Hey Lakeland, what are you doing in about three months? Our calendars are already marked for the 90th Florida Strawberry Festival from Feb. 26 to March 8 in Plant City — and with this newly announced entertainment lineup, you’ll want to be sure yours are too. These are just a few big names on the list.
Thursday, Feb. 26 | Alabama
Friday, Feb. 27 | Jo Dee Messina
Saturday, Feb. 28 | Lonestar
Sunday, March 1 | Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland
Tuesday, March 3 | Lauren Daigle
Wednesday, March 4 | Brantley Gilbert
Thursday, March 5 | Dierks Bentley
Friday, March 6 | Forrest Frank
Saturday, March 7 | The Offspring
Just like the 2026 theme, the lineup is “Still Growing.” Three performers are yet to be announced — but with Reba McEntire being one of last year’s final acts on the schedule, you can bet they’ll be good.
Tickets currently range from $25 to $135 (and a few shows are free with gate admission). They’ll go on sale on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Whether you’re there to find the perfect present, grab a cup of gourmet hot cocoa, primp for the big holiday party, or simply soak in the seasonal magic, this is the place to be. Visit early, stay and play, and let Lakeside Village be part of your holiday traditions.
Bonus: Follow @ShopLakesideVillage for all the latest holiday updates, events, and surprises.
$4.20. That’s how much the average Lakelander’s utility bill will increase when a newly approved fuel rate goes into effect in January. Lakeland Electric is pointing to a climb in natural gas costs as the driving factor behind the increase. (LkldNow)
The Word
Vertiport. That’s a take-off and landing site for an electric aircraft, and one is already complete at the SunTrax test site. The Florida Department of Transportation is planning another vertiport to test these aircraft above the I-4 corridor. Look for them east of the Polk Parkway in Auburndale. (Fox 13 News)
Closing
Scoop ya later. Mimi’s Italian Ice will close its location on South Florida Avenue, meaning you’ll have to travel to its US Highway 98 North shop. With new flavors of gluten-free, dairy-free treats daily, it’s worth the drive for south Lakeland residents.
Community
The Lakeland Fire Department is one of three Polk departments that received state grant funding to purchase new gear, some of which aims to protect firefighters from cancer. LFD accepted $34,575 for a new self-contained breathing apparatus washer to decontaminate equipment. (The Ledger)
Try This
After Party’s first event is set for Friday, Dec. 12, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Dixieland Relics. The ticketed “Pre-Party Holiday Show” will kick off this new event series with tunes by Kid Ambient Arcade, a solo set by guitarist Isaiah Harana, and complimentary drinks for the first guests.
Cause
Two local spots are giving used books new life this season. A donation at Pressed earns you a free coffee through Thursday, and families can bring kids’ books to the Florida Children’s Museum during Kidsgiving.
Quoted
“Great local information and well presented! Thank you!” That’s what one donor said during our fundraising campaign. Every day, we strive to bring you positive, impactful news about our city, and you can help us in our mission with a one-time donation.
Finance
Investing in exotic and classic vehicles delivers results — a Lamborghini Countach sale just generated a 14% net return for MCQ Markets investors. Diversify for $20 a share.*
Category
Holiday
Don’t quit Thanksgiving cold turkey
Don’t wait to reserve your spot, whether it’s at a buffet or in the pickup line. | Photo via @terracegrillelakeland
We’ve got you covered with where to dine in + carry out for Thanksgiving dinner so you can skip the hassle.
The Terrace Grille
Treat the family to the Grand Buffet, with seatings available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Start with a raw bar, then hit the carving stations, and finish with the dessert finale. Menu highlight: Alaskan snow crab + white chocolate bread pudding
Nineteen61
This restaurant will welcome guests on Thanksgiving for the first time this year. Seatings are available between 11 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to enjoy a gourmet buffet. Menu highlight: Herb-rubbed porchetta + balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts
Plates On Deck
Let these Food Network-featured chefs create a traditional feast or soul food dinner. You can also book delivery and set-up, or a private chef experience. Menu highlight: Honey vanilla cornbread + double-baked candied yams
Benefit’s top-rated brow pen that’s on sale for a limited time. We love that it draws on three superfine lines in one stroke, resulting in fuller-looking brows in seconds. Bonus: Get $10 off your order of at least $20 with code HSN2025 by Sunday, Nov. 30.
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.
We’re about midway through our giving campaign, and I want to send a big thanks to all of our readers who have donated. If you’re a new or longtime fan of LALtoday, make a one-time donation or send in your favorite topics to read — both will help us keep the good news coming.
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