Hello Friday. April 19 2024 
Who was 11-feet long, with 1 eye, 3 legs, and an appetite for popcorn and marshmallows? If you said Blinky the alligator, Lakeland’s unofficial mascot during the 70s, you’re correct. The iconic beast will be re-memorialized as a 100-ft. jungle gym at Bonnet Springs Park — but more on that later. 
Updated renderings of the Blinky Jungle Gym | Renderings via Florida Children's Museum Blinky, or as some locals liked to call him, “One-eyed Joe,” used to freely roam downtown Lakeland as a beloved communal pet. While you might be hard pressed to find such a friendly alligator these days, the 70s in Lakeland were, well, a different time (one that these 90’s babies editors are a little scared of, but overall bummed we didn’t get to experience).
With frequent pats on the head and treats delivered right to him, Blinky was considered a relatively harmless member of the greater Lakeland family. Children frequently visited him at his Lake Mirror home to feed him his favorites: marshmallows + popcorn. 
A metal tribute to Blinky, the alligator, formerly on Lake Mirror | Photo by @theLALtoday Like all good things, Blinky’s downtown residence + closeness with Lakeland’s youngins eventually came to an end. The cause? One local’s decision to give Blinky a kiss, right on his toothy snout.
While the kisser came out unharmed, a photo of the moment garnered attention from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who ultimately called for Blinky’s removal out of concern for public safety. 
Original renderings of the upcoming Blinky jungle-gym at Bonnet Springs Park | Renderings via Florida Children's Museum In 1979, Blinky was moved to his new home in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. There, he met Homosassa Springs’ resident crocodile, 1000-lb Jake, a feisty + territorial personality who didn’t love 400-lb Blinky’s imposition into his kingdom.
The two scuffled on multiple occasions, and it was during one such event on March 3, 1979 that the rivalry proved fatal for Blinky.
While Blinky was a 70s icon in Lakeland, the new interactive jungle gym is also making him a staple for Lakeland's current children.
Share this with someone who would remember Blinky, or with someone who should know about the largest jungle-gym coming to Lakeland.
QUIZ
What event did Blinky famously interrupt before he was relocated out of Lakeland? Take a bite at this one.
Answer can be found in The Wrap 
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Lakeland Business Owners (LBO) sat down with Kelly Riley, the owner and founder of June Taylor. Kelly talks about following her passion and the positive impacts of having a creative outlet and working through life’s hardships. You can watch the full interview on LBO’s YouTube channel. #DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media. THE WRAP
DYK we get a great deal of intel from readers just like you? For example: yesterday, a little birdy, aka, reader Jerry, told us that the Subway on the south side has closed. Tell us what you see happening around Swan City, or let us know what you’d like to see taking the sub shop’s spot.
Quiz answer: If you guessed C, a wedding, you're correct. Imagine: your officiant says "speak now or forever hold your peace," and in lumbers Blinky.
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