Lakeland’s murals have put the city on the map when it comes to Central Florida’s art scene. | Photo via Gillian Fazio
Lakeland could always use some more art,right? That’s where the Color Wave Walls mural festival comes into play. Hosted by local artists Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos, this event will be the first of its kind in Swan City.
The festival will invite experienced muralists to create large-scale paintings around the downtown area from Nov. 6 through Nov. 14. Visitors will enjoy mural tours, gallery shows, and panels, while local students apprentice with the muralists.
Santos works under the name TRATOS, alongside Juan Travieso, where they mix bold color blocking with intricate detailing.
Photo by LALtoday
The first step is finding the right canvases. Fazio and Santos are seeking around 10 businesses with walls that could use some love. “We’re especially excited to work with business owners who are enthusiastic about collaboration, interested in highlighting their business, and open to working with a renowned artist,” they said.
To apply, email the exact address + photos of the wall to colorwavewalls@gmail.com. Selected businesses will be notified by Wednesday, April 1. The festival will provide murals at no cost to property owners.
SEU offers a compelling pathway to your future that aligns education with spiritual + community values. | Photos provided by Southeastern University
It’s time to rethink the choice between traditional college and tech or trade school: At SEU, you can do both.
SEU Tech and SEU Trades meet industry needs and offer a holistic college experience, combining online courses with practical training + real industry connections.
SEU Trades
As an SEU Trades student, you’ll be prepared to step into a new career upon program completion, no prior experience required.
412. That’s how many staff vacancies PCPS has across its 120+ schools, including around 300 classroom teacher openings. On the hunt for a new job? Check out the open positions. (Bay News 9)
Community
Nominations are open for Polk Vision’s next Youth Leadership Polk class. Chosen students will gain leadership + networking experience over the summer. Family members, teachers, mentors, and students themselves can nominate a current 10th or 11th grader for the program by Friday, Feb. 13.
The Word
Logophile. That’s the name for someone who loves words, which could be said of former Bartow mayor Steve Githens. For nearly 15 years, Githens has donated thousands of dictionaries to Polk third graders as a Bartow Rotary Club project. Watch as Eagle Lake Elementary students receive theirs. (Bay News 9)
Older Adults
Come sail away. Adults ages 55+ can join Polk County Parks and Recreation’s “Beyond the Sea: Cruise In” social on Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Wabash Community Center. Admission is free, registration is required, and passports aren’t necessary. (The Daily Ridge)
Active
See what Pure Barre has to offer at its New Year Open House event. On Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17, the fitness studio will be open for complimentary sessions and studio tours. Pro tip: Your first class is free, even if you can’t make it this week.
Seasonal
All hail the queen. See which teen will be crowned the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available to watch the royal fanfare online or in person at Plant City’s Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
Cause
If you’re still thinking about your 2026 goals, why not aim to help our community this year? The latest Watson Clinic Health Talk podcast episode covers all the Watson Clinic Foundation programs designed to assist patients in need + elevate Lakelanders’ health. Listen here and discover ways to get involved.*
Featured Deal
Make 2026 the year your business gets noticed. Share your message with our local audience in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our business promo portal. Use code NEW15 at checkout to secure the deal.
Home
Dreaming of a new bathroom in 2026? Make it a reality with a one-day walk-in shower installation. HomeBuddy conveniently connects you with trusted local contractors, complete with customer reviews to help ensure a smooth, hassle-free project. Enter your ZIP code for a free estimate.*
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.*
We’re lighting up the Bat Signal for all Lakeland superfans — now’s your time to shine.This weekend kicks off Central Florida Comic Con (CFCC), which describes itself as a celebration of “all things nerdy,” including comics, movies, games, and art.
CFCC will take over the RP Funding Center on Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 18. Buy tickets + VIP passes for the full weekend or just one day — either way, the events are non-stop. Listen in on expert panels, try your hand at gaming tournaments, meet stars in Q+As, and compete in cosplay contests.
Bragworthy deals from local restaurants, spas, salons, gyms, and more. If one of your resolutions in 2026 is to spend less + save more, Groupon is your No. 1 resource. Uncover up to 70% in savings on experiences right in your own backyard.
Are you excited for more murals? We’ve asked readers in the past what types of public art they would add around town, and murals are always popular. While we wait for the Color Wave festival, scroll through 30+ works of art found on local walls.
}})
