What started with 30 local musicians in 1965 has grown into one of Lakeland’s premier musical arts organizations: LSO. It’s known for exciting performances, both grand and intimate, at the AGB Museum of Art and Florida Southern College.
Catch LCT performances in the Lake Mirror Theatre Complex.
Photo by LALtoday
Nearby, you’ll find Lakeland Community Theatre, where local actors are putting on professional-level performances. LCT’s first season in 1986 staged just two shows — now, its showstopping seasons include Main Stage musicals, The Edge stage reads, and Theatre for Youth productions.
Plans for the county’s new Daughtery Park are moving forward, and the $12.6 million project will also include improvements to the nearby Hunt Fountain Park. Artificial turf is one of the biggest upgrades, coming to three fields at Daughtery + four renovated ones at Hunt Fountain. (LkldNow)
Number
$10 million. That’s how much grant funding Southeastern University received from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch The Kingdom Alliance for Higher Education network. Through the alliance, SEU plans to collaborate with other faith-based schools, share resources, and launch micro-campuses.
Family
Bonnet Springs Park is bringing back its popular Camp BSP event Friday, Jan. 16-Saturday, Jan. 17. Register your family for a night of outdoorsy fun, from fishing and a bonfire to tent camping under the stars. Spots are limited.
Sports
Weight‘til you hear this. Four women from All American Gym won big at the World Association of Benchers and Dead Lifters World Championships. Paige Gore, Carly Grennor, and Jennifer Lopez set state records, and Nancy Georges, age 73, set a world record by deadlifting 210.5 lbs.
Cause
Parker Street Ministries’ Neighborhood Christmas Store will reopen for the season soon, offering 600+ low-income households the chance to buy deeply discounted gifts for their families. Reach out to volunteer individually or with your group. (WFTS)
Watch
Citrus Connection passengers got a singing surprise when carolers performed at the Lakeland terminal yesterday. If you missed it, catch them at the Winter Haven terminal today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lakelander
Remember Jonathan Mott, the Lakeland Runners Club member who was going for gold in the OUC Orlando Half Marathon this past weekend? He won first place in his division with a time of 1:09:56. We’re out of breath just reading about it.
Community
Lakeland Regional Health invites the community to Winter Wellness, a free, festive morning of movement and family fun. Enjoy Holiday Zumba, Reindeer Games, and a scavenger hunt from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Bonnet Springs Park. Reserve your spot.*
It’s your time to get out on the dance floor. | Photo by @rosesarefred
Shopping, meeting Santa, grabbing hot cocoa from a cafe — the holidays mean standing in a lot of lines. What if you could dance in them instead? Let loose and try these line dancing classes.
Camp Margaritaville
Don’t miss a night of holiday-themed dancing on Saturday, Dec. 20. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater with your boots to join the festive fun.
Community centers
The Coleman-Bush Building and Simpson Park Community Center host soul line dancing on Mondays + Tuesdays, respectively. The Kelly Rec Complex hosts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning classes.
Union Hall
Become a pro with free lessons from Felicia of Boundless Boots on Wednesday nights, 5-9 p.m.
Keel Farms
Every weekend begins with line dancing lessons on Thursdays, followed by Country Fridays with live music.
Wild Greg’s Saloon
Do the boot scootin’ boogie here on Friday + Saturday nights for instruction from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Did you catch the story of the Polk County family that was rescued 26 miles offshore after their boat capsized last month? They were lost at sea for 18 hours, and all four men returned home safe. If you ask me, the wildest part of the story is the fated boat’s name: “Money Well Wasted.”
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