Hello Friday.
April 19 2024
Did you know that your car is tagged downtown to track how long you’ve been parked? What about that the City of Lakeland has its very own interactive parking map or app?
Don’t fret — we’re breaking down all that you need to know about free parking + just how accessible downtown has become.
Free on-street parking is available to everyone downtown for up to 2 hours every day and is unlimited after 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. + all weekend long.
It's important to note that 2 hours are allotted per car, per day, regardless of where your car is parked within the free spaces. This means that if you parked on Main Street and move your car to Kentucky Avenue, your time will continue to accrue within the same zone, unless extended by $1 per hour, up to an added 2 hours.
Wondering where else you can park for free? Check out other free options.
Parking Garages
- Main Street Garage offers free parking to everyone after 3 p.m.
- Orange Street Garage offers free public parking during special events like the Christmas Parade.
- Heritage Parking Garage offers free parking on the first and second floors after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Parking Lots
- City permit parking lots provide free parking after 5 p.m.
- Munn Park parking lot is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
- Oak Street Parking has free, 2 hour spaces, as well as free options after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Accessible Parking Options
Residents with accessible licenses or placards may park on-street for double the listed time.
For example: 2 standard hours free = 4 hours free for accessible plates or placards.
- For those interested in off-street parking, Munn Park, Lot D, and the Main Street Garage’s Cedar Street entrance allow for unlimited free parking.
- Residents with a Combat Wounded license plate or Purple Heart license plate can park for free all day.
Any public, accessible-marked space is available for free, unlimited parking.
Valet Parking
Valet services are available at no cost (though tips are appreciated). The Munn Park Valet Operation operates Wed.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday + Saturday nights with pickup available anywhere downtown.
Valet location (in yellow) between N. Tennessee Avenue + N. Kentucky Avenue at Munn Park | Screenshot via the City of Lakeland’s interactive parking map
ParkMobile app
Upon regisration, residents + visitors can pay for parking, add to meters, extend free parking, and log visits downtown via the ParkMobile Parking App.
Share where to park for free with your friends who are in need of a night out.
Today
- The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker | Wed., Sept. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre | $29+ | Come rock out with The Black Crowes — lawn tickets start at $29.
- Winter Haven Happy Hour Tour | Wed., Sept. 8 | 4:30-7 p.m. | 220 Ave. A. NW | $69+ | Tour downtown Winter Haven to visit family-owned restaurants and bars that host Happy Hour on weekdays. 🍺
- Long-term Caregiver Class | Wed., Sept. 8 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Shepherd's Community United Methodist Church, 6885 Chelsea Oaks Dr. | Free | Senior and long-term care experts are here to offer support and connection for individuals taking long-term care of loved ones.
Thursday
- Lakeland Foodtruck Rally | Thurs., Sept. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Head to downtown + sample a variety of delicious dishes from over 20+ vendors across Central Florida.
Friday
- Hands on a Hard Body | Fri., Sept. 10, Sat., Sept. 11 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theater | $24 | An all-American musical telling a small-town Texas story.
Saturday
- Wine and Dine in the Pacific NW | Sat., Sept. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | $50 | Publix Aprons Cooking School at Lake Miriam Square, 4730 S. Florida Ave. | Sit back, relax, and let Publix Aprons’ chefs do the cooking with a menu including Pacific Northwest Crab Croustades + Pan-Roasted Salmon. Ⓟ
Sunday
- FireExpo | Sun., Sept. 12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10+ | Slither on over to this live reptile + exotic animal expo by Repticon.🦎
Monday
- High on the Hog - let's celebrate pork | Mon., Sept. 13 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $50 | Take part in a hands-on cooking class focusing on meals all about pork.🍴
Tuesday
- Superintendent’s Community Conversation | Tues., Sept. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center | Free | Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid is here to talk with stakeholders about ways to improve our public school system.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 89º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain
- A tropical disturbance in the Gulf is nearing Florida and is expected to bring rain throughout the week. The National Weather Service predicts that it could impact Central Florida starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, Hurricane Larry off Florida’s east coast is not projected to affect the state. (The Ledger)
Development
- Site prep on the Culver’s coming to North Lakeland is underway at 5246 US 98 N., by the Sam’s Club + Walmart, with a tentative opening date sometime in early February. This location will feature 55 parking spaces, a 2-lane drive-thru, a 32-seat patio, and a 90-seat indoor dining room. 🍔 (The Ledger)
Cause
- The next Flight to Honor, Mission #7, is set to take place on April 26, 2022. Veterans are eligible to depart from Lakeland Linder International Airport to Washington DC for free to visit memorials in their honor. Fundraising is open to support the mission from the community, here.
Biz
- The Polk Museum of Art is extending its hours and will now be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The museum will remain closed on Mondays.
Civic
- Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a new proposal offering $1,000 to law enforcement, as well as a $5,000 sign-on bonus for in-state and out-of-state newcomers, after a visit to Lakeland yesterday. Officers moving to Florida could receive up to $1,000 in relocation assistance. (WESH 2)
Award
- This week is the final opportunity to purchase tickets + tables for the 2021 ATHENA Awards, which takes place on Sept. 30 from 6-8:30 p.m. In case you missed it: the awards will highlight + honor female community leaders. Register here.
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Haven Magazine announced the 2021 Best of Lkld winners. To see which local spots, businesses, and eateries won, click here.
Arts
- Professor of visual arts, Holly Scoggins, will be at the Polk Museum of Art this Friday at 12 p.m. to provide an in-depth look at the museum’s current exhibition “American Impressionism: Treasures from the Daywood Collection.” 🎨
- A new exhibit at the Mulberry Cultural Center kicks off this Thursday during an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Artist + Lakelander, Meredith Pope, will be showcasing the exhibit titled “Dreams of Other Worlds” until Oct. 22.
Drink
- The Blue Haven Lemonade from Haven Coffee Roasters doesn’t just taste good, it also changes color from blue to pink. This featured drink is one of many that Haven offers for customers all September long. 🍋
Asked
- Reader Jackie M., asked “what is going in the building between the Red Door and Mister Fish? Lots of demo going on.” Know what’s happening over there? Drop us a line with the deets.
Save the date for next Saturday, Sept. 18 for ‘An Evening of Americana’ with special guest + local, Van Plating. The event kicks off at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door at Union Hall for $10 with other visiting artists including:
- Joshua Plummer
- Toney Rocks
- Deb Ruby
- Kristopher James
- Noan Partly Trio
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Last week we asked you to share your thoughts on where a pedestrian-only street would work in Lakeland. Here’s what 450+ of you said:
- 70% said “Downtown Lakeland”
- 17% said “Lakeside Village”
- 7% said “North Lakeland”
- 6% said “Dixieland”
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