Give your clothing, accessories, and home decor new life. | Photo by The Consignment Garden
We’ve all been there: that sweater from your sister isn’t really your style, or you need to clear out the old to make way for new gifts. Here’s where to “regift” your items to do good in the community or make some extra cash.
Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Store
The Peace River Center thrift shop is permanently closing today, but the center has a new partnership with Lighthouse Ministries to provide items for its clients.
Consignment Garden
Recoup holiday spending by selling your pre-loved clothing + jewelry on consignment.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Donate appliances, furniture, antiques, and home tools to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes for those in need.
Arrow + Bow
Sell gently used children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories here for store credit.
Polk County’s current burn ban prohibits fireworks, so think twice before stopping at that roadside fireworks tent. Sheriff Grady Judd said his department would “use common sense” when it comes to enforcing burn ban violations on New Year’s Eve. (The Ledger)
Open
Downtown Lakeland is seeing snow — shaved snow, that is. Vampire Penguin is now serving up icy desserts with book-themed flavors, like Lord of the Pies and Oliver Twix. It’s open Monday through Saturday on East Pine Street.
Closing
Wave goodbye to Good Thyme. The Dixieland eatery will close its doors permanently this week. You’ll be able to find the staff and some of your favorite menu items at Cob & Pen, and owner Jason Ellis is part of the future Baseline pickleball/dining concept team.
Outdoors
Polk County has agreed to the next two purchases for its environmental lands program: $226,250 for 75 total acres near the North Walk-in-Water Creek preserve in Lake Wales. (The Ledger)
Trending
Babies born at Lakeland Regional Health on Christmas Day got a special gift from Publix. President John Goff visited hospital rooms to treat newborns and their families to Publix’s seasonal Merry Birthday cakes. Talk about a slice of life.
Legacy
Parkesdale Farms cofounder Helen Parke died last week at the age of 100. She founded the Plant City farm with her husband, Roy, in the 1950s, and their legacy lives on through high-quality strawberries and treats at Parkesdale Market. (WFLA)
Listen
Lakeland Regional Health introduces Inside Scope, a podcast featuring expert insights on trending health topics. Hosted by Dr. Daniel Haight, each episode explores issues such as when to visit urgent care and managing joint pain. Learn more + tune in.*
Psst — choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements until tomorrow, Dec. 31. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Plan Ahead
🎆 It’s the final countdown
We recommend Legoland for professional-level fireworks. | Photo by LALtoday
Cue “Auld Lang Syne.” Celebrate New Year’s Eve with these events happening in Lakeland and beyond tomorrow, Jan. 31.
Noon Year’s Eve | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Family Fun Center | $24.99 | Go wild with unlimited attractions, face painting, and a balloon drop at 12 p.m.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Legoland Florida, Winter Haven | $79 | End the year with a bang, all without missing bedtime — special events are included in park admission.
2nd Annual Plant City Strawberry Drop | 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | Downtown Plant City | Free | Have a berry unforgettable time watching a giant strawberry descend from the sky at midnight.
New Year’s Eve with Sofa Kings | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $20+ | Local musicians will rock you into the new year with an all-night dance party.
Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
It was here for a Good Thyme, not a long time. I’m sorry to see this Lakeland staple close its doors, but according to comments on its post, the Cob & Pen brunch menu will get a shakeup to include Good Thyme items like the breakfast burrito. What do you want to see in that spot next?
