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🛍️ Calling all fashionistas
Think of this store as Lakeland’s locally owned version of Anthropologie. | Photo by LALtoday
Just a year and a half after opening a downtown storefront, East of These is back for more. The clothing + accessory brand just opened the doors of an even larger boutique in the historic Clonts Building.
Each collection features the shoes, jewelry, purses, and other accessories to complete your look.
Photo by LALtoday
You’ll find everything you need to put together a head-to-toe outfit at the Pine Street shop. There are four locally inspired collections:
Rooftop — Romantic, boho styles for cocktails at Vasco61
Lake Day — Athleisure for strolls around Lake Morton
Wonder — Easy, breezy options for days at Bonnet Springs Park
Morning Market — Casual styles that go from the downtown farmers market to brunch
You’ll find a few home items for sale, including the store’s signature scent, the Sweet Home Lakeland candle.
Photo by LALtoday
Owner Taylor Ard said the original store on Traders Alley couldn’t fit all the fashion her team loved, but it will still house their faith-based apparel, gifts, and signature scrunchies, along with florist Bloom Shakalaka.
Plan those shopping sprees now. The new store is open daily at 228 E. Pine St.
The Florida Department of Transportation will host a workshop to discuss its Memorial Boulevard safety study from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at the Coleman-Bush Building. Join to learn about proposed enhancements + alternatives and share feedback.
Real Estate
The February numbers are in, and apartment listing prices were consistent with prices from a year ago. The median cost to rent in Lakeland is $1,800 — this complex offers two-bedroom units right around that cost, plus an unbeatable location. (The Ledger)
Learn
Supercharge your local knowledge with Lakeland Electric’s Customer Academy. This free program allows Lakelanders to tour facilities and learn about public power from the pros in four weekly sessions. Reserve a seat by Tuesday, March 24.
Edu
With Beth Cummings becoming the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance’s interim executive director, Kevin LeVine will take her spot as PCPS’ senior director of fine arts. LeVine’s role as principal of Harrison School for the Arts will be filled by Gian Monacelli, current principal of Lakeland Highlands Middle School. (The Ledger)
Stat
27.8%. That’s the percentage of Lakeland homes without insurance, the second-highest rate among US metros. LendingTree compared the percentage change in uninsured homes from 2023 to 2024, and Lakeland ranked first with 45.7%.
Try This
Fly up, up, and away at Golden Ridge Grove’s Berries & Blossoms Festival. Catch the second weekend Thursday, March 19-Sunday, March 22 for unlimited u-pick strawberries, activity zones for kids, and tethered hot air balloon rides above the grove on Friday and Saturday.
Edu
Graduation is just around the corner for high school seniors, and six Lakeland schools will send them off in style at upcoming Commitment Day events. Businesses and community members can support college-bound students by purchasing dorm necessities from their schools’ Amazon wishlists.
Arts
Commemorate 10 years of the Florida Southern College Department of Dance with anniversary recitals Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29. “TEN: Past, Present, Pulse” will revisit works from the department’s early years through faculty + student choreography. Grab tickets.
Category
Holiday
🍀 Clover the top celebrations
Thanks to our Plan Ahead, it’s your lucky day. | Photo by @btlakeland
In a pinch for St. Patrick’s Day plans? We’ve got you covered across Polk County.
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration | Tuesday, March 17 | 12-10 p.m. | Grove Roots Brewing Co., Winter Haven | Price of purchase | This party promises special beer releases, a Nutwood lunch popup, and Irish dancers.
13th Annual St Patrick’s Celebration | Tuesday, March 17 | 12 p.m.-2 a.m. | The Brass Tap | Price of purchase | Wear your greenest getup to this party at Lakeside Village featuring live music and fun games.
The 3 Lap Clover | Tuesday, March 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | $12 | Join the brewery’s first-ever beer run with the Lakeland Runner’s Club, featuring four drinks + three laps around Lake Wire.
Friday Fest: St. Paddy’s Unparade | Friday, March 20 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free+ | Get into the community spirit by marching together to the monthly downtown festival.
The Buy
A pair of arch support socks that are engineered with biofeedback technology to improve foot alignment and stability. The Buy Editor Emily loves wearing them for runs and on days she’s on her feet a lot — thanks, hyperactive puppies.
I watched four films this weekend in honor of the Oscars, but the blue ribbon goes to an afternoon screening of “Best in Show” at the Polk Theatre. My New Year’s resolution to see more movies there is going strong, but if you’re more into concerts, there are two on the calendar this weekend.
I can’t think of a more perfect rainy day activity.
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