This new Clubhouse Road listing will help you achieve all your New Year’s resolutions. Get fit in the private gym, spend time with family in the resort-style pool, cook more in the marble-finished kitchen, and welcome any new opportunities through the most ornate front door we’ve ever seen.
Community
Slow down in school zones, because the Lakeland Police Department is activating 14 speed enforcement cameras near eight elementary + middle schools. After a January warning period, drivers going more than 10 mph over the speed limit in these school zones when lights are flashing could be fined.
Development
Talbot House’s proposed move to Memorial Boulevard is a no-go after the Planning & Zoning Board denied its latest rezoning requests. Its next steps haven’t been announced, but it will hold its annual gala on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Bonnet Springs Park. (LkldNow)
Today Is
The twelfth day after Christmas — one of the traditional final days to take your Christmas tree and decorations down. That’s where the “12 Days of Christmas” comes from. Make sure to brush up on Lakeland’s holiday disposal rules so you aren’t left with a rotting pine on your lawn. (Southern Living)
Sports
Registration for the 2026 Polk Senior Games is now open, featuring a brand-new online registration option. This two-week event from Feb. 28 to March 14 includes athletics and competitions for adults 50+ across Polk County, from swimming to sudoku.
Biz
It’s a new era for PAINT Nail Bar at Lakeside Village. The biz is now an independent nail salon known as Eravie Studio. Expect the same owners + staff, as well as the same clean beauty products the salon is known for.
Trending
Pinterest is predicting a pen pal renaissance in 2026. Online searches for cute stamps, letter inspo, and snail mail gift ideas have all seen a recent increase as folks look for new ways to create meaningful connections in an increasingly digitized world. Find some inspo of your own at one of Lakeland’s craft stores.
Job
Manifesting a new job for 2026? Let us help. Our Job Board has 240,000 active listings across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Search open jobs now.
Plan an evening at Lakeland’s No. 1 date night spot. The Terrace Grille offers a prime location in the heart of downtown, art-deco ambiance, and elevated New American fare for an unforgettable experience. Make a reservation.*
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Number
Survey says…
Thanks for sharing your mornings with us, Lakeland. | Graphic by 6AM City
1,116. That’s how many responses we received from readers during our Giving Campaign.
We analyzed all of those responses to learn more about what you enjoy — and want to see more of — in our newsletters. Here’s what you said:
~20-25% of messages expressed that local info + events are our key value. These readers probably love the Events and News Note sections of our newsletter, along with our monthly Plan Ahead.
~10% said that we’re part of their morning routine, and we couldn’t be happier to accompany your morning cup of coffee.
~10% praised our brevity + easy-to-read format, so we’ll be sure to keep this short.
Several people also called out our support of small businesses + our “no-politics” approach. Psst: More formalized small business coverage is coming soon, so be on the lookout.
Still want to contribute to our Giving Campaign? Click the link below.
I love this resolution from one of our readers: “Read 12 ‘hold in your hands, turn actual pages’ books.” You’ll have to pry my Kindle away from me, but our local bookstores + libraries will help if you’re also aiming to read more this year.
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