Hello Tuesday.
April 23 2024
Welcome back to our monthly guide to Lakeland’s lakes. If you missed installment no. 1, which was all about Lakeland’s golden child Lake Hollingsworth, you can catch up here.
Today we’re setting our sights on the swan capital of our city (and as far as we’re concerned, the world): Lake Morton. The best part? We're just in time for the annual Swan Roundup taking place on Tues., Oct. 19.
With a surface area of 39 acres, this lake is both at the heart of downtown Lakeland and Swan City culture. With an average depth of 12-ft and a maximum depth of 22-ft, it holds roughly 152,250,543 gallons of water, giving it slightly less than one-fifth of the volume that Lake Hollingsworth has.
We can’t talk about Lake Morton without talking about its famous swans, which have called Lakeland home for nearly 100 years. In the 1950s, Lakeland’s swan population was dwindling. True Lakeland experts will know who enters the story next: The Queen of England.
Yes, Queen Elizabeth sent The City of Lakeland a pair of her royal swans. Just like that, Lakeland’s swan population swapped fame for royalty, and the rest is history.
Today, Lake Morton is known for being home to lots of avian wildlife and a staple in the Lakeland community. Sitting at the center of the East + South Lake Morton historic districts, the lake is home to year-round picnicking, strolling, and birdwatching.
Lake Morton does not have public boating access, this body of water is for birds only. One of its most notable features is the collection of swan cages, where local veterinarians conduct their annual physical checkup on Lakeland’s royal cygnets + swans.
Are you ready for a Lake Morton sunset yet? Make sure you tag us in your swan-derful snaps for a chance to be featured.
What lake do you want to see next in our lakes guide?
- Lake Hunter
- Lake Bonny
- Lake Mirror
- Lake Wire
Today
- Medicare Benefits Presentation | Mon., Oct. 11 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Get your questions about Medicare answered by a licensed agent + sign up for a plan after.
Tuesday
- Business Watch Academy Workshop | Tues., Oct. 12 | 7:30-9:30 a.m. | Front Page Brewing Co., 190 S. Florida Ave. | Free | Learn from the Bartow Police Department how to best protect your business from crime.
Wednesday
Thursday
- The Pink Piano Live Music | Thurs., Oct. 14 | 7 p.m. | The Pink Piano | Free | Drink, eat + listen to live musicians Adeem The Artist, Noan Partly, and Sweat Out the Devil. 🎹
Friday
- Swan Derby | Fri., Oct. 15 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Lake Crago Park | Free | Come out for this community event featuring swan boat races, performances, ticket drawings + food trucks — proceeds support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. 🦢
- 1-on-1 Painting Workshop | Fri., Oct. 15-Sun., Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Stephen Koury’s Home Studio, 1029 Rustic Estates Dr. | $300 | This weekend-long workshop is designed for painters of any medium and any skill level to hone their craft. 🎨
Saturday
- Progressive IMS Outdoors Motorcycle Tour | Sat., Oct. 16 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $20+ | Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out the latest bikes and accessories + experience entertainment and demo rides from Friday to Sunday this weekend.
- Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree | Sat., Oct. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | Simmers Young Park, 339 American Spirit Rd. | $5 | Bring the whole family to this kid-friendly Halloween-themed event, featuring pumpkin patch games, a trick-or-treat village, costume contest, and obstacle course. 🎃
Sunday
- Swantoberfest | Sun., Oct. 17 | 12-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Join Swan Brewing all weekend long for its annual Swantoberfest with beer + fun. 🍺
Monday
- Open Jam Mic Monday | Mon., Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Yard on Mass | Free | Be the main musical act on stage or the audience member cheering them on at Open Jam Mic Monday. 🎤
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
- 87º | Mostly sunny | 20% chance of rain
Number
-
$2 billion. That's how much Qgiv, a Lakeland-based fundraising software company, has raised for nonprofits through its online donation platform. Funds have gone to 5,000+ nonprofits, including animal shelters, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Junior Achievement. (The Ledger)
Outdoors
- The 41st annual swan roundup takes place on Tues., Oct. 19 at 7 a.m. Lakeland Parks and Recreation employees will gather Lake Morton’s swans for their yearly health check, which My Pet’s Animal Hospital employees will perform on site at the lake. 🦢
Eat
- Calling all business owners. On Fri., Oct. 22, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 14th annual CarBQ — an event for business owners to give back to employees and the Chamber. Fred’s Market + Johnson Barbeque are firing up the grill for the bbq boxed lunches. Those interested can register here. 🍖
Edu
- The Polk County School District is hosting a virtual college fair on Wed., Oct. 13. The free event takes place from 6-8 p.m., and participants will have the chance to meet with representatives from 70+ colleges and universities. Interested students can register here.
Legacy
- Lakeland police officers Ken Foley + Paul Dunn had their names added to a monument honoring fallen officers in Veterans’ Memorial Park last week during the 33rd annual Polk County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service. The names of 35 Polk County officers are on the memorial. (WFTS ABC Action News)
Holiday
- Gourd news. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze (located in Plant City) reopened over the weekend and will take place every Saturday + Sunday throughout October. Known as Plant City’s pumpkin headquarters, activities at the farm include a berry festive maze, hayrides, and corn hole. (WFLA News Channel 8)
Concert
- The first show in the City of Lakeland’s music series, Canned Tuna Concerts, takes place on Fri., October 22. Local singer Dan Signor will perform from 6-8 p.m. in Munn Park. Bring a canned good or non-perishable (like canned tuna) to benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE).
Arts
- Local artist Bump Galletta has added a new commissionable piece to his collection. The Wonder & Whimsey commission brings fantasies to life with illustrations added to your favorite family photos. Check out more examples here.
Correction
- Oops, we had an ugly duckling moment. The Swan Derby will be held at Lake Crago Park, rather than its previous location of Lake Mirror as shared last week. Make sure you swim on over to the festivities for boat races, performances, and more. 🦢
In case you missed it, Ax-Caliber launched their coffee flights over the weekend. Being one of, if not the first, coffee shops to offer coffee flights in Swan City, this development has certainly caused quite a stir among the caffeine-loving community.
Tag us in your flight photos for a chance to be featured.
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In case you missed it, we shared one of our favorite night time sights in the 863 on our Instagram over the weekend. Have your own must-see night time spot? Tag us in your photos or send us one.
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