Plus, a mini Strawberry Fest.
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79º | 5% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 6:28 p.m.

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It’s a beautiful day in these neighborhoods

House 1
If you need a cup of sugar, Lake Hollingsworth neighbors have your back. | Photo via Keller Williams Realty Smart
Hey, neighbor. Nextdoor just released its 2026 rankings of the 20 friendliest neighborhoods in Lakeland — did yours make the list?

Each one received a friendliness score based on community interactions on Nextdoor’s platform, including posts with a positive tone or neighborhood pride, how users fulfilled neighbors’ requests, and responses to welcome posts.

These neighborhoods were named the most friendly:
  1. Hollingsworth + Lake Hollingsworth | Friendliness score: 96 and 95
  2. East Memorial Boulevard | Friendliness score: 94
  3. Creekwood Run | Friendliness score: 93
  4. Socrum Loop - Odom | Friendliness score: 93
  5. Dixieland | Friendliness score: 93
Note: The list separates the Lake Hollingsworth area into two neighborhoods, taking the top two spots.

What do you think? Did Nextdoor get it right? Tell us which neighborhood deserves the title of Lakeland’s friendliest below.

Asked

Did Nextdoor get the friendliest neighborhoods right?


A. Definitely
B. For the most part
C. Not at all
Which deserves No. 1?
Lakeland Christian School

Events

Monday, March 2

Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free+

Florida Strawberry Festival | Monday, March 2-Sunday, March 8 | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $4+

Tuesday, March 3

Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band | 6:30 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35

Four-Week Dig Deep Clay Class | Tuesday, March 3-Tuesday, March 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio | $250

Wednesday, March 4

Community Flow and Walk | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Banana Lake Park | $10

Thursday, March 5

Sip & Create: Mosaic Butterfly Class | 5:30-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $35

Friday, March 6

Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $24+

First Friday: Foodie Fest | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+

Saturday, March 7

The Art of Tablescaping: Tablescape Designer Showcase | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Junior League of Greater Lakeland Building | $25

863 Live! | 2:30-7 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | Free+

Sunday, April 5

Easter Grand Buffet | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland | $45+ | Celebrate Easter with a festive buffet at The Terrace Grille featuring an abundant spread of coastal favorites, seasonal classics, and decadent desserts, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny.*
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
Orlando International Airport

News Notes

Mansion Monday

Just south of Lakeland, you’ll find this lakefront stunner with a kitchen fit for a chef. Think: spacious quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, and a walk-in pantry. When you’re ready to chef it up, you’re in luck — this home is ~12 minutes away from three Publix stores.

On This Day

March second’s the date, hip hip hooray: Dr. Seuss was born on this day. To the Lakeland Public Library, don’t wait up. For fun times reading, you can fill your cup. A child’s first book, a joyful start; a love of reading, straight from the heart.

Travel

Tomorrow at 12 p.m., fans of “Heated Rivalry” can book the cottage featured in the final episode of the series on Airbnb. The cozy Canadian getaway offers binge-watching spots galore — but if you don’t snag a reservation, plan a staycation at these local rental homes instead.

Arts

“Fashion is art.” That’s the dress code for the 2026 Met Gala, which is set for Monday, May 4. Want to join in on the fun? Try this: Create your own art-inspired outfit from the rows and rows of vintage clothes at 360 Unlimited. (Vogue)
Votes are being tallied for the European Tree of the Year award, the annual contest that honors the continent’s most lovable tree. The contestants span 12 countries and boast centuries of history within their sprawling branches. No need for a flight — you’ll find star-studded trees in Hollis Garden.
Punch, a lonely baby monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has captured hearts worldwide with his sweet nature and beloved orangutan plushie. Closer to home, you can show some love to wild animals, from lemurs to cheetahs, at Safari Wilderness Ranch. (Forbes)

Shop

These best-selling doormats are your key to a spring home refresh, designed to be beautiful and functional (including being stain-resistant — no more sad, muddy rugs greeting your guests at the front door). Shop our favorites like the popular natural chevron Innerweave.*

Job

When you’ve got key roles to fill, skip shouting into the void and let us connect you with top talent. List your open positions with our business promo portal to simplify the search, and watch the applications start rolling in.*
Visit Central Florida

The Buy

Upgrade your hair and skincare routine with these top-rated products under $25:

🌿 These 4.8-star rated single-use face towels that don’t harbor bacteria like your old washcloth.
🧴 An argan oil hair mask that delivers intense hydration to repair + revitalize weak and damaged hair.
🌿 This set of collagen face masks that visibly boost firmness, smoothness, and radiance.
🧴 The Buy Editor Emily’s favorite pink peptide serum that leaves skin plump and glowy.
🌿 Premium hair serum capsules for on-the-go nourishment that is lightweight + non-greasy.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

City-wide strawberry mode: activated. Foodies, head to Tea Largo’s mini Strawberry Fest all week for berry-flavored matcha, mochas, bowls, and smoothies. If you’re looking for strawberry scents, visit Rafa Natural to try its Sun-Kissed Strawberry line.
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