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Get a sneak peek at new developments
Orangetheory is now under new ownership, with a fresh start in the Waller Center in Dixieland coming soon. | Photo provided by Orangetheory Fitness Lakeland
Sure, patience is a virtue — but if we can get a first look at these upcoming Lakeland developments before they officially open, count us in.
Orangetheory Fitness
Were you an Orangetheory devotee before it closed at Lakeside Village last year? Join a launch party on Sunday, May 17 to join the new location as a founding member.
Pike Pilates
Stretch yourself with a free preview class on Saturday, April 18 at Depot 303 in Mulberry before this infrared studio opens in June.
Bezos Academy
Apply for this Montessori-style preschool by Monday, April 20. Then, join an open house on Saturday, April 25 to see what it will offer when it opens at Oscar J. Pope Elementary this fall.
Touchstone
This new Highland Homes neighborhood already has some move-in-ready houses in south Lakeland, but you can tour models now before more come to market next month.
Weekend plans just got a little tastier, because La Piñata is now open for outdoor pop-ups from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 4-9 p.m. on Sundays. Enjoy tacos on the patio with drinks by Cob & Pen while the indoor dining space is being finished.
Health
Nearly a century after it was built, Polk General Hospital is due to be demolished + rebuilt. County commissioners agreed to allocate funding for the project in the next fiscal year and seek state funding to cover part of the expected $100 million cost. (The Ledger)
Try This
Will your love of aviation last a lifetime? Make it permanent with free aviation-themed tattoos at SUN ‘n FUN today. Be one of the first 30 in line at the ACE Lounge from 4 to 7 p.m. to get inked — or, if you have commitment issues, just head there for temporary tats and beer flights.
Drink
Shaved snow dessert shop Vampire Penguin is expanding its menu to include coffee and pastries. Be one of the first to try the offerings (and learn the coffee shop’s new name) by grabbing a taste-testing ticket for Friday, April 17.
Ranked
No. 139. That’s where Winter Haven ranked on WalletHub’s list of best small cities to start a business. Cities with fewer than 100,000 residents were ranked based on access to resources and business costs. Plant City ranked No. 189.
Asked
Which life skills or values do you believe Polk County Public Schools should emphasize more? That’s just one of the questions on PCPS’ community survey, open through the end of April.
Number
200. That’s how many days are left until Halloween. Can’t wait that long for a good scare? Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail transforms into a Ghost Town this weekend. Boot scoot boo-gieover Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19 for Western-themed attractions and local barbecue vendors.
Community
The 2026 StrokeCare Summit will bring the community together at the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children for an educational event focused on stroke awareness, prevention, and care. Attendees will hear from experts and community leaders working to improve outcomes and support. Learn more + register.*
Shop
Nordstrom’s end of season saleis on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*
Health
Watson Clinic Urologist Dr. Genesis Nieves is the first specialist in Lakeland to offer a new revolutionary kidney stone treatment. The procedure clears kidney stones and minimizes the risk of leftover fragments, alleviating debilitating pain. Learn more + make an appointment.*
Editor’s Pick
You’re looking at Sora’s Tokyo Drift smash burger + kimchi fries.
Photo by LALtoday
Need to fuel up during SUN ‘n FUN? Whether you’re leaving the expo campus for a bite or just want to be close enough to hear planes flying overhead, these nearby restaurants will do the trick.
Sora Eatery | This restaurant at Lakeland International Airport offers views of the airshows with special hours this week. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant | Grab a seat on the patio to eat chips + guac while planespotting from Lakeside Village.
Depot 303 | If you’re looking to beat the SUN ‘n FUN crowds, head to this food hall just south of Lakeland for pizza, smash burgers, chicken skewers, and more.
This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.
You can take the editor out of Swan City, but... You know the rest. I visited the Brevard Zoo this weekend, where I saw Coscoroba swans. You may notice a few small differences between these and our local swans, such as their duck-like bills + capybara companion. If you’re looking for a quick trip out of town, I can’t recommend this zoo enough.
These South American swans can be found from Argentina to Brazil.
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