This artist’s illustration is just a concept, but it shows how the corner of Memorial Boulevard + North Florida Avenue could be transformed. | Image via City of Lakeland
The Midtown redevelopment district was the hot topic for city officials in the Monday, July 7 City Commission meeting, where commissioners adopted a long-term strategic plan for Memorial Boulevard that could change the landscape of the largest Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district.
The plan covers Gateway Boulevard from I-4 to Bonnet Springs Park, Downtown Gateway from the park to Lakes Church, and Lakefront Parkway stretching east to the Charles Larsen Memorial Power Plant on Lake Parker.
The Florida Department of Transportation plans to redesign these 6.1 miles of US-92 in 2028. Before shovels break ground, the CRA and consulting firm Ayres Associates gathered community feedback to define a vision for three sections of Memorial Boulevard:
Gateway Boulevard — Combining industry with innovation through maker spaces + improved connectivity to Bonnet Springs Park
Downtown Gateway — Evolving the street from a busy drive-through area to a walkable Main Street with revitalized lots, walkability, and retro flair
Lakefront Parkway — Creating a small-town feel with mixed-use buildings to offer more affordable housing
These plans are outlined in the CRA’s economic development strategy, which also includes the project’s core principles (such as promoting infill development, livability, and connectivity) along with suggested time frames + funding sources for action items.
Golden Hour Fridays | 4-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Get your glow on with laid-back music, picnic space, and casual vibes on the Lawn every Friday this summer.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Price of purchase | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Dueling Pianos | 9 p.m. | Winners Circle Sports Bar and Grill | $10 | Book a seat to hear two pianists battling it out for your applause.
Saturday, July 12
Fruit Fest | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales | $20 | Learn about planting tropical fruit with horticulture lectures, then sample gourmet dishes + drinks around the Gardens.
Citywide Summer Sidewalk Sale | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Dozens of shops will host sidewalk sales with one-day-only deals while competing for the best window decor.
Bluey Reads Day | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Books-A-Million | Free | Pajamas are encouraged at this sleepy-themed event, featuring three readings and games for little Bluey fans.
Children’s Theater | 2-2:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Kids ages 4+ can enjoy the show or become the stars at this interactive story time.
Sunday, July 13
Backyard Brunch | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Start your week on the right note with live music, Sisimoto brunch specials, and mimosa ciders on the farm.
Pottery Class - Landscape Mug | Sunday, July 13, Sunday, July 27 | 2-4 p.m. | Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio | Don’t miss the first part of this class where you’ll learn to handbuild a mug with 3D designs.
A True Crime Comedy Night | 6:30-8 p.m. | Stage Room | $10 | Casey Skinner will share wild stories that are so funny, they should be criminal.
Treat yourself. Lakeland Treats & Trinkets will hold a grand opening tomorrow, July 12, next to Teriyaki Madness at 270 E. Bay St. Doors will open at 10 a.m. with waffle sandwiches, cookies, coffee, Italian ice, and more sweets available until 9 p.m.
Civic
Two seats on the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) board are up for election Tuesday, Oct. 7. The vote is open to those who own property within the LDDA’s boundaries, or registered voters who live there — see if that applies to you by checking the map.
Edu
PCPS and Polk State are joining forces for a new Teacher Apprenticeship Program, where current paraeducators will earn their education degrees + certifications while working in classrooms. A Florida Department of Education grant is covering costs, and PCPS positions are waiting for these future grads.
Development
Bowen Yard in Winter Haven is growing, with developer Six/Ten adding four buildings for retailers or restaurants by spring. The expansion will be two streets west of the current food hall footprint, and the retention pond separating the two sites could be turned into a city park. (The Ledger)
Biz
Say goodbye to June Taylor and hello to Junely. That’s the new name for the vintage shop, which will soon reopen at 1216 S. Florida Ave. in Dixieland. A date is TBA, but owners Kelly + Bill Riley teased that it will be later this month.
Sports
The Junior Olympics take place in Houston this summer, and two Polk County athletes qualified at just 11 and 10 years old. Haines City brothers Kipton and Keaton Winget will compete in the 1500-meter race and the turbo javelin events, respectively, to bring gold medals home to Polk County. (WFLA)
Watch
Add the WUCF PBS series “Florida Road Trip” to your weekend watchlist. The Lakeland episode features interviews with local leaders like Mayor Bill Mutz + stops at icons including Bonnet Springs Park and Joker Marchant Stadium.
Create the city you want to live in. | Photo by LALtoday
Swan City citizens like you are integral to creating the city we love. Wondering how you can make an impact? You can serve Lakeland on one of the city’s municipal boards and committees. There are currently vacancies on two committees.
Discusses issues and services that affect the city’s youth and makes recommendations to the Lakeland City Commission
Open to 9-12 grade students living within city limits
If you live outside city limits, you can still make a local impact by applying to Polk County’s boards + committees. Applicants will be considered when there’s an opening.
The Buy
It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day. Don’t miss out on great discounts before the deals end tonight:
🔌 38% off: A No. 1 best-selling smart plug you can control with your smartphone, your voice, or preset timers.
🩳 62% off: A three-pack of Calvin Klein men’s boxer briefs rated 4.6 stars.
🎒 36% off: A brilliantly basic adidas backpack in black, rated 4.8 stars and perfect for work, travel, or school.
🌴 23% off: A summery outdoor rug that’s big enough to cover your whole patio.
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.
Lakeland is gaining more recognition this year, with several features from ABC and PBS gracing our TV screens. I’ll be rewatching WEDU’s “Greater Lakeland” series today — the episode on caring for the swans was my favorite.
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