The College of Tomorrow,” the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s next featured exhibition, aptly opens to the public tomorrow, June 7. Visitors can get a rare glimpse into Wright’s archives and learn how he created iconic buildings like these on FSC’s campus:
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel has become the most iconic of Wright’s designs at FSC.
Almost immediately after being commissioned to redesign Florida Southern, Wright began drafting his designs for the first building. This was the first college chapel in the nation crafted in a modern design, and it’s fitted with vaulted ceilings, textile blocks, and a 65-ft bell tower.
That’s the new Roux Library in the background overlooking the Water Dome.
Photo by LALtoday
Water Dome
The Water Dome is the world’s largest water structure designed by Wright, featuring a 45-ft spouted dome. The dome was only partially completed as a reflecting pool in 1948 due to the “technological limitations” of the time, but it was later fully developed via a restoration project.
JJ’s Fusion Khaana Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult | Price of purchase | Chicken tikka and beef kheema tacos with an Indian twist are on the menu at today’s patio pop-up.
First Friday: Family Fun Night | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Bring the whole family to enjoy free kids’ activities + shopping and dining under the stars.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Tortugas | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $11.60+ | Buy a “pup pass” to bring your furry friend with you to this Bark in the Park game.
Born This Way Dance Party | 8 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | Free+ | Adults can party the night away with live entertainment by the new Ritz Dancers.
Saturday, June 7
Grand Reopening Celebration | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lakeland Antique Mall | Free+ | Celebrate this legendary store’s new location with raffles, family activities, and special guest artists + performers.
Bandit Market Summer Party | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Nora Mayo Hall, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Shop goods from more than 70 local artists, makers, and curators while snacking + sipping in the AC.
Swan City Piano Festival: Lynne Arriale | 7 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | The festival’s featured jazz artist is known for her original compositions and exciting performances.
Sunday, June 8
Rose Dynasty Center Anniversary Celebration | 2 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Center | Free+ | Celebrate this community hub’s first year at an open house with bites + bevs from Quinteassence and Bad Dog BBQ.
Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Free | Stop by this coffee shop after hours to read in silence + connect with other book lovers.
Lakeland United FC x Aztecs FC | 6:30 p.m. | Bryant Stadium | Free | Don’t miss the Swans’ final home game of the summer season before playoffs begin.
We’re all crocodile smiles, because Alligator Alley at Circle B Bar Reserve is finally open again. The popular hiking trail closed in October while repairs were made to damage from Hurricane Milton. However, it’s alligator mating season, so it may be closed intermittently if gator activity is high. (The Ledger)
Development
Polk County is one step closer to building an Agricultural Center Complex between Bartow and Fort Meade. County commissioners approved a $1.57 million contract with the Lunz Group to create a master plan for the project. When completed, the complex will host agritourism events. (The Daily Ridge)
Number
$52.7 million. That’s how much Publix Super Markets contributed to United Way in 2024, earning the company another President’s Circle Award from United Way Worldwide. This recognition goes to the top corporate partner of the year; it’s Publix’s sixth win in a row.
Feel Good
The end of the school year got an extra dose of pixie dust at North Lakeland Elementary School. Ambassadors from Disney — along with Stitch — surprised the staff with free Walt Disney World park tickets. Additionally, the company will make a donation to the Polk Education Foundation. (Winter Haven Sun)
Learn
Calling all “Baby-Sitters Club” members. Lakeland Regional Health will host a Safe Sitter class on Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Middle schoolers can learn the basics of babysitting, from safety skills to child development, and leave as certified safe babysitters. Registration is $65.
Asked
Do you remember your first job in Lakeland? We’re still accepting stories to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. So far, we’ve learned that many of our readers got their start on Lakeland Ledger paper routes (and that we should probably break out our childhood bikes again).
Kids
If you need something fur your young animal lovers to do this summer, there are still a few spots available at SPCA Florida’s Critter Camp. Elementary + middle school students can help rescue pets through playtime and animal care lessons during select weeks in June and July.
Jobs
Tired of wading through resumes from applicants that are states away? Ditch oversaturated national job boards for our locally focused LALtoday Job Board. Get started at no cost — post unlimited job listings for free.
Community
Celebrate strength and resilience at Thriving Beyond Cancer: A Survivorship Celebration on Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Hollis Cancer Center. Enjoy wellness resources, refreshments, and meaningful connection in a supportive space. This free event welcomes all survivors and loved ones. Learn more + register.*
Get a Carnival doughnut for $1 with any purchase today at Parlor. | Photo by LALtoday
It’s National Donut Day, and there’s a hole lot to love about these five shops. Be the hero of the office by bringing in a dozen, or treat yourself to your favorite flavor.
Parlor Doughnuts
Visit this downtown spot today for special donut deals, and come back during First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. to enjoy music by Evan Taylor Jones.
Hole In One Donuts
The donut case is always packed with fresh-baked goods at this hole-in-the-wall. Our favorite is the glazed croissant, justtrust us.
Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
These diminutive donuts are the perfect size for trying many different flavors — with such an extensive menu, you’ll want to try them all.
Mochinut
The flower-shaped doughnuts here are made with mochi rice flour, giving them a light, chewy texture.
FL Master Homemade Donuts
Take your pick from a packed pastry case — we love the apple fritters that are as big as your head.
The Buy
We’ve built your new go-to summer outfit. Grab the complete look below for under $200.
👗A lightweight dress with ruffle detailing on the sleeves and a flattering A-line silhouette.
🩴Reef’s vegan leather sandals that are top rated for comfort.
👛 A sturdy and stylish woven crossbody with a detachable shoulder strap + handles for multiple carrying options.
💎 Ettika’s freshwater pearl necklace plated with 18k gold to help prevent skin sensitivity.
💄Complete this (or any) look with Clinique’s best-selling Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Here’s the key to a great weekend: attending as many Swan City Piano Festival events as you can. The free performances start tonight at 6 p.m. at Harrison School for the Arts, and tomorrow’s events will span from the AGB Museum to First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland.
Professional pianists will bring their talents to Lakeland for your listening pleasure.
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