Grievous Angel is in the works at the former Poor Porker site, where crews are adding covered, outdoor dining space. | Photo by LALtoday
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Swan City’s food scene? We can’t wait to try these businesses, which are all planning autumn openings.
Grievous Angel
Jeremy Brumley, owner of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, is branching out from hot chicken to smashburgers with a honky-tonk theme.
Sambrazil Market
Get a taste of Brazil at this grocer, coming soon to Combee Road, which will feature a market and a bakery section. It’s set to open on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Editor Connor here — this is my favorite coffee shop in my hometown of Tallahassee.
Photo by LALtoday
Lucky Goat Coffee Co.
This Tallahassee-based cafe chain will open its first Lakeland franchise in the Merchant’s Walk plaza, featuring handcrafted drinks and baked goods.
Vampire Penguin
Find frozen “shaved snow” desserts and a Victorian Gothic vibe in the former Gent’s Classic Cuts location downtown. The owners aim to open just in time for Halloween.
The Velvet Swan Continuing with the Victorian theme, Jeremiah Joaquim is eyeing a November opening for an upscale cocktail bar in the former Dissent Brewing space.
Should Citrus Connection expand its Squeeze golf cart service to Dixieland? Area business owners shared an open letter expressing interest in an expansion to increase foot traffic and connect the neighborhood with downtown. Citrus Connection will explore routes and costs in its October board meeting. (LkldNow)
Ranked
No. 17. That’s where Haines City ranked on moveBuddha’s list of most desirable suburbs nationwide. With a move in-to-out ratio of 1.76, nearly twice the amount of movers are arriving to Haines City than those leaving. Average home values are $304,910, less than Lakeland’s average of $311,850.
Edu
Southeastern University has branched out from Lakeland to the Chain of Lakes City. It recently opened its SEU Winter Haven campus south of downtown, featuring 13,000 sqft of classrooms, study areas, and office space. It will serve students in both undergraduate + graduate programs.
Shop
Find an antique treasure at Vintage Market Days, happening this Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds in Plant City. You’ll need a ticket to shop this indoor/outdoor event, but you can save by purchasing a Gal Pals Group Pass four-ticket package.
Feel Good
PCPS teachers are getting a hole lot of love from Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli and Bagels. The eatery’s co-owner, Sam DeBellis, is on a mission to show appreciation by delivering 6,000 bagels to schools across Lakeland, Bartow, and Mulberry.Try one for yourself from the list of 20 flavors. (Bay News 9)
Listen
Starting tomorrow, Lakeland’s MAX radio station will be broadcast from a new frequency, moving from 98.3 FM to 107.1 and 95.9. It will keep its “Playin’ It All” slogan, so listen out for your favorite oldies.
Regular HVAC maintenance helps systems last longer, run efficiently, and stay dependable year-round — especially during the hot summer season. The Payne Protection Program includes expert maintenance care from NATE-certified techs, priority service calls, and 10% off repairs + parts. Stay ahead of surprise costs by enrolling.*
Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2027. (Read: Nearly two years of interest-free payments.)Learn more + apply.*
Watch
Psst … you shouldn’t be paying for multiple streaming services. Save money and watch all your favorite blockbusters when you bundle Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plans start at $16.99.*
Category
Travel
✈️ All good things must come to an end
Coming soon: paid parking, lot improvements, and a connector from the paved lot to the overflow grass lot at the top of this image. | Screenshot via Google Maps
This summer, Lakeland International Airport shared that new entrance + exit payment kiosks are being installed in the parking lot, meaning the days of free parking are nearly over. Yesterday, the city announced that paid parking will begin on Monday, Oct. 13.
Here’s what you need to know:
Parking will be $9 per day, plus taxes + fees.
Kiosks will accept credit cards and mobile payment methods.
If you’re visiting for less than four hours (say, grabbing lunch at SORA Eatery or dropping off a friend), parking will be free.
The grass overflow lot will remain free.
We asked readers how they felt about paid parking when it was first announced this summer. Sentiments were generally against paying for parking, with several calling for security in the lots or lower introductory prices.
The Buy
Photo frames for those wedding/vacation/grandkid photos you’ve been meaning to hang. Americanflat is having a sale on its stock of photo frames, exclusive for Prime members:
🖼️ Get a set of 10 frames for under $20 and build an instant gallery wall.
💌 Frame the person closest to your heart with 25% off a heart mat insert frame.
🎓 Finally hang your diplomas in your Zoom background with a diploma frame set for under $12.
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.
September was a pretty quiet month for restaurant openings, so take this opportunity to try any eateries that opened last year you haven’t visited. I still haven’t gotten to Curry Leaves or Metro Diner, but they’re on my to-dine list.
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