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Don’t judge a library by its cover
This is just a rendering, but expect a lighter and brighter library soon. | Image provided by the City of Lakeland
...because the Larry R. Jackson Branch is about to get a whole new look. In a workshop with city officials earlier this month, City Librarian Stephanie Brown shared with city officials that a complete renovation is in the works.
Plans include a new layout, plus updated restrooms and furniture. There will also be updates to the lighting fixtures, which haven’t been replaced since the library opened in 1995 — back when “The Rainmaker” by John Grisham was topping bestseller lists.
The Jackson Branch Library will be closed during the renovations. During the closure, library events like storytimes and computer classes will be held at the Simpson Park Community Center and Coleman-Bush Building, where you can already find a book vending machine + drop site.
A construction start date is TBD, so check out those books on your to-read list.
How SEU’s Political Science program shapes future leaders
Presented by Southeastern University
The Political Science program at SEU is offered as both a major and minor degree program. | Photo provided by Southeastern University
Southeastern University’s Political Science program prepares students to become politicians, campaign workers, activists, lawyers, or any kind of change-maker.
Hands-on education from professors with real political experience
Leadership development through the Political Science Student Association
Growth in public speaking + critical thinking skills
An award-winning debate team
Political Science students at SEU also have the opportunity to join the American Center for Public Leadership, led by Lakeland-native professor and former congressman, Dennis Ross.
We asked readers which home feature would have them calling the movers, and it was nearly a tie between an outdoor oasis and a gourmet kitchen. Luckily, this Clubhouse Road home has two in one: a poolside kitchen with a grill, pizza oven, and sunny al fresco dining space.
Weather
Got a green thumb? This one’s for you. The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Last Frost Date Map, and it suggests Lakeland gardeners may want to plant later than usual this year. Pro tip: Pick up some native plants at Plant Local, formerly known as The Nectary.
Eat
Here’s the inside scoop: Publix released a new lineup of 19 limited-edition ice cream flavors. Head to your favorite store to find interesting combos like maple chocolate chip pancake and a chantilly flavor inspired by the bakery’s beloved cake. (WFLA)
There are 13 days until the clocks go forward for daylight saving time. That means a few things: spring is on its way, the sun is setting later, and summer will be here before we know it. A picnic awaits — plan out which local park you’d like to frequent for the occasion.
Tech
Apple is expected to unveil the newest iPhone + MacBook on Wednesday, March 4. If you’re saving up for the shiny new releases, here’s a tip: Take advantage of Lakeland’s top free activities to stretch your budget. (Bloomberg)
Whether you want to learn a skill from scratch, build a creative habit, or level up in your career — Skillshare has something for everyone. The online learning platform offers classes taught by experts on topics ranging from podcasting, productivity, interior design, and calligraphy. Get started with a one month free trial.*
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Job
Manifesting a new job for 2026? Let us help. Our Job Board has 240,000 active listings across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Search open jobs now.
Correction
In Friday’s newsletter, we shared that paraeducator Edith Thomas was retiring after 31 years at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School. However, those 31 years with PCPS began before the school opened in 2002. Hear what her son had to say about her impact. (Bay News 9)
Category
Mailbag
More memories at the Chalet
Many readers remember meals shared in the Chalet’s dining room. | Photo via Florida Memory
Last Monday, we shared a reader’s email about the bygone Chalet Suzanne. Here’s another one from reader Ruth T.
“I grew up in Lake Wales, and I took my mom, Barbara Bachelder, to the Chalet Suzanne every Mother’s Day from the time I was in college and beyond. The quaint restaurant has many loving memories for me.
“The night Mike and I got married, we stayed in the honeymoon cottage. Later in life, when I became a mother, I brought our daughter Kaleigh. When my parents, Dwight and Barb, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary... of course it was held at the Chalet!”
You won’t find this inn + restaurant in Lake Wales anymore, but there’s still plenty to explore in the “Crown Jewel of the Ridge.” Pro tip: The 55th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival takes place Saturday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 1.
Chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, spa days, and more thanks to unbeatable deals on Groupon. New deals drop daily, so there’s always something new to try. You can even stack deals: book date night now, schedule a deep tissue massage, and still have room in the budget for a weekend brewery tour.
The Jackson Branch Library is still in the planning stages before closing for renovations, but in the meantime, its events calendar is popping off. This week, you’ll find an AI workshop, a knitting class, Spanish storytime, and an anime club.
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