Enter, if you dare, Lakeland’s oldest known home: Mosswood Manor. What makes this South Lake Morton house so distinct? In addition to its Queen Anne-style features, like a towering turret and two-story veranda, it also hosts a family of ghosts.
Current owner Ken Watson was drawn to the home’s dramatic look, but he’s also experienced ghostly activity, from children’s footsteps to a piano playing itself. A paranormal expert suggested that his restorations may have stirred the Riggins family, who built the house in 1904.
You won’t find Watson trying to rid the manor of the Riggins. “They’ve been good to us, so they’re welcome to stay,” he said in an interview with Emily Foster of the city’s Historic Preservation office. The ghosts don’t make an appearance, but it’s a fun watch for architecture buffs and ghost hunters alike.
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Peace River Center proposed expanding its facility on Gilmore Avenue by purchasing a building across the street that’s currently owned by the City of Lakeland. If the property is purchased and rezoned, the nonprofit aims to use the additional space for behavioral health care. (The Daily Ridge)
Civic
Need a driver’s license unsuspended? The Polk County Clerk is waiving outside collection agency fees on unpaid court fines and traffic tickets during Operation Green Light. Save money by paying over the phone or in person at any of the Clerk’s locations Monday, Nov. 3-Friday, Nov. 7.
Cause
Breaking the Chains Foundation is searching for hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, nail techs, and more to be part of its Big C New Me Power Crew event. Volunteer your services for a day of pampering for cancer survivors + caregivers at The Well on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Holiday
Add some Florida flair to pumpkin carving at The Joinery’s 6th annual Hula-ween pineapple carving party on Friday, Oct. 17. Snag a seat to get a pineapple, all the tools you need, plus two bar beverages. The seasonal squid ink + pumpkin cocktail would be the perfect pairing.
Mailbag
Remember days spent at the mall that always ended with a picture in the photo booth? Reader Neha S. is feeling nostalgic and searching for those booths here in Lakeland. If you know of one that deserves some exposure, shoot it our way.
Pro Tip
Lakeside Village is switching things up during this month’s festivities. While the Lawn gets a new look, join events like the Monster Mash Halloween Bash (Friday, Oct. 24) and the Pooch-o-Ween pet parade (Sunday, Oct. 26) in the CMX Cinemas courtyard. Makers Markets are in the same spot.
Seasonal
Stocking up for trick-or-treaters? In Florida, you can’t go wrong with 3 Musketeers — it’s the most popular candy in the state, according to a new Instacart study. And let’s be honest: We’ll be sneaking sweets all month long — a little sugar rush pairs perfectly with October’s nonstop festivities.
Experience our local culinary event of the year at Central Florida Food Fest. Grab tickets now for this first annual 21+ food and beverage festival in Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-9 p.m., and get ready for tastes + sips for every palate.*
Featured Deal
Hair loss deserves more than guesswork. That’s why we’ve partnered with Happy Head. Use code 6AM to get 45% off a dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plan for hair loss.*
Event Spotlight
Lakeview Cemetery is the oldest in Lakeland.
Screenshot via Google Maps
The past comes alive on one of the Lakeland Public Library’s free Stories and Stones Historic Cemetery Tours. The next one takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, where you’ll learn about the Lakelanders buried there and the iconography on their gravestones.
Registration is open + spots are limited. If you miss this one, catch future tours of the Tiger Flowers and Roselawn Cemeteries once a month through March.
The Buy
Fall = cozy vibes only. We’re staying warm (and stylish) with these five picks:
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.
A year after Polk County ended curbside recycling pickups, nearly 60% of our readers tell us they don’t recycle anymore. Around 34% live in city limits where recyclables are still picked up.
That leaves 6% dropping theirs off somewhere. Many suggested Auburndale’s Public Works Department recycling center (915 Charles Ave.), and several take theirs to friends’ houses inside city limits.
Know of a private collection service or another drop-off spot closer to home? Share it with us to help your neighbors out.
I don’t believe in ghosts, but I have never had as many computer glitches as I did while writing about Mosswood Manor — so maybe I’m being convinced. I’d love to see someone host a ghost tour through Lakeland during Halloween season. Tell me which local spots you believe have some paranormal activity.
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