This area will be transformed from an industrial district to a local hangout, starting with pickleball and dining at Baseline. | Photo by LALtoday
Imagine serving a pickleball while being served your new favorite meal, or dinking a shot to your opponents while drinking a cocktail. That’s what it’s all about at Baseline, a new dining + recreation concept coming to Lakeland’s East Main District.
Baseline is heading to a warehouse facility on Rose Street, just beyond the overpass east of The Joinery. The buildout will soon begin to add four indoor pickleball courts, plus at least four outdoor courts, kitchen space, a bar, and dining areas.
Instead of waiting around for your spot on a busy court, groups will be able to rent one out, including a lounge area where you can dine and chill together. Think of it like renting a lane at a bowling alley — but with way better menu options.
The project is led by an Avengers-level team: Jon Bucklew of The Joinery, restaurateur Jason Ellis (Cob & Pen, Good Thyme, Rec Room), and Lone Palm Golf Club pickleball pro James Stephens.
Restaurateur Jeremy Brumley has added The Peach House to his list of local eateries. He took over ownership following the death of founder Jeannie Weaver Lopez, and he’s working to honor her ideas for the restaurant. Expect fresh menu items, no reservations, and new hours starting today. (The Ledger)
After serving nearly 80,000 patients last year, Central Florida Health Care is raising $30 million to build its new Lakeland and Winter Haven Primary Health Centers. Support the cause at the Classy & Comfy Gala on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Adams Estate. RSVP by this Thursday, Sept. 25.
Open
CoLKLD is now open in Dixieland, offering coworking + office space for mental health professionals. Therapists, social workers, and more can become members for up to 50 hours per month in furnished offices with HIPAA-compliant technology.
Trending
Swan City Swifties have plenty of places to celebrate Taylor Swift’s next album. Join a ticketed Girl Dinner party at Bonnet Springs Park’s Rooftop Bar on Friday, Oct. 3. Then, snag tickets to “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” at the Silver Moon Drive-In, Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5.
Try This
Now that it’s officially fall, have you begun an annual “Gilmore Girls” rewatch? Show your Stars Hollow pride at Junkshore’s Scrap & Sip event on Saturday, Oct. 4. Fill a journal with fall-inspired scrapbook materials while you sip (what else?) coffee — tickets are going fast.
Answered
In case you missed it, Bonnet Springs Park will introduce paid preferred parking at this weekend’s Bienvenido a BSP event, and 24% of readers told us they plan to take advantage of it. More than 60% said they’ll opt for free parking in nearby lots. What about you?
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Community
Join the 10th Annual Puttin’ On The Pink happening Friday, Oct. 10, 5:30-10 p.m. at Winter Haven Moose Lodge 1023. Enjoy a prime rib dinner or a reserved table, or come free for the silent auction, live music, fashion show, and games. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Shop
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
Category
Civic
đź’° The 2026 budget, by the numbers
This year’s budget is an increase from the 2025 budget of $731 million. | Photo by Reader Bob K.
$815.1 million. That’s the 2026 budget commissioners unanimously approved for the City of Lakeland’s next fiscal year, which begins Wednesday, Oct. 1. Where can you expect to see that money spent — and how will it be generated? Let’s break it down.
General Fund
Totaling nearly $191 million, this portion of the budget covers public safety (think: Lakeland Police + Fire Departments), parks and recreation, city personnel, and other day-to-day operational costs. Around 32% of the General Fund’s bottom line comes from property tax revenues.
Strategic Plan
Commissioners approved $53.3 million to be distributed to strategic initiatives in four categories:
$33.8 million — Infrastructure
$18 million — Economic development
$1.4 million — Public safety
$142,000 — Culture
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse shared that infrastructure is getting such a large chunk of the funding so that the city can keep up with population growth and modernize aging water + wastewater systems, just to name a few.
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
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.
Have I played pickleball? Not once. Will I be at Baseline eating, watching the fun, and maybe picking up a paddle for the first time without the pressure of a public court? You better believe it. If you can’t wait, here’s your local guide to pickleball.
}})
