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Restaurant Roundup
🍽️ Dishing the deets on new eats
The veggie lover’s pizza at Fold’s is fresh-baked and loaded with toppings. | Photo by LALtoday
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Swan City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places for a bite or a bev — plus, some spots coming soon.
Now open
Fold’s Pizza
This new concept from the team behind Pizza Odyssey is now open at The Joinery. Stop in for a foldable Neapolitan slice.
The Flamingo Bean Co. Think pink, because this coffee roaster has opened its first cafe in north Lakeland with lattes, cold brew, pastries, lunch bites, and more.
Coming soon
Chen’s Duck and Dumplings | Opening April 1
This spot will soon open in the former Hong Hot Pot & BBQ location. Expect Beijing-style Peking duck and handmade dumplings galore.
Wingnutz | Opening April
The New York-based eatery will transform what was once Good Thyme into a buffalo wing destination, but you can also expect sandwiches + salads. Bonus: Owner Pat Spinosa has connections with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, so it must good, right?
The Historic Home & Garden Tour returns on Saturday, March 28 after pausing last year. Register for a self-guided tour of 10 homes in the Lake Morton neighborhood. Psst — stops won’t be announced until tour day, but we do know the iconic Mosswood Manor is on the list.
Open
The south Lakeland Tractor Supply Co. is now open in the Palm Center plaza. Visit daily to shop for farming and gardening supplies, pet and livestock feed, and lawn care equipment.
Edu
Former Florida Southern president Anne B. Kerr has announced plans to serve as interim president at Polk State College through June. The search for a permanent prez will begin once procedures are put in place at the end of March. (The Ledger)
Development
Bartow city commissioners rejected five land-use change requests for the proposed Emilie development in the northeast part of the city. CBD Real Estate Investment had planned 2,245 single-family homes for the project, but it could resubmit it with revisions. (Fox 13 News)
Today Is
Holi. Celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colors with a dance bash + color throw this Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sisira Farms in Plant City.
History
Plans to move Florida Southern College’s deteriorating President’s Residence are, well, moving along. The team relocating the building is testing the site of its future home on Lake Hollingsworth before possibly moving it in pieces. (The Southern)
Kids
The Polk Tax Collector’s office is celebrating 20 years of the Kids Tag Art program, which has raised nearly $3 million for art education by selling vanity license plates created by fifth graders. Browse and buy the art of this year’s talented students.
Travel
Ever heard of Ridgewood? According to United States Ghost Towns, there’s a small, forgotten town along State Road 60, between Mulberry and Bartow. Use these tips to explore it — or another ghost town of the same name in Palatka, FL.
Which neighborhoods deserve the title of Lakeland’s friendliest? Readers shared their community pride.
“Crystal Lake Neighborhood. A very friendly and established area. We all watch out for each other. A number of residents have lived here since the 60s!” — TJ H.
“Beacon Hill! It’s a nice, quiet, historic neighborhood with lots of young families and people who have made it their home for generations. The most friendly people I have ever met!” — Dan S.
“Indian Trails in south Lakeland. Neighbors are helpful and thoughtful. When I lost my husband, several came to help, even bringing food.” — Pat P.
“Highland City, because that’s how we roll.” — Bill M.
The Buy
A 4.5-star rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
Did you catch that lunar eclipse yesterday morning? Reader Stephanie G. saw it and sent in a photo for proof. If you slept past sunrise, you might have better luck seeing the morning moon when the clocks spring forward this Sunday.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from North America won’t happen until 2029.
