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🥇 Go for gold
The closest you’ll get to the Duomo di Milano cathedral might be Lakeland’s Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. | Photo by Cat Gillihan
If you’re like us, you’ve been watching hours of 2026 Winter Olympics coverage and learning way more about curling than you thought possible. Feeling inspired? This is as close as you can get to becoming an Olympian in Lakeland.
The next “quad god” could walk among us — find out with figure skating lessons at Lakeland Ice Arena. This facility also offers several hockey options, from kids’ lessons to adult leagues.
If you’re more into skiing and snowboarding, get your start by sledding at Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park. It’s about an hour from Lakeland, but it’s worth the drive for Central Florida’s only 60-ft slopes.
Lakeland’s second Polar Plunge takes place Saturday, Feb. 28 at Simpson Park Pool. You won’t get a medal, but those brave enough to jump in will be rewarded with warm drinks + giveaways.
Finally, if the only Olympic element you’re jealous of is the location, join Il Forno Italian Restaurant’s annual trip to Italy this June.
Cupid’s Night Out at Lakeside Village | 5-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Celebrate Valentine’s Day with photo ops, a flower bar for the first 200 guests, interactive stations, romantic music, and a local vendors’ market.*
L.B. Brown Heritage Festival | Saturday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 15 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | L.B. Brown House Museum | Free
This year marks 79 years of the Tiger BBQ and 90 years of Tigers’ Spring Training in Polk County. | Photos provided by Visit Central Florida
Grab your ball caps and sunscreen: The annual Tiger BBQ returns to Publix Field on Thursday, Feb. 19, to ring in the Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training season in Lakeland.
Grab tickets to dive into a barbecue buffet of pork, ribs, chicken, sausage, and all your favorite fixin’s. Attendees will also score a souvenir pint glass.
Polk County is the only Spring Training site to welcome its team with a good old-fashioned barbecue, before games begin on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Lakeland Senior Hub is ready to reveal plans for its future programming. Join a community meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3-5 p.m. at the United Women’s Club for refreshments, door prizes, and a look at what’s next for the Hub.
Travel
Calling all Braves and Tigers fans. You can now book Avelo flights from LAL to Detroit, MI and Atlanta, GA, just in time for baseball season. The Detroit route is seasonal, with flights pausing after April until November.
Seasonal
Springtime means tours at Cow Creek Farm are returning soon. Set an alarm for tomorrow at 7 p.m. when tickets go on sale for March + April farm tours with adorable, fluffy Highland cows — these typically sell out within minutes.
Biz
Add another award to their cart. Publix Super Markets snagged the No. 119 spot on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Large Employers.” The company employs 260,000 people across its 1,288 stores and Lakeland headquarters.
Number
$990. That’s how much the average Florida household spends on dining out each month, according to a new study by Trace One. That puts Florida at No. 8 in restaurant spending among all states. Put those dollars toward a newly opened Lakeland eatery. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
Mailbag
Planning an America250FL road trip? Reader Michael S. recommends visiting Tarpon Springs, where you’ll find one of the initiative’s road markers. Michael also shouted out Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where you can see manatees up close.
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
City Guide
Forget it’s almost Valentine’s Day?
Cigar lovers can visit the humidor for their next selection at Lakeland Loft. | Photo by @LakelandLoft
We won’t say we told you to plan ahead. We’ll just slide these date night ideas your way that take little to no planning (and we’ll even let you take all the credit).
Lakeland Loft
For a swanky evening, dance along with the Paul Butcher Jazz Trio on Saturday night, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Rec Room
Level up your dating game at this arcade bar, which will pour themed cocktails like the Lovebird Lemonade on Saturday.
Silver Moon Drive-In
Swap your classic dinner and a movie for a cozy night at the drive-in with pizza from the concession stand.
Lugo’s Craft Distillery
Reserve a free distillery tour to sample premium craft rums, then stick around in the cocktail lounge.
In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.
💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.
If the Tiger BBQ is back, that means Spring Training is right around the corner. Tune in tomorrow for a play-by-play of how the Detroit Tigers fell in love with Lakeland, and tell us what you want to know before this season begins.
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