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🍓 Would you try these new foods?
We never skip a strawberry-topped doughnut from Peachey’s. | Photo by LALtoday
The Florida Strawberry Festival has officially begun in Plant City, and our mouths are watering just thinking of all the fair food being dunked into deep fryers right now. Which of these menu items speaks to you?
Strawberries
If there’s one thing you try, it has to be strawberries, right? There are dozens of sweet + savory options for everyone to enjoy, including these intriguing options:
Strawberry cinnamon buns à la mode by Cinnamon Bun Saloon
Strawberry barbecue egg rolls by Double T Enterprises
Strawberry crunch nachos with waffle cone chips by Sweet Missions
Strawberry Dubai funnel cake by Best Around
Shortcake is so integral to this event that the three places to get it are marked on the map.
Not a berry lover? Your secret is safe with us, and there’s still plenty for you to feast on. New foods have been announced that we can’t wait to taste test:
Penne pickle pasta by Spaghetti Eddie’s
Chicken teriyaki mac and cheese by Brody’s Mac & Cheese
County officials held a public meeting earlier this week to share the master plan and renderings for the future Polk County Agricultural Center. The multi-use facility is coming to the Homeland area, south of Bartow. A timeline is TBA.
Opening
We know you’re hungry, but the new Lakeland Diner pushed back its opening day to Monday, March 2. According to its Facebook page, its hours will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Outdoors
Things are looking up in Munn Park — no, really. Look up into the trees on your next visit to see a new floral art installation hanging overhead. It joins the recently added cornhole boards as part of the city’s park redesign.
Coming Soon
Rec Room has been busy expanding its gaming options from the arcade to the former LKLD Live space next door, and it finally revealed what’s next: duckpin bowling. This style uses smaller balls + pins, and we’re excited to see another downtown activity.
Edu
WonderHere, a Lakeland-based educational organization, received unanimous approval from the school board for a pilot project at Philip O’Brien Elementary. Starting this fall, WonderHere will launch a project-based learning model for early childhood students there, in hopes of expanding to other schools.
Shop
Treat yourself to a carton of Mike & Mike’s cupcakes, available for $2 off at Publix through Wednesday, March 4. This local brand specializes in allergen-free + vegan desserts made without artificial dyes, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup. Editor’s pick: Chocolate Delight.
Real Estate
How have home trends changed in the last 20 years? According to Zillow, movers now prefer smaller, cozier homes. This 862-sqft bungalow in the Biltmore-Cumberland Historic District fits the bill — and packs a punch with a detached garage, Florida room, and two bedrooms. (Better Homes & Gardens)
See fewer grays on your hair and beard with a simple spray designed specifically for men: Particle Anti-Gray Serum. It’s effective without dye, coloring, or harsh chemicals. Save 20% off and get free shipping with discount code CITY20.*
Event Spotlight
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra just celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Strike up the band and fire up the ovens. The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra will host its next Cookie Concert this Sunday, March 1 at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium. This free performance is geared toward kids, and Publix will provide cookies for all guests.
Arrive at 1 p.m. to get a closer look at instruments before the concert begins at 2 p.m. The show is inspired by Lemony Snicket’s musical mystery book “The Composer Is Dead.” No registration required.
It’s almost March — yay. But also, what should you wear? Here’s one complete outfit that can carry you through the sometimes chilly, sometimes temperate days of late winter, all under $150 while sales last:
Here’s a quick money-saving hack for the Strawberry Festival: Some food vendors will add a small processing fee for card transactions, so bring cash to save a few dollars.
