We’ll never forget the opening weekend performances by The Band Perry + Hunter Hayes at Bonnet Springs Park. | Photo by LALtoday
Some of the best moments in life are set to a superb soundtrack. That’s why we’re diving into local music history to learn your Lakeland concert memories.
Before sending yours below, reminisce with a few memories from readers over the years:
“We were in high school and it was amusing that it was at a drive-in. But anytime someone came to town to put on a show, we were there. The RP Funding Center was not open yet.” — Marlene, on Bob Seger’s Silvermoon Drive-In show in 1973
“U2 opened their tour there in the 90s. They did a sound check for about 30 people. That’s where I met my husband in high school.” — @peppermintbee on the RP Funding Center
“Jimmy Buffett came on early morning, around 4 a.m., in between Leon Redbone and Pure Prairie League. [In] my recollection, it was amazing and Jimmy may have been drinking!” — Mark R., on the Florida Sunfest musical festival of 1977
City commissioners approved a contract with Rodda Construction to build an Educational Center at Se7en Wetlands Park, where guests can learn about local wetlands. A $972,000 state grant will fund most of the $1.2 million project, and the city is requesting another $115,000 in state funding. (The Ledger)
Award
Born & Bread Bakehouse is a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Bakery category. These national awards honor the best of the best in the culinary fields, from chefs to restaurants to bakeries. Finalists will be announced on March 31, but check back here soon for more.
Festival
Florida’s Citrus Festival is coming to downtown Winter Haven on Saturday, Jan. 31. The inaugural event will include a market with local citrus growers, a Blue Ribbon Art Showcase, food trucks + vendors with citrus-themed bites, live entertainment all day, and more juicy fun.
Coming Soon
A new coffee shop may be coming to north Lakeland. According to site plan documents, The Flamingo Bean Co. roastery could be opening a cafe off West Daughtery Road. Plans are TBA, but you can find its small-batch roasted coffees at the Feb. 8 Heritage Harvest Farmers Market. (What Now Tampa)
Number
1,400. That’s how many kids will participate in the Polk County Youth Fair, not to mention 400+ pigs. Events begin tomorrow and run through Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Bartow Ag Center, with categories like a hog sale, rabbit “skillathon,” and sew-off on the schedule. (Central Florida Ag News)
Civic
The county’s Industrial Development Authority has an opening for one member from District 5, which encompasses much of north Lakeland. Apply to serve on this board that helps finance economic development projects.
Eat
Layers by KC is now operating at the Depot 303 food hall in Mulberry. The menu has something for everyone, including savory, filled crepe cones and twenty-layer crepe cakes for when you need something sweet.
History
The Lovers’ Oak on Lake Morton just got a maintenance trim, but did you know it’s been around since Lakeland’s beginnings in the 1880s? Here’s another fun fact: The tree is actually two interconnected oaks — real tree huggers, some might say. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
As a parent, it’s hard to know what moves the needle in college admissions. Empowerly starts with a free 30-minute consultation to honestly assess your student’s college profile — from there, you’ll get matched with a counselor, receive data-backed insights, and construct a plan. Get your free consult.*
Seasonal
Don’t let tax season be a stressor. If you owe more than $10,000, reference Money’s list of best tax relief companies that can support you with everything from mediating payment plans to applying for penalty abatement. Learn more and get your finances back on track.*
Category
History
6 fast facts from the past
Along with the rest of Florida, downtown Lakeland was booming in the Roaring Twenties. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
Lakeland is known as a boomtown today, but that’s nothing new for Swan City. We’re looking back 100 years into our town’s history to see what life was like in 1926.
1. The total population was around 25,000 — compare that to the ~125,000 who live here today.
2. The Florida Land Boom that brought thousands of new residents to the Sunshine State was coming to a close.
3.Fire up the Model T. Lakeland was No. 4 in the state when it came to automobile registrations.
4. Construction began on the Lake Mirror Promenade, which was renamed after Frances Langford in 1946.
5. Nearby, the New Florida Hotel opened downtown — only to close a few months later after the Land Boom ended. It’s now the Lake Mirror Tower Apartments.
6.Morrell Memorial Hospital moved to a larger facility on Lakeland Hills Boulevard after operating for a decade. Eventually, it evolved into Lakeland Regional Health.
The Buy
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
Maybe it’s the former yearbook editor in me, but I’m obsessed with yearbooks from the past. I found this century-old one from Lakeland High School in 1926 available on Ebay — surprisingly, it says it ships from Kentucky.
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