Big names + locals alike have brought their shows to the RP Funding Center. | Photo by @lakelandgov
Lakeland Center, Lakeland Civic Center, RP Funding Center — our city’s largest event venue has gone by many names since opening in November 1974.
Celebrate its history at the 50th Anniversary Open House tomorrow, Sept. 6, 1-5 p.m. The place will be packed with family-friendly activities, exhibitors, and performers. Before then, look back at the biggest acts + events of the last five decades.
1970s The King must have really liked Lakeland. Elvis Presley first performed at the Polk Theatre in 1956, then returned to the Lakeland Civic Center in 1975 + 1976.
1980s
Prince recorded the music video for “Little Red Corvette” onstage during tour rehearsals in 1983, opting not to drive around a lake in an actual Corvette. What a shame.
1990s
Many rock bands performed at the Civic Center during the ‘90s, from Nirvana to U2, but it was Slayer who recorded part of their live album “Decade of Aggression” there before it was renamed “The Lakeland Center” in 1994.
First Friday Winter Haven | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | Free+ | Dine al fresco with food + drink specials at downtown restaurants, and shop during later hours at local businesses.
Opening Exhibition | 6-10 p.m. | Notta Gallery | Free+ | Swan City’s newest art gallery opens with its inaugural exhibition, “Love, Lakeland,” featuring works by Central Florida artists.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Caffeine & Gasoline | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Classics, hot rods, imports — they’re all welcome to showcase or browse.
First Birthday Celebration | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | East of These + Bloom Shakalaka | Free+ | Celebrate these businesses’ first year in their downtown space with treats and live music.
Yoga in the Vines | 11 a.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15 | Nicci from British Yoga Babe will guide you through a flow for all levels in the fresh air.
Lindy Ball at Union Hall | 7 p.m.-2 a.m. | Union Hall | $20+ | Show off your moves on the dance floor with LKLD Lindy Hop and the band Blues N’A Suitcase.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Cleveland Heights Mini Market | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Price of purchase | Grab a honey bear latte and shop for jewelry, local honey, art, and baked treats.
Paradise Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville | Price of purchase | More than 40 vendors are going on island time to sell their locally made goods.
Lakes Morton and Mirror aren’t the only ones getting a refresh. After testing a phosphorus absorption product in Crystal Lake, city commissioners approved over $900,000 for three annual water treatments in Lake Hollingsworth. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
Brazilian grocery store Sambrazil Market aims to open by Wednesday, Oct. 1 on Combee Road, south of That 716 Pizza Joint. It will be stocked with meats and grocery items, plus a bakery and a build-your-own acai bar. See what else is coming to Lakeland’s foodie scene. (Business Debut)
Outdoors
More than 2,300 acres of undeveloped land near Lake Wales will stay wild after Conservation Florida arranged its purchase for $16.5 million, noting its role in the Everglades water supply. Known as Eagle Haven Ranch, the land was formerly slated for development into a luxury resort. (The Ledger)
Shop
Suit up — UthMpact’s Project Hoco store is reopening its doors at the Lakeland Square Mall, offering free formal wear for students who pledge to celebrate safely this fall. Find dresses, suits, and accessories starting tomorrow, Sept. 6, or drop off donations at InnerAct Alliance.
On This Day
In 2004, Hurricane Frances made landfall on Florida’s east coast, causing millions of dollars in damages and nine deaths. Currently, the National Hurricane Center is tracking activity in the tropics as the Atlantic hurricane season enters the most active time of year. Get prepared for any storm that comes this way.
Sports
Lake Gibson High alum Gabby Tedesco left it all on the mat at the U20 Pan American Games in Peru, where she won a gold medal for wrestling. She’ll wrestle at McKendree University this year, but she’s training for a place in the 2028 Olympic Games. (Fox 13 News)
Network
Polk Pride and Lakeland Youth Alliance are launching a new group for LGBTQ+ young adults and allies ages 17-24. The Young Adult Pride Alliance will meet on the second Wednesday evening of each month at Beacon Hill Fellowship, starting Sept. 10.
The Word
Electroencephalography. Better known as EEG, this method monitors electrical brain activity — and Florida Poly Assistant Professor Dr. Elisabeth Kames just received a $200,000 grant to use it for research. Engineering students will solve design problems while wearing EEG caps to study their learning behavior.
We’re partnering with Graingertainment to give away an epic DJ experience for your wedding or event, valued at $1,000. Enter to win now through Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 12 p.m.*
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
Category
Health
🩺 What’s up, doc?
The Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children - South will be modeled after the existing one. | Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland’s health providers are staying busy with new locations, additional providers, and expanded specialties. In case you’ve missed these updates, here’s a check-up.
Lakeland Regional Health will expand its state-of-the-art Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children with another pavilion on US Highway 98 South. A $50 million capital campaign began in May.
AdventHealth is planning a hospital development in south Lakeland, complete with 400 beds, medical offices, commercial space, and even apartments. It bought land off Harden Boulevard for $14 million at the end of 2024.
Two locally known providers are teaming up on the future Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, and you can see construction coming along day by day. Next to this development, the Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center + Watson Clinic Surgery Center South are under construction.
We’re looking ahead to the future, but do you need a new doctor today? Tap below for pro tips to finding the perfect one.
The chance to learn a new language during Babbel’s Best Sale of the Year. Turn your morning read into a new daily habit — with Babbel, 10 minutes a day builds real conversation skills you can use on your next trip or at the international festival downtown. Get lifetime access for $199 across all 14 languages.*
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.
According to a WalletHub study, Florida only ranked No. 35 on a list of states with the best budgeters. Sorry, but have they ever heard of all the free activities in Lakeland? My favorite is “window shopping” at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market — it returns tomorrow, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
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