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Category
Mansion Monday
Is this the best bathroom in Lakeland?
You’ll never bump elbows with your partner while brushing your teeth here. | Photo via Paige Wagner Homes Realty
It’s not often that a bathroom is the main selling point in a home — especially when it also has a gourmet kitchen, screened-in pool, and 4,660 sqft of living space. However, we think this throne room is the crown jewel of 1909 New Jersey Rd., listed by Paige Wagner Homes.
Cancel your spa membership, because this en-suite bathroom offers all the relaxation you need. There’s a spacious shower and a standalone soaking tub that’s just begging for a cup of tea + a good book.
When your fingers are too pruned to turn pages, get ready at the vanity with huge mirrors and so much counter space that you’ll never bump into a family member. And did we mention the chandelier?
Find more R+R in the primary bedroom, which features a fireplace and French doors leading to the pool.
The best part is that there are three more bathrooms, so this can be your private escape. We also love the home’s open living spaces, arched doorways, and proximity to Lake Hollingsworth.
2026 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Pleasant, SC | Free+ | Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry with a family-friendly boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the fleet, live music, a craft show, seafood samplings, and more.*
Celebrate Herbert Dixon, an African-American Golfers Hall of Famer, at a free Meet & Greet Barbecue Festival on Friday, Feb. 27 at New Life Outreach Ministry. Dixon, 106 years old, began his trailblazing career in Bartow + has made a whopping 11 holes in one. (African American Golfer’s Digest)
Mailbag
Lake Gibson High School alumni made quite the showing at the Super Bowl last night. We shared about Seattle linebacker Tyrice Knight last week, then reader Bon D. told us about Quinshon Odom, the Seahawks’ Offensive Assistant Coach + umpire Roy Ellison, who officiated his fourth Super Bowl.
Community
Leadership Polk is seeking candidates for its 20th class. The 10-month program brings together leaders from all over the county for deep dives on topics like local government, community health, and education. Nominate yourself or another leader by Friday, Feb. 27.
Try This
Feeling lucky? Friday the 13th is coming up, and local businesses are celebrating with big deals. Holy Grail Tattoos will offer $31 piercings, and The Emporium will have select flash tattoos available for $70 each. All are first-come, first-served.
Stat
40 minutes. That’s how much extra daylight Lakeland will gain by the end of February. As the days get longer, we suggest soaking up the afternoon sun on a local restaurant’s patio with a beverage in hand. (AccuWeather)
Pets
What do you get when you cross a golden retriever and a poodle? Florida’s most searched dog breed, the goldendoodle, which took the canine crown in a new study by MetLife. See what breeds are available at SPCA Florida.
Travel
Football season has been over for a matter of minutes, and the NFL is already looking ahead to next year. In October, the league will host a game in Paris for the first time in its history. We hear it’s beautiful in the fall — find out for yourself with a flight from Orlando International Airport.
Community
This Valentine’s Day, put your heart into local journalism by supporting LALtoday. Your contributions will go directly toward creating more of the local stories you love, expanding our coverage, and ensuring we can remain a free resource for all. Give a little love to local news.
Eat
Baseball is back this month, and so is the annual Tiger BBQ on Thursday, Feb. 19. Grab tickets for a barbecue buffet of pork, chicken, ribs, sausage, and all your favorite fixin’s at Joker Marchant Stadium.*
Stop settling for gutter guards that barely work and still leave you climbing a ladder every month to clear debris. LeafGuard’s award-winning, one-piece system is designed to make clogs impossible. For a limited time, our readers can get 75% off installation plus an extra $200 off. Get a free assessment.*
Featured Deal
Explore an introduction to psychedelic therapy and how it can help depression or anxiety. Pre-order your book today, Feb. 9, and get bonus access to a live online summit with Michael Pollan, Gabor Maté, Melissa Etheridge, and more.*
Editor’s Pick
For an extra challenge, go off-road at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
While Olympians vie for medals in Italy, Lakeland has already won big back home. The League of American Bicyclists gave the City of Lakeland a bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award for its efforts to make biking safer + more accessible.
I’m excited to see some beautiful weather in the forecast this week, so it’s the perfect time to put the pedal to the metal on a local trail. Try the Lake-to-Lake Bikeway for a distance challenge, or hit the Fort Fraser Trail and take the Circle B Bar Reserve connector to spot some wildlife.
The Buy
Searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise loved ones with these gifts that can arrive by the end of the week.
❣️ Remind them how you feel with a little sign to say I love you that’s the perfect size for desks and night stands.
🧦 You can never go wrong with soft, fuzzy socks that make every step feel like you’re walking on clouds.
📚 The perfect gift for any book lover, a three-month Audible membership is under $50 + provides access to thousands of audiobooks.
🍽️ Spark spontaneity with this set of scratch off date ideas that’s been featured in US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more.
✋ This top-rated hand massager can ease sore hands with five intensity levels + two heat settings.
While we’re on the subject of bathrooms, did you know that there’s a national contest for America’s Best Restroom? I would nominate The Joinery, Born & Bread, and Fresh Kitchen, just to list a few local lavatories I love.
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