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🍔 Is this heaven on earth?
Pro tip: Take a page from our book and arrive right at opening for the shortest lines. | Photo by LALtoday
Grievous Angel, the latest restaurant concept from the owners of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, is now serving “deceptively good burgers” downtown.
We stopped by opening week — and so did everyone else. Lines have been out the door every night, but we can see why.
The vibe in five words: family-friendly honky-tonk bar. Country rock music blares while black-and-white western movies play behind the bar. After ordering at the counter, we were greeted by “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” playing on the patio while we found a spot in the shade.
Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when you dig into these crispy, yet juicy burgers.
Photo by LALtoday
We loved the Weekend Hero burger — two smashed patties filled to the brim with melty cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles — and the seasoned crinkle-cut fries.
We kept it classic on our first visit, but the menu is full of surprises. Perhaps most notably is that, besides spirits + half-bottles of wine, everything will run you $12 or less.
Visit the AGB every Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Photo provided by The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
After acting as interim executive director since June 2025, Dr. Daryl Ward will officially become executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB).
Ward brings decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and the arts to the role. Here are five things to know about The AGB’s new leader:
The Polk County native holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s from University of Mississippi, and a Ph.D. from University of South Florida
He’s an adjunct professor at Florida Southern College and accomplished photographer
He spent 32 years with Polk County Public Schools, and seven years as principal of Harrison School for the Arts
As interim director, Ward focused on education + community engagement initiatives like the Ela’s Forest project and the FSC Voices Symposium
Local real estate is still booming, with Lakeland coming in at No. 1 on moveBuddha’s list of fastest-growing boomtowns. The study combined mover interest in 2025 with 10-year growth rates, finding that Lakeland’s population grew by 34% from 2014 to 2024.
Number
$2.2 billion. That’s the annual economic impact of Lakeland International Airport, generated by tenants like Amazon, NOAA, and local businesses. Avelo is also keeping the airport busy, with 240,800 people passing through LAL since it began passenger service in 2024. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
East of These is expanding south, with a new shop coming to the Clonts Building at 228 E. Pine St. Peek inside at the boutique’s renovations before it opens next month, just a block away from its current location with Bloom Shakalaka on Trader’s Alley.
Travel
Florida tourism broke records again last year, with 143.3 million travelers visiting the Sunshine State. Pro tip: We’re skipping the overcrowded theme parks and becoming tourists in our own state in these six cities. (WFLA)
Seasonal
Arthur, Kyle, Sally — those are three of the names planned for the 2026 hurricane season. See the list. (WFLA)
Sports
Goalkeeper Liz Beardsley’s soccer career has taken her from Lakeland High School to the Houston Dash to the US Women’s National Team. Before she plays for the national team again, the Dash loaned her to the Tampa Bay Sun. See her closer to home in these upcoming games. (WFTS)
Listen
Hall Communications has sold its local radio stations to MARC Radio Group, which intends to take over the music + talk stations in May. Don’t worry, country music fans — MARC intends to keep the award-winning 97.5 WPCV the same. (The Ledger)
Featured Deal
Spend $50 on woman-owned cannabis brand TribeTokes and get a free pack of THC Libido Lift Gummies with purchase. Think: Stock up on top-reviewed CBD sleep gummies or enjoy a clean buzz from pineapple Delta 9 gummies. Use code VDAYGUMMY before the deal ends.†*
Lakeland artist Gillian Fazio strikes again, this time in a collaboration with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fazio designed a jersey for the team’s Local Artist Collaboration program, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The design includes orchids, peonies, monarchs, and the Lightning’s signature bolt, all coming together to honor trailblazers in the sports industry. Join the jersey auction at Women in Sports Night on Tuesday, March 10, or purchase a tee with Fazio’s design.
👕 Whether you’re the proud pet parent of a dog, cat, lizard, or hamster, show them off on a custom t-shirt.
🧹 Easily remove pet hair from carpets + upholstery thanks to the No. 1 best-selling Chom Chom hair and lint remover.
📷 Keep an eye on your four-legged friend with an indoor pet camera that’s under $30.
🧼 Make bath time a breeze with these pet bathing gloves that have soft bristles for easy grooming.
Judging by the dozen tents I saw around Lakeland this weekend, it’s safe to say Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing. Find a booth near you to try the new Exploremores, or opt for my personal favorite, Thin Mints. Every box supports local troop members in the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
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