You can now find the beloved Snowfest event on the Frances Langford Promenade in December | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
With this week’s weather, our hot coffee just isn’t cutting it anymore. Instead, we’re looking to the Lakeland Public Library’s photo archives for pictures from past winters to warm our hearts.
Let it snow. It may sound like wishful thinking, but Lakeland’s Snowfest has been thrilling kids with man-made snow for 45 years. In the photo above, families played on Kentucky Avenue in the 1990s.
The expo now draws 200,000+ annual visitors, making it the largest convention of any kind in Florida.
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is now known as “spring break for pilots,” but did you know it was originally held in January back when it began in 1974? You can expect much warmer weather when this year’s event takes place April 14-19.
Click below for more memories, from turtle soup to a towering landmark.
Lakeland Regional Health recognized for excellence in maternity care
Presented by Lakeland Regional Health
The physicians at LRH are ready to be your partners in health. | Photo provided by Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) has been named High Performing for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, earning a spot among just 13 Florida hospitals recognized.
There’s a very small chance that the Tampa Bay area could see snow flurries late tomorrow night. Will it actually happen? Vote below if you think it will snow in Lakeland or not — and if you do see flurries, send in your photos. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
Bezos Academy Lakeland will open at Oscar J. Pope Elementary School this fall, offering fully subsidized, Montessori-style education for preschoolers. Applications are open through Monday, April 20 and are chosen by lottery — income restrictions apply.
Number
$190 million. That’s how much the Florida Department of Transportation will spend on I-4 and State Road 33 interchange improvements. The project includes road widening, new roundabouts, and a wildlife underpass. FDOT says it’s on schedule to finish by 2029. (Construction Equipment Guide)
Festival
Arrgh you ready for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest? This annual event is taking over Tampa all day tomorrow, and our friends at TBAYtoday have plenty of ways to celebrate the city’s swashbuckling story.
Travel
Can you guess Avelo’s most popular route from LAL? Here’s a hint: You might want to work on your Spanish. In an interview with The Ledger, CEO Andrew Levy shared that San Juan has been Avelo’s most-booked destination, and more flights to Puerto Rico are in the works.
Seasonal
Sorry, snowbirds — the Snowbird Extravaganza at the RP Funding Center is canceled this year. The company behind these national events is pausing after low vendor turnout. If you’re missing the extravaganza, see what advice our readers have for out-of-towners. (LkldNow)
Is your home running efficiently? Schedule a free Home Energy Check from Lakeland Electric for personalized recommendations that help you save energy and money.*
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. From overpaying when online shopping to sticking with a car insurance plan instead of shopping for a lower rate, here are 11 of the dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Asked
Asked
Place your bets — will it snow in Lakeland?
A. I think it will B. Definitely not C. Maybe not, but I wish it would
Orange you glad it’s finally time for Florida’s Citrus Festival? The event returns tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Winter Haven’s Central Park area. We’re peeling back the curtain on what to expect:
Dozens of entertainers, artists, food trucks, and agriculture experts
Citrus-themed vendor market
No admission fee
Plenty of free parking nearby
Citrus Connection rides from Lakeland to downtown Winter Haven (staying on theme is a bonus, too)
The Buy
The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. Discover our favorite gifts for loved ones, perfect for any kind of Valentine:
🧳 Gift them this premium leather toiletry bag that’s top rated for style and function.
👣 You can never go wrong with a heated foot massager that was designed with insights from real massage therapists.
🌹 Instead of a bouquet that only lasts a week, opt for these forever roses that will stay beautiful for years to come.
🧥 Keep them warm with this 4.6-star rated sherpa-lined flannel that’s both dapper + durable.
⛳ The golf lover in your life will appreciate this accessory case for storing their gloves, balls, tees, and markers.
The library’s archives are always packed with fun surprises — including this photo of the coolest spectator at the 1988 Lakeland Christmas Parade. No spoilers, you’ll have to click to find out who it was.
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