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🚧 South Florida Ave-news
Design plans call for two 11-ft travel lanes, an 11-ft two-way center turn lane, and spacious sidewalks. | Image provided by the City of Lakeland
Just like rush hour traffic, Lakeland’s South Florida Avenue (State Road 37) road diet is slowly but surely inching forward. In a workshop with city officials on Friday, Feb. 13, Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby shared that the design phase of the project is 60% complete.
The city and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) began the project years ago, installing concrete barriers on a crash-heavy stretch between Ariana Street and Lime Street in 2020. Need a refresher? Listen to this quick recap.
FDOT approved a mid-block crossing in Dixieland near Born & Bread Bakehouse.
Image provided by the City of Lakeland
Lazenby laid out a timeline for the next design + construction phases:
60% design completion — February 2026
90% design completion — July 2026
Final plans submitted — December 2026
Design phase completion — February 2027
Construction start — Early 2027
The project is expected to cost $22.6 million, with the city paying around $5 million for special features, like decorative lighting and landscaping.
Lakeland Regional Health Promise Run | 6 a.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade | $40+ | The run raises vital funds, helping physicians expand care and provide essential services — participants walk, jog, or run as a Promise to support the health of their community.*
Grievous Angel opened its doors at 801 E. Main St. last night, serving up “deceptively good burgers,” hot dogs, and cocktails. We also see beignets on the menu — likely an homage to the Poor Porker that was once at this spot.
Number
30+. That’s how many brush fires Polk County Fire Rescue had to put out this Sunday, calling in help from four other fire departments. Chief Shawn Smith stressed the importance of the county’s ongoing burn ban, especially with current drought conditions. (WFLA)
Health
Moffit Cancer Center is planning a major expansion throughout Central Florida, starting with an outpatient center on Bartow Road in Lakeland. The center will offer cancer screenings, radiation imaging, and clinical trials when it opens in 2029, and there are already plans for future expansion.
Civic
The City of Lakeland is now accepting sign-ups for its Citizens Academy, which gives residents an inside look at city departments from fire to wastewater. Be one of the first 30 to register to join seven weekly sessions. The Academy is free, and dinner is provided.
Edu
Game on. Florida Poly cut the ribbon on a new esports arena for students, featuring 20 gaming computers and a 48-ft viewing screen. More than 100 students currently play esports at the university, leveling up their experience in a growing industry.
Holiday
The start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which may take place today. Observe and learn more by joining the daily iftar at the Islamic Center of Lakeland.
Sports
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle earned the fifth spot on the MLB’s list of 15 hitters to watch in Spring Training. The Tigers held their first full squad workout at Joker Marchant Stadium this past weekend ahead of their away game versus the Yankees on Saturday.
Family
The Lunar New Year begins today, and we have just the way to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Join tonight’s themed Evening Explorers at Bonnet Springs Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Then, visit the Florida Children’s Museum for a family celebration on Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-3 p.m.
Play
🎲 Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in the future.
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all. With a science-backed program that combines personalized coaching with habit-building tools, Noom is ditching restrictive diets for nourishing meals that lead to real results. Start a free trial.*
Category
Seasonal
🍓 Strawberry Season Passport: Stop 3
The farm shared that the recent freezes meant lower berry production, but the ones I picked were the sweetest I’ve tasted. | Photo by LALtoday
Editor Connor here with another stamp in my Strawberry Season Passport. This time, I found myself at Berry Sweet Acres in Plant City. I arrived at this farm expecting a quick trip, but I was pleasantly surprised when they handed me an empty container. It turned out to be a U-pick situation, so I got to hand-select the best berries in the patch.
This is the perfect weekend family activity — kids can get their hands dirty in the field, and grown-ups can enjoy the new coffee + food trucks. I’m eyeing that strawberry bacon jam burger.
Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest difference. These four products tackle everyday headaches — each for under $30.
👜 Tired of your purse tipping over or disappearing on the car floor? These car purse hooks keep your bags within reach.
🚽 Late-night bathroom runs will no longer feel like an obstacle course thanks to this toilet bowl night light.
🧅 Swap baking soda for this fridge deodorizer that works for up to 10 years, so you can set it once and forget it.
🚗 Designed to reduce strain, this vehicle assist handle provides sturdy support to help you get in + out of your car with ease and stability.
I had a pretty busy Valentine’s Day, attending not one, but 22 weddings all at once at the Old Polk County Courthouse. Love was truly in the air as they all said, “I do.” Catch the recap.
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