Both of these shows will start after sunset at 7:30 p.m. | Photo by @flstrawberryfestival
The full headline entertainment lineup for the Florida Strawberry Festival is complete — we told you these final additions would be worth the wait.
On Monday, March 2, catch the “Legends of Love,” featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, and Ruben Studdard. Then, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will rock out at the final concert on Sunday, March 8.
When the lineup first dropped, readers told us they were itching to see Alabama, Forrest Frank, and Lauren Daigle, but my wedding song was “Back At One,” so I’m most excited to see Brian McKnight added to the mix.
Whether you’re ready to “Pony” up or have a “Bad Reputation” for catching every show at the festival, set your alarms for 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 when all tickets will go on sale.
Take care when driving on George Jenkins Boulevard this week as city crews mill and repave the area around an emergency sewer repair in the street’s 1400 block. Work began yesterday, but prepare for lane closures through tomorrow.
Cause
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) has seen a spike in older adults requesting help, as well as the number of people at its grocery pickups. CEO Steve Bissonnette said locals can help by volunteering to deliver groceries or donating nonperishable food items at VISTE’s headquarters. (LkldNow)
Number
104. That’s how many skydivers joined last month to break the world record for the largest canopy formation jump. It took eight planes at five altitudes for them to form a diamond pattern above Jump Florida Skydiving in Lake Wales. We’ll just watch from the ground, thanks. (WFLA)
Community
After seeing that some adults with disabilities had fewer social opportunities after finishing school, Lu Sells started the No Limits Social Club. The group has grown to 150+ members who meet for lunches at First United Methodist Church, plus field trips and volunteering in the community. (Bay News 9)
Seasonal
Catapult has a fresh look this season courtesy of Light Up Lakeland, which installed surprise holiday lights around the business incubator. Like what you see? Light Up Lakeland has a few last-minute openings for residential decorations.
Trending
December babies, this one’s for you. Publix released a buzzy new holiday commercial, and it’s all about those who feel like their birthdays are overshadowed by the holiday season. Prepare for Santa, dinosaurs, and a “Merry Birthday” cake — and in true Publix fashion, it’s a tearjerker.
Lakelander
Ronnie Spoto got his start acting with Lakeland Community Theatre and Harrison School for the Arts. Now, he’s starring in the national tour of “The Book of Mormon.” The tour will stop in Sarasota Dec. 9-14, during which Spoto will celebrate 100 shows as Elder Smith. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Health
The holidays sometimes come with a few surprises — but accidents and sniffles don’t have to ruin the fun. The good news: Lakeland Regional Health’s urgent care is there for you when you need it. Learn more.*
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Stat
26%. That’s how much you can save on all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads when you use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 on our business promo portal. No long-term contract required + your promo can be here in as little as two days. Get started.
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Category
Traffic
Round and round we go
If you’re a visual learner, you may find this FDOT video helpful. | Graphics via FDOT
After months of closures, the intersection of Drane Field Road + Waring Road in south Lakeland has been turned into a roundabout. This traffic pattern is becoming more common in Lakeland, but this one’s different — it’s the first with multiple lanes.
The opening announcement on the City of Lakeland’s Facebook page drew comments ranging from “Thank goodness!” to “They make me nervous honestly [because] I myself am not used to them.”
If you’re with the latter commenter, here’s your crash course in multi-lane roundabouts, straight from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Roundabout Ready Campaign.
Slow down and choose which lane to be in before entering the roundabout (right lane to turn right or go straight, left lane to turn left).
Traffic in the roundabout has the right of way, so only enter when it’s clear.
If you’re in the roundabout, no need to stop for incoming traffic.
Use turn signals when approaching your exit.
Asked
Asked
How confident are you in navigating roundabouts?
A. No sweat — bring it on. B. I get a little nervous, but I can handle them. C. I avoid them if I can. D. My anxiety is through the roof.
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
I think Publix creates its commercials just to get me to cry, and it’s working. If you loved the cake featured in this year’s ad, you’re in luck — you can order a two-tier or mini Merry Birthday cake for your own celebration. Good luck ordering through your tears.
}})
