Cosmetologists of all kinds can now lease space in the Sola Salons studio. | Photo provided by Continental Realty Corp.
When you’re ready for a fresh look, Lakeside Village’s new businesses that opened this summer have your back (and your nails, and your eyebrows). Plus, there’s even more to look forward to coming this fall.
J. Crew Factory opened in May near Fish City Grill with a full store of discounted fashions for the whole family. Get a peek inside for what to expect — no perfectly rolled sweaters needed.
Waxing the City also offers a membership program with monthly discounts + birthday rewards.
Photo by Anna Schmidt
Bare with us. Across the roundabout is Waxing the City, where anyone can go smooth with face + body waxing services, plus brow tinting, lash lifts, and skin treatments.
Ready for the finishing touches? Sola Salons’ Lakeland location opened on the second floor above Famous Footwear. So far, 15 cosmetology pros have rented suites, from hairstylists to estheticians.
This autumn, more bizzes will fall into new locations. The Little Gym kids’ gymnastics center is teasing a fall opening, and Nordstrom Rack will hold a grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Asked
Asked
Which openings get you most excited?
A. Restaurants B. Retail C. Activity hubs D. Community facilities
Kid Craft Day | 4-5 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $15+ | RSVP to reserve a spot at the crafting table + snacks for your child.
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes In Munn Park | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab 10 tasting tickets to try dishes from your favorite downtown restaurants while jamming to music in the park.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | 4 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $26+ | Watch the game from the Feast in the ’34 Club, or reserve a seat for all-you-can-eat ballpark fare.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Camping Cookie Decorating Class | 6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Ellie Mae’s Bakery will show you how the cookie crumbles, and you’ll leave with six summer-ready treats.
Friday, Aug. 22
A Proper Night of 70s and 80s | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $13+ | Proper Wednesday and In Between Sets will get you movin’ and groovin’ with disco + rock hits.
Saturday, Aug. 30
West Coast Swing Workshop | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Just Dance Academy | $15+ | Dance champion Danielle Blouin will teach swing skills before open social dancing + a ladies styling workshop.
Southeastern University’s Lakeland campus is only the beginning what the school offers students. | Photos provided by Southeastern University
Thinking about getting your degree, but unsure if college fits into your life? Southeastern University (SEU) has flexible degree pathways that make education accessible to all, whether you’re starting out or starting over.
In addition to an on-campus format, SEU offers online + partner site programs, all with experienced professors, peer support, and opportunities to make an impact in your community throughout your education.
On campus
Apply to SEU in person for a traditional college experience. The Lakeland campus has ~2,200 students and a robust student life with clubs, leadership opportunities, and nationally ranked athletic programs.
The SEU Network has 200+ partner sites, including 30+ in Florida. Partner sites are great for anyone seeking in-person learning without leaving their hometown.
All programs have Foundational Core and Divine Design credits built in, where students can explore passions, potential career paths, and valuable life skills beyond the classroom.
A new referendum could generate money for teacher raises through a four-year, 1 mill ad valorem property tax. The referendum’s language will be finalized after the School Board’s public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Then, it will need county commissioners’ approval to appear on 2026 ballots. (LkldNow)
Open
Do knot miss this news — Franklin Bread House opened an outdoor Dixieland cafe at 1201 S. Florida Ave., in the space next to the Marathon gas station. It’s open Friday-Saturday mornings with Bavarian pretzels, Polish donuts, and coffee. Editor’s pick: The cinnamon + sugar pretzel. (The Ledger)
Edu
Here they grow again. Enrollment numbers are up at both of Lakeland’s public colleges. Florida Poly’s enrollment grew more than 10% from last year to reach a record high of 1,900+ students. At Polk State, new numbers show a 2.5% increase over the past year. (The Ledger)
Number
1,700+. That’s how many volunteers are needed to pull off a successful Election Day. Become one of them by attending the next New Election Worker Info Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Election Operations Center in Winter Haven.
Watch
This summer marks 50 years since “Jaws” first swam onto screens, and the Silver Moon Drive-In is celebrating with a screening series. Pack up the car for a retro night at the movies for one week only, starting Friday, Aug. 29.
Seasonal
This week’s average high is 94º — but that can’t stop us from thinking fall. Unfiltered Coffee House in Bartow already rolled out its seasonal drink menu (including a maple bacon donut latte), and Cow Creek Farm released fall farm tour dates. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 23.
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Category
Drink
Let’s get social
Here’s how a similar initiative looks in downtown Raleigh, NC. | Photo by RALtoday
Lake Wales announced that its downtown Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District will start up this fall, allowing visitors to take alcohol from participating restaurants + bars to other spots within the ACE district.
Should Lakeland be the next city to implement a permanent social district? We asked you, and nearly 200 readers responded to our poll. Most (62%) said yes, and downtown Lakeland was the most popular choice for a social district. Here’s what else readers said:
“From the Lake Mirror complex, including the Joinery, extending from Massachusetts Avenue to Tennessee Avenue and West Main Street to Pine Street.”
“Lake Parker/Shore Acres.”
“Possibly the Memorial Boulevard regeneration project.”
“Dixieland or Lakeside Village.”
“Any place but downtown. Parking is terrible the way it is.”
“It should be in Dixieland but parking would be an issue.”
For the gym: Shop this strappy sports bra for a cute, ribbed look that’s non-padded and stretchy for extra comfort. For v-necks: This best-selling deep v bra features no underwire, seamless edges, and a material that’s soft on skin. For tees: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles comfort bralette is made from soft and smooth microfiber and is lightly lined for coverage.
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.
Pining for pretzels? Franklin Bread House’s have the perfect texture, and I’m glad to see the small biz open a new storefront. Reader Joan M. also recently wrote in to sing the praises of Food + Beer’s enormous Bavarian pretzel, served with honey mustard and queso.
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