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🩺 Get well (soon)
Orlando Health will add around 3,000 local jobs in the Polk market with its new developments. | Rendering provided by Orlando Health
With Lakeland’s population on the rise, the need for quality medical care is rising, too. We’re watching these new healthcare developments that aim to bridge the gap between residents and the doctors they need.
The facility will include 300+ inpatient beds, plus emergency department beds, ICU rooms, and labor and delivery rooms, plus Watson Clinic’s new Medical Center and Surgery Center.
LRH is also planning another freestanding ER, set to open in 2028 in north Lakeland.
This world-renowned cancer treatment center will open its first Polk County location in Lakeland, also on Bartow Road. The Central Florida Campus will begin with an outpatient center, which will open in 2029 with cancer screenings, clinical labs, radiation therapy, and more.
Choose your own adventure in the heart of the Blue Ridge. | Photos courtesy of Explore Asheville/MMGY, Stephan Pruitt, Robert Stephens, and Chris Burkard
There’s something whimsical about Asheville, NC, in summertime; cool mountain air, concerts under the stars, and award-winning Appalachian flavors best served al fresco.
No matter how you fill a visit, you’ll leave reinvigorated. The proximity to nature means you can spend the morning exploring iconic trails and the afternoon at interactive art exhibits, then grab a rooftop drink + sleep in a luxury hotel.
The Blue Ridge has a magic we can’t quite describe — you’ll get it when you get there.
Surf’s up. Valor Boardshop & Outfitters is coming to the Dixieland area this year. The shop will offer surf-inspired clothing for all ages, plus surfing, skating, and outdoor essentials. Catch the vibe before the opening date + location are released.
Plan Ahead
Polk Pride has announced its 2026 theme, “Proud through the Storm,” along with its lineup of events set for June 13-20. It starts with a kick-off party at Union Hall, leading up to Pride in the Park on Saturday, June 20 in Munn Park. Vendor registration is now open.
Lakelander
Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson snagged a spot on the News Service of Florida’s 50 Over 50 list. Dr. Stephenson joined the school in 2024, and it’s on track toward its goal of 3,000 students by 2030. Read our Q+A to learn more about the prez.
Community
Flight to Honor’s Mission #11 will bring veterans from Lakeland to Washington, DC, to visit memorials honoring them on Tuesday, May 5. Support the mission by being a guardian on the flight or joining the homecoming celebration at 5 p.m. that day at LAL.
Read
Ready for the Lakeland Book Crawl? The fun starts tomorrow, but it doesn’t stop at local bookshops. After a book purchase, bring your receipt to community partners for additional discounts, like 10% off consignment at Arrow + Bow or free drinks at Krazy Kombucha.
Wellness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Peace River Center is hosting two events at its Children’s Services campus to spread the word. Register for the “Wired for Wellness” panel on Friday, May 8, followed by a free mental health first aid training on Friday, May 15.
Eat
You gotta risk it to get the brisket. Publix has added three new brisket subs to its menu: a spicy one, a brisket BLT, and a Southern-style option with sweet + spicy barbecue sauce. Try one by ordering in the deli. (WFLA)
Edu
SEU Kinesiology alumni have become NCAA coaches, gym owners, physical therapists, athletic directors, and even MLB scouts. With all that success, we had to see the program for ourselves. View our Reel from our recent campus visit and see how you could kickstart a career in health, wellness, or sports.*
Learn
Motley Fool Money found a game-changing credit card for easing financial stress. Now offering 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for up to 21 months, it’s a smart way to tackle debt without the added interest. Learn more and apply.*
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that leading doctors say could “transform your hearing (and your brain).” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no-risk for 45 days and experience effortless clarity this spring.*
Shop
Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away — now’s the time to find a gift that feels truly special. Think beyond the usual with something they’ll reach for again and again, like a travel-friendly jewelry box personalized with their initial or a top-rated Barefoot Dreams cardigan they’ll never want to take off.*
Category
Outdoors
🌎 Party like it’s your Earth Day
Find a moment of peace at Cypress Gardens. | Photo by @karl_gercens_
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a garden party? Fawn over local flora at these spots around Polk County.
Hollis Garden
At just 1.2 acres, this neoclassical garden is packed with 10,000+ plants, from flowers to fruit trees. Look for the ones grown from clippings of trees owned by celebrities, from George Washington to Elvis Presley.
Cypress Gardens
This botanical garden began as a standalone attraction in Winter Haven. It’s still preserved, but you must buy a ticket to the Legoland Florida Resort to explore it.
Bok Tower Gardens
You’re sure to see fluttering birds and gopher tortoises among the Olmsted Gardens, and kids can play with nature in the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden.
Bonnet Springs Park
It’s easy to get lost among the flowers here. Find the Heritage Gardens near the Welcome Center + the Botanical Gardens near the Event Center. We also recommend a stroll through the foliage-filled Butterfly House.
Our favorite tops for spring and summer — all under $30:
🛍️ This basic ribbed cap sleeve tee features a flattering ruched design + is available in multiple colors.
🛍️ Nothing says comfy and cute quite like this waffle knit henley tank that’s under $20.
🛍️ We love this breezy off the shoulder blouse for a casual look that can easily be dressed up.
🛍️ Perfect for business casual outfitting, this top-rated blouse is made with lightweight Swiss dot fabric.
🛍️ Style this 4.6-star rated elevated casual ruffle tank top with your favorite linen shorts, jeans, or trousers.
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