We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Lakeland. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Let the Games begin
If you’re looking to support local older adults, you’re right on target. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
Move over, Olympics. There’s another athletic event coming up that won’t require a plane ride. Get ready for the 2026 Polk Senior Games, happening Saturday, Feb. 28-Saturday, March 14 at locations around Polk County.
The Polk Senior Games draw more than 2,100 participants annually, making it one of the largest events of its kind in Florida. This competition is just for adults ages 50 and up to shine in 30+ events, including:
Sports like bowling, golf, basketball, pickleball, and tennis
Ballroom, social, and square dancing
Track events
Games + puzzles like chess, bridge, and sudoku
The top competitors will take home medals, and the best of the best could go to the Florida Senior Games.
Registration is open through Friday, Feb. 6, and online registration is a new offering this year. Not competing? Volunteer to help the games run smoothly, or cheer on the athletes at one of these competitions.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the opening ceremony at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven on Saturday, Feb. 28, starting at 8:45 a.m.
Asked
Asked
Which category do you think you could win?
A. A sport, like softball or pickleball B. Dancing C. Track events D. Puzzles + games E. Something else
Easter Grand Buffet at The Terrace Grille | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland | $45+ | Celebrate Easter with a festive buffet at The Terrace Grille featuring an abundant spread of coastal favorites, seasonal classics, and decadent desserts, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny.*
Homes overlooking Lake Hollingsworth don’t come along often, and this newly listed house is one of the only ones on the market right now. Huge windows offer rare views of the lake, and the back patio is the perfect place to entertain guests.
Mailbag
Reader June D. recently asked where to find the donation schedule for OneBlood’s Big Red Bus. If you’re also looking to give blood, check out the upcoming stops, including the Southgate Publix + Lakeland Square Mall. Bonus: The Lakeland Hills Donor Center is open daily.
Today Is
Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil will emerge and predict whether or not we’ll see an early spring, a tradition dating back 139 years. Here in Florida, we’ll be looking to an alligator, an owl, and even a conch for our weather predictions. (The Ledger)
Answered
$27 million. That’s how much revenue Catapult members generated last year, which was correctly guessed by 36% of readers. Impressed? Learn more about the impact of Catapult startups.
Sports
Super Bowl LX is locked in — the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday, Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. Consider this your cue to text the group chat and pick a local sports bar for game day. (USA Today)
Watch
Do not try this at home. Storied rock climber Alex Honnold recently climbed the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan without ropes or a harness, and Netflix livestreamed the event. If he ever came to Lakeland, we wonder which of our most iconic landmarks he would scale.
Eat
We’re in the depths of winter — that might explain why people are so interested in soup at the moment. A cozy sweater and a warm bowl at one of Swan City’s super soup spots sounds great right now.
Trending
Take your Southern hospitality to the next level by making a personalized logo for your home. You can put it on things like matchboxes, coffee cups, and notepads to create a hotel-style feel. Some Central Floridian flora would be a great touch — get inspired at a local park. (Southern Living)
$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.*
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles + watch the applications roll in.
I’m obsessed with the trend of branding your home with a name and logo. Thankfully, inspiration is everywhere in Lakeland, and a local mural like this one offers some great design inspo. If you’ve named your home, share the story with me.
}})
