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Editor’s Pick
Any Lakeland resident can take the survey, whether you live here part-time or year-round.
Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
“Tell me what you want, want you really, really want.” — The City of Lakeland, probably
There are just a few more days to take the Lakeland Community Survey before it closes on Monday, March 16. Here’s your chance to rate Lakeland’s overall quality of life, your experience with departments from Lakeland Electric to public safety, and how you’d prefer property taxes be spent.
It only took me nine minutes to complete the survey — make sure to let them know LALtoday sent you in the final question.
Riley Smyth finished top 10 on the Epson Tour in 2025, joining the LPGA tour in 2026 alongside legendary Epson Tour alumni. | Photos provided by the LPGA
Future LPGA legends land in Lakeland next week for The Orlando Health Championship, an Epson Tour professional women’s golf tournament.
Grasslands Golf & Country Club will host the tournament Friday, March 20-Sunday, March 22. As the official “Road to the LPGA,” Epson Tour athletes with the best record join 600+ Epson Tour alumni on the world’s premiere women’s golf tour.
The tournament is free to attend, and free parking is available at Lakeside Village.
Yoga Pointe is opening the doors of its new Highland City studio tomorrow. Celebrate with free 30-minute classes starting at 8 a.m., including hot yoga, Pilates sculpt, and vinyasa sessions. Then, enter giveaways and tour the studio with mimosas in hand.
Arts
Now’s your chance to snag Tampa Bay Lightning swag featuring local artist Gillian Fazio’s design for Women in Sports Night. Place your bids for custom jerseys by 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, or buy a tee.
Try This
Strawberries or flowers? You choose, then u-pick at Sanchez Farms Santa Maria Tepos this weekend. Today through Sunday, the farm is offering four varieties of strawberries + flowers like ranunculus, sunflowers, and zinnias. Visit 8 a.m.-6 p.m. to get yours.
Seasonal
What’s that sound? Hummingbirds are returning to Lakeland, including the ruby-throated hummingbird. The migratory species is expected to pass through our area through March 15 as they venture north for the warmer months. See if you can spot them on a local trail. (AccuWeather)
Outdoors
That’s not the only species stopping by this season. Fireflies are now visible at night, especially around natural springs. Plan a visit to Volusia County for after-hours Firefly Nights events at Blue Spring State Park. These start tonight and run through Sunday, April 12. (The Ledger)
Number
51. That’s the number of cruise ships the Port of Tampa Bay expects to welcome this month, breaking its previous monthly record. If you’re setting sail for spring break, hit one of Tampa’s buzziest new restaurants while you’re there. (WFLA)
Downtown Lakeland’s biggest party of the year is about to beGuin(ness).
Photo by LALtoday
Lucky you. Tomorrow, Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few days early with its 30th Annual Street Party.
The fun starts at 11 a.m. with family-friendly entertainment, green beer, and a full menu of Irish cuisine. At 9 p.m., send the little ones home, because Molly’s will take to the streets for rollicking live performances until 2 a.m. Tune in next week for more St. Patrick’s Day events for the whole family.
Asked
Answered
Which beach ranked No. 1 in Florida last year?
More than 50% of you got this one. U.S. News & World Report gave Siesta Key the top spot for its powder-soft sand + beachside activities. If you’re heading there for spring break, pack our tips in your beach bag.
Our secret to dinner party compliments galore + unforgettable family feasts: artisan sourdough, pastries, and pasta from Wildgrain. Standout offerings include slow-fermented olive oil ciabatta, fresh rigatoni, lemon ginger biscuits, sourdough dinner rolls, and pepperoni pizza buns. Is your mouth watering yet? Our readers get $30 off their first order and free croissants for life.
East of These opens today in the Clonts Building, which has hosted its fair share of businesses in its 120+ years downtown. If you shop there this weekend, keep an eye out for nods to the Tierra del Lago cigar factory, one of the building’s former second-floor tenants.
This red brick round tower is a staple of downtown Lakeland.
Left photo via City of Lakeland Public Library, right photo via @nicolefeller_
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