Warmest wishes, Lakeland. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
Find downtown Lakeland’s tree in the center of Munn Park. | Photo by LALtoday
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Downtown Lakeland went faux this year for its first tree in Munn Park — are you following suit?
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
$2,998,911. That’s how much the Community Redevelopment Agency will receive by selling three Mass Market properties: Haus 820, DOU Bakehouse, and Market Lofts Apartments. After much back-and-forth, city commissioners approved the terms of each sale — LkldNow breaks down the deals.
Coming Soon
Break out your black belt. Karate Beyond is moving its headquarters to a new facility near Goodwill at 613 Schoolhouse Rd. Martial arts programs will continue at the current dojo on South Florida Avenue until a soft opening on Monday, Jan. 19.
Development
There’s another update to the residential project on the former Wedgewood Golf Course. Newly approved plans include 973 total homes, with a mix of more single-family homes and townhouses, fewer apartments, and an amenity center. Next, the city will review a proposed contract with SJD Development. (The Ledger)
Edu
The Polk Education Foundation received $260,845 in matching funds from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. It will use the money for teacher + student support programs, like the AmeriCorps Polk Reads tutoring program and the Free Teacher Market that provides free classroom supplies.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear the most eyesore-inducing threads in your closet. Don yours tomorrow for an Ugly Sweater Party at The Brass Tap starting at 8 p.m. or themed line dancing from 6 to 10 p.m. at Camp Margaritaville.
Watch
Did you catch Publix in the Lakeland Christmas Parade? Watch how it transformed a larger-than-life shopping cart into a parade float filled with gifts + cookies.
Watson Clinic’s board-certified Nephrology specialists have recently expanded appointment availability. Now, it’s easier than ever for Lakelanders to get expert kidney care when you need it, without missing out on the things you love.*
Shop
Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*
Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*
Category
Seasonal
🎁 Level up your giving game
Gift someone a membership, class, or experience somewhere they won’t forget — like the Florida Children’s Museum. | Photo by LALtoday
It’s been on-trend for a while to offer experiences, rather than things, for gifts. Sleigh the holidays — or hide the fact that you forgot to shop — with these giftable experiences.
Florida Children’s Museum membership | Giving a membership is simple with the help of gift cards. They can also be redeemed for workshops + birthday parties.
Establish 37 | Treat them to a new ‘do with a gift card to this local hair salon — they can use it on a cut, color, or a pampering appointment at the Blow Dry Bar.
Detroit Tigers | Spring training tickets are now on sale, so you can surprise them before the games begin in February.
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
Santa and his reindeer have finally arrived atop the Lakeland Electric building after the building underwent major repairs to its roof. I recommend grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, strolling through Munn Park’s decorations, and then walking down to Lake Mirror for a photo with the big guy.
See you in your inbox soon with New Year’s Eve celebrations + our first Plan Ahead of 2026.
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