Maybe you worked at Food World, Publix’s discount store at Lake Miriam Square? | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Nothing sticks with you like your first job, whether it was stocking shelves at a grocery store, serving fast food at the drive-thru, or running errands as an office assistant. We asked readers for their first job memories, and — maybe because so many had experience with paper routes — they delivered.
Remember when this was the Lakeland Rubber Stamp Co.? Today it’s home to The Modern Pearl + Mootown Scoops.
Photo by LALtoday
Regaling retail
The building next to Mister Fish was once home to the Lakeland Rubber Stamp Co. “I was there fresh out of high school in 1983 to 2001,” Sharon P. said. “Great memories of working next door to beautiful Lake Morton and always having a parking spot for Mayfaire.”
Remember Maas Brothers? This downtown department store drew plenty of Lakelanders, including Judi W., who said it was a great place to work. Jemy H. said they stayed busy gift-wrapping customer purchases, and Alison T. remembers the “awesome” restaurant.
Michael bared shared this shocking memory of working at F.W. Woolworth with us: “I was a part-time porter at night while I was attending Southeastern University. One night while I was cleaning the entrance doors, a streaker ran up the sidewalk wearing only his tennis shoes!” Maybe he should have stopped at Maas Brothers for new digs.
“by Heart” Cook Book Club | 6 p.m. | Pressed Books & Coffee | Free | Share a recipe from this month’s cookbook and meet other hungry book lovers at this potluck-style gathering.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free | Take the stage or support local musicians at this open mic night in downtown Lakeland.
Wednesday, June 11
Morning Mindfulness | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Yoga Pointe will teach two sessions next to the Blanton Family Lagoon at 9 and 10 a.m. — just bring a yoga mat or blanket.
Chess Meet-Up | 3:30 p.m. | Winter Haven Public Library | Free | Check out this all-levels group and play the 1,500-year-old board game until you checkmate.
Thursday, June 12
Yogadance | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
Jewelry Workshop | 6-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $53 | Grab a drink and learn to make handmade earrings and a matching bracelet.
Friday, June 13
Gallery Perspectives | 12-1 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Executive Director and Chief Curator Dr. Alex Rich will give an in-depth overview of the featured exhibition “Frank Lloyd Wright & the College of Tomorrow.”
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Pro tip: REAL ID regulations are now in effect — be sure your ID is updated before you fly. | Photo courtesy of Avelo and Visit Central Florida
Have you heard? Avelo Airlines is now flying nonstop to seven cities from Lakeland International Airport, including three new destinations. That means it’s now easier than ever to say “yes” to last-minute adventures (or escape the Florida summer heat this summer).
Work on the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line upgrade continues west of Sikes Boulevard. Plan ahead for the week of June 23, when crews will start work at the intersection of Ariana Street + Lotus Avenue. The intersection will be closed for around five days.
Civic
If the Land Development Code is your love language and reading the county’s Comprehensive Plan is your idea of a wild night, there’s an opening for you on the Polk County Planning Commission. Residents are invited to apply for a three-year term by Monday, June 23.
Ranked
What do physicians, anesthesiologists, and family medicine doctors have in common? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs can all earn you a median annual wage of $239,200 in Lakeland, making them the highest-paying jobs in town. Sounds like a step up from those first jobs.(Stacker)
Opening
Stock up on all the collector’s items your Halloween-loving heart desires at the new Big E’s Collectibles location in the Palm Center plaza on South Florida Avenue, next to Access Church. This shop will (appropriately)open on Friday, June 13, with horror-themed figurines, autographs, and raffles available.
Real Estate
$1,216. That was the average monthly rent cost for Polk apartments in May, down just a few dollars from $1,224 in April. If you’re apartment or house hunting, see what’s available for less than the average price — we spy up to three bedrooms. (The Ledger)
Travel
Want to get out of town this summer — but not too far out of town? Tampa ranked No. 7 on WalletHub’s list of the best cities for a staycation based on opportunities for recreation, rest, and relaxation. Start planning your trip with these Tampa Bay ideas.
Sports
Teamwork makes the dream work. Registration is open for select sports in the City of Lakeland’s adult athletic leagues. Find a partner to sign up for summer indoor pickleball by Thursday, June 26, or start assembling your team for fall softball to register by Monday, Aug. 18.
Read
Kids + teens can get a free book from BookaReaderville this season. All they have to do is read three books that match the shop’s Summer Reading Bingo card and answer questions about what they learned. Stop by the store to pick up a card — quantities are limited.
Cause
Calling all nonprofits: Score $1,000 for your organization with Lakeland Electric’s Community Giving Grant Program. Contact Lakeland Electric for all the details and apply before Friday, Aug. 1.*
Older Adults
Are you 62 or older with limited income? This is a must-read. Did you know a reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62+ turn home equity into cash without monthly payments? See how it works and view Money’s list of the best annuities to find options with A+ BBB ratings and competitive pricing.*
Wellness
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Use code 6AM10 for an extra 10% off.*
Sometimes, a lake just doesn’t cut it — thankfully, we have these reader-approved beach destinations + activities. Time it right and you could reach them in just an hour and a half (not accounting for the time spent in the Pub Sub line).
📍 Nokomis Beach
Charter a fishing boat for a day of quality time with the family — everything you need is included.
📍 Tarpon Springs
Learn how to kiteboard from an experienced instructor — multiple or single-day lessons are available.
📍 Honeymoon Island State Park
Bring your pup to the state park’s pet beach at the southern tip of the island. Leashed pets are also welcome on the nature trail.
📍 Treasure Island
Find Key West-inspired bites, bevs, and live music at Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach — yes, it’s literally on the sand for easy access.
Pro tip: Some businesses + beaches are still recovering from last hurricane season, so check in with your favorites before planning your trip.
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
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.
This is one dragon you don’t have to fear. | Photo via @gatearty
It was the Dixieland Dragon, created by welder Keith Williams. Shout out to Amy P., who was the first reader to send in a correct response. May your coffee be as strong as Amy’s today.
Heads up, Lakeland Electric customers. You can get free tickets to the Lakeland Flying Tigers’ Customer Appreciation Night game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27. I got mine this weekend at the farmers market, but if you missed their booth, just show your bill at the box office before the game for four free tickets.
‡ Restrictions apply. Discount applies to round-trip base fares only. Valid for travel through 1/6/26. Must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. PT on 8/31/25. See AveloAir.com Contract of Carriage for full details.
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