If you’re looking for local businesses to support, here’s your sign. | Photo by LALtoday
If the Cracker Barrel rebrand taught us anything, it’s that people love a timeless classic. That sentiment certainly rings true in Lakeland, where several of the city’s oldest restaurants are still serving loyal fans after decades in the biz.
Subs ‘n Such | 1977
Plan a lunch run to this sandwich stand just down the street from Reececliff. Order a classic sub, go big with a footlong, or opt for a salad. Whatever you choose, you’ll be on your way before you can sing “Yellow Submarine.”
Find Mister Fish near the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton.
Photo by LALtoday
Mister Fish | 1968
Catch a meal at this walk-up eatery that promises that every nibble is a good bite. After all these years, Lakelanders still can’t get enough of its fried fish sandwich baskets.
Reececliff Family Diner | 1934
This Dixieland diner has been dishing out comfort food for nearly a century. This isn’t the place to skip dessert — trust us, after your meal, you’re going to need a slice of pie.
Knit One, Crochet Too | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Connect with other knitting + crocheting fanatics while working on your current projects together.
Yoga in the Vines | 6-6:50 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15 | Find your flow in the fresh air, and grab a free beverage after class.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Honoring Our Heroes - Remembering the Day | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Downtown Central Park, Winter Haven | Free | Join a Freedom Walk and candlelight ceremony in tribute to military members, first responders, and those who have died in the line of duty.
Musicians Mixer | 7-8:30 p.m. | Sound House Studios | Free | Hit all the right notes as you share your passion with other singers, songwriters, and producers.
Friday, Sept. 12
Men’s Health Spotlight: Prostate Cancer Awareness Panel | 12-1 p.m. | Mulaney Auditorium | Free | As part of Men’s Health Month, Lakeland Regional Health hosts a panel on prostate cancer, covering prevention, risk factors, and treatment — lunch provided.*
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.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Classroom Drop-In | 1-3 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Learn about the journey that migrating monarch butterflies take, and create a craft to take home.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Welcome Back, Let’s Swing Again | 2 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre | Free | Donations are accepted for this first performance of the Chain O’ Lakes Big Band Concert Series.
Lakeland’s municipal Election Day is less than two months away on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Four commission seats, the mayor’s position, and three charter amendments will be on the ballot. Register to vote by Monday, Oct. 6 to make your voice heard.
Development
Talbot House Ministries sought approval to relocate to Memorial Boulevard this summer, but it has withdrawn its rezoning application. The team representing the nonprofit said the proposed design may be tweaked as they seek alternative locations. (WFLA)
Giveaway
Any Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans here? Lakeland Mom shared this sweet deal: For every regular season game where the Bucs complete 10+ first downs, Kane’s Furniture will give away free Busch Gardens tickets. Register to redeem one at the north Lakeland store.
Biz
After voters approved tax breaks for new and expanding businesses in 2020, Polk County has put 30+ Ad Valorem Tax Exemption agreements in place. Companies like Publix and Brew Hub must create at least 10 high-wage positions and invest $10 million in property to receive the exemptions. (The Ledger)
Film
Who ya gonna call? Catch a screening of the original “Ghostbusters” film at the Polk Theatre on Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Before the show, the Lakeland Ghostbusters will show off their collection of movie prop replicas.
Mailbag
What would you do with a $1.8 billion Powerball prize? Reader Victoria E. would gift friends with lifetime tickets to the Classic Albums Live series. Lenore P. would take a shopping spree at a local meat market, but wonders which is the best. Help out by suggesting your favorite.
Shop
A fashionable flock has taken over Scout & Tag. Head to the downtown shop to find the new collection of swan-themed home and garden items. Editor’s pick: the fiberglass swan planters, which look perfect on any Lakeland porch.
Health
Lakeland Regional Health offers family-focused, easy-access care with 400+ providers across 30+ locations — perfect for all your needs from last-minute school or sports physicals and same-day or walk-in visits at the Morrell Clinic, to concierge medicine, urgent care, pediatric expertise, and award-winning emergency care. Learn more.*
The Word
Equity. It’s the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. Want to make it grow? Here’s how.*
DYK
A break-in happens every 30 seconds. Homes with security systems are three times less likely to be targeted. Protect your home, business, and peace of mind — before something goes wrong.*
Saturday, Sept. 6 marked the 95th anniversary of Publix Super Markets, and its history spans much of Polk County.
It first opened its doors in downtown Winter Haven in 1930, relocated its headquarters to Lakeland in the 1950s, and you can now walk through an exhibit full of memorabilia at the Polk County History Museum in Bartow. It’s open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
A really good collagen peptide serum that repairs fine lines + wrinkles to help reduce signs of aging. We love that it’s made with clean ingredients and priced under $25.
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.
Meet my guest co-editor, Mistie from the Kitty Cat Lounge. I wrote part of today’s newsletter there during its second anniversary celebration, which included free time in the cat room with this little lady. Psst — she’s up for adoption.
Mistie is a terrible spell checker, but her morale can’t be beat.
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