Proceeds from the event will go back to keep BSP beautiful.
Photos by LALtoday
Clear plates, full tummy, can’t lose. That was my motto at this weekend’s Central Florida Food Fest at Bonnet Springs Park. These were my top three dishes:
Tomato bacon jam sliders by Cob & Pen
Maple habanero pork belly burnt end by Our Noire Kitchen
Pumpkin Spiked rum cake by Bang Bang Bakehouse
Tickets sold out several days before the festival, so when they go on sale for the next one, jump on them. If you weren’t so lucky this year, good news — all 16 vendors from the fest are local, so you can try their fare any time.
Get your paddles ready. The Grande Dame of Lone Palm Golf Club is searching for its next owner — but this unique home calls for a unique sale. It goes up for auction on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. Peek at its Mediterranean style before placing your bids.
Traffic
More I-4 congestion relief is coming in the next Moving Florida Forward project, which will include 17 miles of new express lanes between I-75 and County Line Road at the border of Hillsborough + Polk. Originally slated to begin in 2037, the project will now begin in 2028. (Fox 13 News)
Gallery
This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners are in. And they’re spectacular. Countless species spanning six continents are all featured in the stunning photos, now on display at the Natural History Museum in London. If you want to enter next year’s contest, Lakeland’s trails are calling. (The Guardian)
Eat
Could someone tell where you’re from by peeking into your pantry? A bag of Key lime candy would give it away — The Takeout just named the citrusy sweets Florida’s most iconic snack. Look for Key lime-flavored treats at Lakeland’s candy + dessert shops.
Travel
Feeling a little extra this Halloween? A trip to one of the spookiest cities in the US could be right up your cobweb-lined alley. To see things that go bump in the night — and hopefully, not on the flight — a last-minute visit to Orlando International Airport is the place to start. (CNN)
Kids
Speaking of Orlando, visiting the most magical place on Earth is getting pricier. Single-day, single-park tickets are rising by 5% at Disney World during peak times. Save a pretty penny and keep the magic by exploring Lakeland’s fun-filled, kid-friendly spots instead. (Variety)
Girls 11–17 (and their moms, guardians, or other grown-ups) are invited to join Lakeland Regional Health physicians on Oct. 25 for a free, fun, and informative morning. Explore puberty, self-care, and body confidence, enjoy mini-makeovers and giveaways, and get answers to all your questions. Learn more + register.*
Wellness
Ready to sleep better tonight? Canary’s melatonin-free sleep gummy is packed with tart cherry + ashwagandha for rested, refreshing sleep — use code SLEEP20 for 20% off.*
Try This
Your next big event could use some attention. Get a crowd in the room by letting us help you spread the word. Our advertiser dashboard can put your event in front of our highly engaged local audience in a matter of two days. Get started now — no long-term contract required.
Category
On This Day
The Terrace Hotel opened its doors
The Terrace Hotel’s facade has been a marker of Lakeland’s skyline since 1924. | Photo by LALtoday
Happy birthday to a local legend. The iconic Terrace Hotel was built on the property where the Tremont House once stood, but with a Neo-classical style both inside and out, it brought a level of grandeur that Lakelanders hadn’t seen at this scale. According to local archives, it opened on Oct. 20, 1924 with a gala we wish we could have been invited to.
It was hailed as one of the only year-round inns at the time since it had air conditioning, and it quickly gained the reputation of being “Florida’s most luxurious year-round hotel.” As such, it saw several famous guests over the years — including Henry Ford, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Frank Sinatra.
Are you the next guest of honor? It’s a great time to book a staycation, or make a reservation for upcoming events like Thursday’s tequila tasting.
Korean beauty products are more than just a trend — they’re becoming a staple in skincare routines worldwide. Known for their innovative formulas and emphasis on prevention over correction, K-beauty is all about keeping your skin healthy from the start. Here are our top five picks, all under $35 and available on Amazon:
🧴 Dr.Althea’s 345 Relief Cream moisturizer soothes, nourishes, and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
🫧 This No. 1 bestselling cleansing oil is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.
⭐ A TikTok favorite, Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream boosts hydration + leaves your skin with a radiant, healthy glow.
👁️ This retinal cream delivers an advanced form of retinol deep into the skin to target wrinkles and promote soother, firmer skin.
🧖 The Biodance collagen face masks brighten, improve elasticity, and minimize pores.
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.
Did you see those Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners? They reminded me of the work of local photographer Andy Glogower. I got to learn more about his artistic process after he won a bronze medal in the 2023 World Photographic Cup.
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