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🧹 Got the spring cleaning bug?
Donate your designer clothes to Top Buttons — the proceeds from their sales support the store’s Wearing Confidence Program. | Photo via Top Buttons
With spring in full swing, it’s time to say “out with the old.” These Lakeland organizations are accepting donated items to help locals in need.
Clothing
Lighthouse Ministries relies on proceeds from its thrift store to provide a place to stay for individuals experiencing homelessness. Editor Connor found some new pieces there last week, too, so keep up the donations.
Have designer women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories? Donate them to a Top Buttons boutique. Proceeds benefit the Wearing Confidence Program, which provides clothing to career seekers.
Homegoods
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity uses donated equipment and furniture to build homes — it’s a great option if you have leftovers from a past project.
One More Child accepts cooking and baking supplies, household items, and mattresses that can be reused.
Bring twin-sized bedding, towels, and cleaning products to Talbot House Ministries, which provides shelter for 120+ people each night.
Broadway Real Estate Services is selling a portfolio of three downtown apartment buildings: Lake Mirror Tower, NoBay, and The Gardens. City officials say it’s a good sign of downtown housing stability. The asking price is under wraps, but estimates put the total at up to $61 million. (LkldNow)
Civic
If you were planning to put up roadside signs, here’s your sign to reconsider. County commissioners approved an ordinance imposing $250 fines on those who place semi-permanent signage in the public right-of-way. Pro tip: Signs are allowed on private property with an owner’s approval. (Fox 13 News)
Lakelander
The Association of Junior Leagues International announced its 2026 class of 40 Under 40 honorees, including Ashley Gibson Barnett, a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. Interested in joining the local League? Registration just opened.
Mailbag
Thanks to reader and die-hard Michigan fan Betsy L., we learned that L.J. Cason, who grew up in Lakeland and now plays for the Wolverines, has been sidelined with an ACL injury. He’s still traveling with the team during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Travel
Squeezing in one last spring break theme park trip? According to the forecasts, this weekend’s light breezes and sunny skies make it the best time to visit Orlando, weather-wise. Plan a last-minute getaway. (The Ledger)
Seasonal
Your window to indulge in strawberry shortcakes at Parkesdale Market is closing. After Saturday, April 4, the menu will change to include summery treats like pineapple Dole whip, watermelon juices, and corn milkshakes.
Outdoors
An annual census of migratory monarch butterflies found that, while their numbers slightly increased last year, they are still at risk of extinction. Add native plants to your garden to give our winged friends a helping hand before their next migration. They’re on sale this weekend at Plant Local. (WFLA)
Pets
Meet Archibold — he’s playful, gentle, a little older, and looks mighty fine in a sweater. Did we mention he’s an adorable bull terrier? Check out this Pet of the Day, now available for adoption through the Polk County Bully Project.
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Over the years, many copies of the masks have been created from their original molds.
Images provided by SEU School of Music
Nearly 200 years after his death, Ludwig van Beethoven is making an appearance in Lakeland. See his life + death masks on display at the next Southeastern University School of Music’s Spiritus concert.
Before there were Instagram selfies, elites often captured their likenesses with plaster masks. A collector loaned SEU two of these, made before and after Beethoven’s 1827 death, to inspire local music students + fans alike.
The Spiritus faculty piano trio will perform at 4 p.m. this Sunday, March 22 at First Presbyterian Church. It’s free to attend and see these rare masks on display.
Asked
Answered
Which crate label indicates the highest citrus quality?
The answer is A, which 33% of readers guessed. According to the Lakeland Public Library, “The color on the label or in the name indicated the grade of the fruit. Blue was grade A, red was grade B, and green, grade C. The ‘Auk’ label depicted above, for example, would have been affixed to a crate carrying grade A fruit because blue is the dominant color in the label.”
Today marks the official first day of spring. To celebrate, we’re sharing our wardrobe must-haves for the season:
👚 Slip on this short sleeve cardigan for seamless warm weather layering.
☀️ Stay comfy and cute in this elevated casual gingham two-piece set.
👕 Opt for a lightweight henley tee on those chillier spring mornings.
👗 Flaunt this boho maxi skirt available in springtime hues like light pink, baby blue, and rose.
🩳 Lounge in these casual high-waisted shorts with pockets and a drawstring.
No. 1. That’s where Bonnet Springs Park ranked on USA Today’s 10Best list when I cast my vote yesterday. Help the park keep its national title of “Best City Park” by voting daily through Monday, April 6, and enjoy all it has to offer at this weekend’s events.
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