According to Acton’s historical marker, “Polo, fox hunting and cricket were a part of the village’s daily life.” | Photo by DanTD via Wikimedia Commons
Lakeland’s history stretches back nearly 150 years, with countless organizations and people adding to its story over time. Many of those stories are kept alive today through historical markers found all over the city.
One historical marker recognizes the Acton community, which was known as a rival to Lakeland. English settlers founded the town in 1884, one year before Lakeland’s incorporation, and it lasted just 10 years. It was known for its depot on the South Florida Railroad line — which mysteriouslyburned down in the late 1880s.
Acton didn’t last much longer, with its 200 residents leaving it as a ghost town after a harsh winter in 1894. Today, you can find its historical marker at the corner of East Memorial Boulevard + Interlachen Parkway. It was erected in 1961 by the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials.
Do you know of a historical marker near you that deserves a highlight? Suggest a sign below and it may be featured in our next Flashback Friday.
Get Lucky with Rotary | 5:30-8 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | $50+ | Try your luck with high-energy bingo while raising money to fund Rotary projects for Lakelanders in need.
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.
A Tribute to The Cure | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $19+ | It’ll be “Just Like Heaven” when Lovesong performs with special guest First Wave.
Saturday, Sept. 13
RCE Foundation 2025 Pickleball Unites Event | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grasslands Golf & Country Club | $25+ | Dink for a cause and raise money for Pickleball Unites — the winner of the Champions Bracket will net $1,000.
Thrift Store Thrills | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mulberry Cultural Center | $10 | Turn thrifted art into eerie seasonal decor while sipping pumpkin spice coffee.
Purrs & Popcorn Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | $15 | Watch “Kiki’s Delivery Service” in the cat room with a drink and unlimited popcorn.
Marshall Tucker Band - “All Our Friends” Tour | 8 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $23 | These Southern rock icons return 50 years after their first performance at the Lakeland Civic Center.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Price of purchase | The only thing you have to say at this book club is your coffee order before settling in with your latest read.
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.
The ball is rolling on English Creek Park, coming to southwest Lakeland by 2030. The city purchased the land off West Pipkin Road in 2021, and now it’s seeking your input on what the park should look like. Complete the five-question survey by Sunday, Sept. 14.
Plan Ahead
Swan your marks, get set, go. The 45th Annual Swan Roundup will begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, when all the swans on Lake Morton will be corralled for health checkups. It’s open to spectators who want to watch the feathered fun from a safe distance.
Civic
It could be easier to open a bar if Polk County heeds a recommendation to loosen its liquor laws. Planning staff shared that county + city laws are inconsistent, so they intend to propose amendments to the Planning Commission to bring them into line. (The Ledger)
Ranked
No. 3. That’s where Publix ranked on Fortune’s list of “Best Workplaces in Retail.” It’s the 12th year in a row that the Lakeland-based grocer has earned a spot on the list thanks to employee feedback. If you look great in green, check out open positions.
Arts
There’s now another day in the week to get your fine art fix at the AGB Museum of Art — summer hours are over, meaning you can visit on Sunday afternoons again. Go this weekend to see “Above All, Enjoy The Music” before it closes this month.
Seasonal
Hay y’all, Harvest Days are almost back at Keel Farms. Each weekend in October, you can find fall fun, from hayrides and corn mazes to pumpkin pie-eating contests. Admission is free and parking is $10.
Festival
Tickets are officially on sale for the Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, happening April 14-19, 2026. Grab tickets now to take advantage of Earlybird and Florida Resident prices, and save your seat for USAF Thunderbirds, an Opening Night Concert, breathtaking Night Airshows, and new surprises.*
Jobs
Need to hire? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re staffing up for the season or filling a key full-time role, our Job Board is your one-stop hiring solution. Post your open positions for free and start connecting with qualified candidates.
Try This
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Finance
Gold is as hot as ever, with its price per ounce crossing $3,400 in August. A gold IRA can be a smart way to own gold and add stability to your retirement portfolio — but with added tax benefits, plus $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. See one of Money’s top picks.†*
Asked
Asked
Now that southwest Lakeland is getting a new park, where should the next one be?
A. Northwest Lakeland, in the Kathleen area B. Northeast Lakeland, near Florida Poly C. Southeast Lakeland, in the Christina area D. Central Lakeland, around downtown E. Other
Public art has popped up in an unexpected place: inside the Main Street Parking Garage. Keep track of where you parked by looking for new wayfinding paintings by Courtney Pasterchick. Each one features the lake each floor is named after, from Hollingsworth on the first floor to Wire on the fourth.
Pasterchick said in her post, “Even the smallest splash of color greeting you on the way to your car can brighten your day — and that’s exactly why I love what I do.”
This Ring doorbell and outdoor camera bundle that’s $20 off today only. Our favorite features? Crisp video and smart alerts sent straight to our phone, so we know who’s at the door without leaving the couch.
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.
I’m putting together a list of farms, festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches to visit this fall, but I could sure use your help. Tell me which spots you never skip during this season for a chance to be featured. Sneak peek: My favorite is Harvest Holler.
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