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📸 Lakeland: Then vs. now
Hold your horses, this was Lake Morton? | Postcard via Florida Memory, photo by LALtoday
Much has changed in Lakeland’s 141-year history. We’ve scoured the Lakeland Public Library, State Library, and Archives of Florida to find postcards and photos of the Lakeland of yore. Let’s look back to see how far we’ve come.
Lake Morton
At one point, it might have been more likely to see a horse around Lake Morton than a swan. Lakeland’s royal swans didn’t arrive until 1957, and the earliest records of swans on the lake date back to only 1923.
The Orange Blossom Hotel housed Lakeland’s railroad workers.
Left photo via Lakeland Public Library, right photo by LALtoday
The Orange Blossom Hotel
Lakeland’s last standing railroad hotel can be found on North Kentucky Avenue, with a tin roof and wide, covered porches. Now, it’s home to shops like Home Essentials + My Cottage Garden.
Pro tip: Watch MCO’s airfare deals web page for discounts on domestic + international flights, including a few World Cup host cities. | Photos provided by Orlando International Airport
Toronto | Explore a diverse urban environment and catch an MLB game.
Vancouver | Discover renowned outdoor activities + nature. Fun Fact: Vancouver hosted the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Team USA earned its third world title.
Mexico
Mexico City | Soak up Mexico’s vibrant capital city.
Guadalajara | Step into history with colonial architecture + beautiful plazas.
Monterrey | Culture meets innovation in this industrial hub with a stunning mountain backdrop.
Pro tip: If you’re heading to a Miami match here in Florida, catch the Brightline right from MCO.
The stars are coming out for shows at SUN ‘n FUN. Catch the opening day concert on Tuesday, April 14 to see country singers Cooper Alan, Angie K, and Thomas Mac. Then, come back for the composite airshow on Wednesday, April 15 to hear Iam Tongi of “American Idol.”
Real Estate
Last call for tickets. The Lake Morton neighborhood’s 21st Annual Historic Home & Garden Tour starts at 11 a.m. tomorrow. If you leave the tour feeling inspired, this Lake Morton home was built in 1925 and is just one minute away from Florida Southern College.
Award
In a shocking twist of events, a pizza shop took home the Best Beef Taco award from Polk County Taco Week. Head to J. Burns’ to try its top-rated taco pizza, and follow along to shell-ebrate more award winners as they’re announced.
Tech
What if scientists could detect microplastics on a smartphone? At Florida Poly, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik and his research assistants, Riley Orr + Justin Sanchez Almirola, received a patent for their electrochemical sensing technology, which enables faster and more affordable detection. Learn more about the tech.
Seasonal
There are only a few more days to check off the stops in your Strawberry Season Passports. If you missed out this year, Berry Sweet Acres in Plant City is still worth a visit for U-pick + food truck bites — and they even shared a recipe for their strawberry pizza. (Bay News 9)
Edu
Students at IDEA Lakeland charter school are learning recipes along with their ABCs. They recently competed in a cooking challenge, and fifth-grader Yulianna Andujar’s plantain dish won first place. Your little chef can learn their way around the kitchen in Plant Batter’s cooking classes. (WFTS)
Health
If constant food noise and hunger are wearing you down, MEDVi offers clinician-guided GLP-1 care built for real life. Your dosage is tailored just for you, with clear guidance so you’re never left guessing. See if you qualify and start your introductory month for $179.‡*
Wellness
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it’s backed by science to boost arousal and support natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 50% during MV.Health’s sitewide sale.*
Number
$1.50. That’s the price of Costco’s iconic hot dog — a tasty shopping staple and a viral deal in its own right. But it’s far from the only bargain worth knowing about. From overlooked perks to smart in-store strategies, here are 10 lesser-known hacks every Costco shopper should have in their back pocket.*
Enjoy swingin’ tunes and sunset views at tomorrow’s Swan City Jazz Festival at the outdoor Lake Mirror Amphitheatre. Performances by local college jazz bands start at 3 p.m., followed by these talented acts:
5:30 p.m. | Richey & The Deacons of Funk feat. Aikel
6:30 p.m. | Swan City Jazz Project
7:45 p.m. | Headliner Nat Adderley Jr., aka the long-time music director for Luther Vandross
It’s free to attend, but organizers will be collecting donations of shoes, socks, and hygiene items for the Blended Family Foundation.
Pro tip: You’ll also want to bring a chair or blanket, and food vendors will be on-site.
The Buy
It’s lightning deal time. Snap up these top-rated items, up to 55% off today only in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
⚡ Save 33% on this No. 1 best-selling women’s sports bra, built to provide support and cushioning during high-impact exercise.
⚡ This cute swimsuit cover-up is 20% off this morning, the lowest price of the year so far — grab it in a tropical print or stick to timeless black or navy.
⚡ Refresh bedding with 38% off cooling bamboo sheets, made with a luxurious, high-end feel that stays cool to the touch on hot nights.
⚡ Restock your bra drawer with 55% off this comfortable wireless bra, great for everyday wear.
⚡ This top-rated men’s knit polo is 27% off and will earn you style points at spring + summer occasions.
Sometimes you stumble upon a social media account that immediately has your mouth watering. That was me with Mama’s Goods Farmstand — as soon as I saw these Oreo cinnamon rolls, I was drooling. The stand opens this morning at 1430 Cherry Lane in south Lakeland.
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‡Prescription-only GLP-1 treatment requires evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider. Treatment is provided only if medically appropriate; not all patients qualify. Results vary. Compounded medications, if prescribed, are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished products. See program terms for details.
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