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Need a new home ASAP? This property just south of Lakeland is ready for the perfect offer — but you have to move fast. The sellers are only listing 5264 Riverlake Dr. until this Friday, March 20. After that, it’ll be gone faster than you can say “luxury living on Lake Hancock.”
Since we’re limited on time, we’ll give you the quick hits that caught our eye:
New build from 2024 with 4 beds, 3 baths, and 3,185 sqft
Open floor plan with a spacious kitchen and a coffee + wine nook
Living area with pocket sliding doors that open to a screened-in pool deck
Unobstructed views of Lake Hancock
Gated neighborhood with pickleball courts and a community dock
If you’re already calling your real estate agent, keep in mind that the sellers knocked $200,000 off the price. It’s listed with Elizabeth Willers of Willers Homes Team + SERHANT.
New restaurant Wingnutz is building out a patio behind the former Good Thyme location, as seen in its latest post. If you can’t wait until this buffalo wing spot opens next month for al fresco dinners, we have you covered. Get it?
Plan Ahead
The Lakeland Book Crawl takes place Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, but there’s something new this year: an after-party at Union Hall where you can mingle with other bookworms. Pro tip: Local authors + book club hosts can sign up to join the party as well.
Stat
38%. That’s the percentage of Polk County kids who met kindergarten readiness benchmarks in 2024, but local organizations are working to change that number. Registration for the Learning Resource Center’s summer programs, like Camp READY for incoming kindergarteners, opens soon. (LkldNow)
Drink
Look for a familiar name at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival’s outdoor kitchens. Four new hard ciders by Keel Farms are available throughout the park. The mouthwatering flavors include Garden Bloom, Hibiscus Honeycrisp, King Cake, and Spicy Watermelon.
History
Lake Wales’ long-vacant Walesbilt Hotel is finally getting an upgrade. City crews are now clearing out debris before developer Restoration St. Louis takes over a full renovation. The company will own and operate the historic hotel, which could reopen within three years. (Bay News 9)
Region
Voting is open in the search to crown the nation’s best riverwalk, and Tampa is in the running. At just an hour west of Lakeland, the Tampa Riverwalk makes for a great day trip. Here’s what else to do while in The Big Guava. (USA Today)
Tech
Would you ride in an air taxi? Florida is one of 26 states participating in a three-year pilot program recently approved by the FAA to test electric aircraft travel, including air taxis. The program will allow select companies to trial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. (TechCrunch, Built In)
Try This
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Want views like these? SUN ‘n FUN dropped its airshow schedule for this year’s expo, happening Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 19. Here are the highlights:
Daily airshows go from 1p.m. to 5-ish, with guests like the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team + Patriot Parachute Team.
Catch Saturday’s popular night show from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
A new Wednesday composite airshow will start at 5 p.m. and run through 9:30 p.m. SUN ‘n FUN says this will allow for a longer arrival + departure window for those flying in.
These No. 1 best-selling hotel collection pillows that deliver all-night comfort with cooling technology and double-edge stitching. Bonus: They’re machine washable for easy care.
We’ll have plenty more SUN ‘n FUN information as we get closer to the expo, but my tip now is to buy tickets in advance. I would also recommend attending on a weekday if you can to beat the weekend crowds. Consider this your sign to put in a PTO request.
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