Seasoned dancers from “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance” will step to it at Florida Southern. | Photo by Chris Hardy
Here’s a snapshot of what Lakeland’s February calendar holds: strawberries, romance, and just a little jigging. Intrigued? Add these top local events to your agenda.
Game Night at the Museum | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | $90 | Feel like a kid again with a night of adults-only gaming + refreshments.
“A Taste of Ireland” | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium | $41+ | Jig along with world champion dancers at this off-Broadway show, called an “Irish music and dance sensation.”
Valentine Night Market | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Walk hand-in-hand as you pick out gifts with your significant other and take photos with Cupid.
Caribbean Carnival! | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 3-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Bring the whole family to enjoy island vibes, food vendors, and Caribbean music from headliner Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers.
EmpowerHer Heart: A Women’s Wellness Affair | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Recharge in nature, and enjoy a day that feeds your body, mind + spirit at this free event.*
✏️ A new early childhood education center is coming in 2027
Presented by Southeastern University
The early childhood center’s development plans include a welcoming main lobby, a playground, and a great hall. | Photos provided by Southeastern University, renderings by The Lunz Group
Set to open in Spring 2027 to children ages 0-4, the center will focus on milestone and routine-based learning, encouraging exploration and outdoor play.
Additionally, RSG will serve as a lab school for SEU College of Education students to gain real-world experience.
Cafe 51 is now serving up family recipes in the former Charlie’s Mini Donuts space on County Road 540-A. Expect comfort food prepared by sibling owners Kathy Billings and Tom LaBarbera, who says you can’t skip his Chicken Spedini skewers. Scroll through menu photos. (LkldNow)
Ranked
No. 30. That’s where the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro landed on the Milken Institute’s 2026 “Best-Performing Cities” list. Our area had a strong showing in job growth and high-tech GDP growth from 2019 to 2024, helping it rank one spot higher than last year.
Edu
Speaking of tech growth, Florida Poly received a $500,000 grant from Google to integrate AI into more curriculum. The funding will support the school’s Faculty Innovation Lab, where faculty members will create courses that teach students AI literacy, no matter their academic program.
Weather
Anybody have a strawberry-sized sweater? Growers in Plant City are doing what they can to protect their fields in this week’s near-freezing temperatures. While some berries will be lost now, they say letting them freeze will save the next harvest in February — and even lead to sweeter berries. (Fox 13 News)
Eat
Two words: espresso hummus. You can now find Feasts of Persia’s latest culinary creation at Bodega Market in downtown Lakeland. It’s not just a combination of flavors, but of businesses as well. The hummus is infused with espresso from Divicious Deli, located just next door.
Stat
51%. That’s what percentage of readers told us the song “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield best describes their ideal Florida weather. The very 2009 music video is just the thing to warm you up this morning.
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings around town. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event with our thousands of subscribers. Visit our business promo portal to get started — no long-term contract required.
You don’t have to handle debt by yourself. A debt relief program can help simplify things by rolling multiple balances into one manageable, personalized payment. Explore Money’s top-rated programs and get a free quote today.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Health
Investing in your future health should not be reserved for the top 1%. Midi Health makes expert-guided longevity care accessible and affordable — helping you feel strong, sharp, and energized for decades to come. Visits are virtual and covered by most insurance. Learn more.*
Finance
Upgrade your wallet with one of 2026’s must-have cards for Americans with good credit. Think: up to 6% cash back on categories you actually use, rewards on every single purchase, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
Category
Seasonal
🍓 Strawberry Season Passport: Stop 2
You’ll love the fresh produce and food at Fancy Farms. | Photo by LALtoday
Connor here, back with another stamp in my Strawberry Season Passport. In case you missed it, I snagged one of these rare booklets with berry big deals at eight local businesses, and I’m taking readers along for the ride.
My second stop was close to home at the only Lakeland spot on the list: Fancy Farms Market. The passport got me a creamy, rich strawberry milkshake that was perfect for a sunny day — you know, before Lakeland went under a freeze watch.
Strawberry treats are available through March or April, then the seasonal menu will cycle through blueberry, peach, and pumpkin. You can’t skip the lunch items either, especially the barbecue with strawberry sauce.
If you’ve ever stared at your screen wondering where the real opportunities are hiding, this free class is your shortcut. You’ll learn how to use AI to cut through the noise and identify high-probability trades in seconds. No more emotional decisions. No more stress. Just clear direction on what to trade.
What’s the most successful product backed by “Shark Tank”?
This might knock your socks off. The correct answer is Bombas socks, guessed by 50% of readers. Lakeland business Screen Skinz could be the next top product after securing a deal on the show last week.
I know going for a swim is probably the last thing on your mind today, but I have to share these swan pool floats recommended by reader Jan S. If you ever wished Lake Morton was in your backyard, these are the next best thing.
}})
