Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024
Do you want to have your family or business name featured in Lakeland’s new History & Culture Center? Now you can.
If you’ve been to the Lakeland Public Library or the adjacent Black and Brew Coffee House and Bistro location, you’ve likely noticed the library construction. The work, which started in February 2021, is designed to bring the new Lakeland History & Culture Center (LHCC) to fruition.
The center’s inaugural exhibit, which is slated to open in Spring 2022, will educate guests on the history of Lakeland’s railroad industry through interactive touch screens, artifacts, narratives, and traditional displays.
Lakeland Public Library | Renderings by Jon Kirk, Straughn Trout Architects
Initially, the commission allotted $300,000 to kick off construction, but more funding will be required for final touches, such as technology + display cases.
Additional funding for these endeavors is partially provided by sponsorships from charter organizations and community members. While the organization has nearly met its fundraising goal, donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31, 2021.
Donors who contribute $500+ to the LHCC fund will see their name or their business name featured on the Donor Wall, which center visitors will see as they enter the new facilities.
Lakeland History and Culture Center | Renderings by Jon Kirk, Straughn Trout Architects
In case you missed it the center received unanimous support and approval after it was presented to the commission back in 2019. The project’s advisory committee is led by former Mayor Gow Fields.
The following are fast facts that relate to the project’s completion:
- The center will house 1,400 sqft. of exhibit space.
- The new Lakeland History Room will be a space within the main library where trained staff will assist residents in searching historical + genealogical documents. The History Room will include yearbooks, maps, property plans, photographs, personal items, and more.
- A new DIY Digitize Space will allow residents to convert videotapes, cassette tapes, and photographs into a digital format.
- The exhibit space tells the Lakeland story by highlighting different groups that contributed to the city's culture.
Can't wait? Stay up-to-date with the progress of the new center + the library here.
Use the buttons below to share the new center with your fellow history buff or someone excited to learn more about their Lakeland family genealogy.
When did the Lakeland Public Library open originally?
Flex your stuff, history buff.
Today
- Lakeside Village Live | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Listen to Groove City Jamz Duo as they perform soothing groove heavy music. 🎶
- Sip n’ Shop | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass | Free | Come out to shop local vendors + sip drinks from The Yard on Mass.
Friday
- Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off | Fri., Nov. 19 | 6-7 p.m. | 1479 Town Center Dr. | Free | Get a head start on the holiday season with the entire family by meeting Santa + staying for dinner. 🎅 Ⓟ
Saturday
- Red Tent Initiative 5k | Sat., Nov. 20 | 7:30 a.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | $30+ | Compete in this 5k race to benefit the Red Tent Initiative — virtual race options are available.
- Margarita Ball | Sat., Nov. 20 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave. | $40+ | Raise donations and collect gifts for the holiday season for underprivileged kids in Lakeland. 💰
Sunday
- Sunfest 420 | Sun., Nov. 21 | 12-11 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival, 3805 W. Reynolds St. | $5+ | Florida’s biggest family-friendly, alcohol-free cannabis event featuring vendors, food + music is this weekend, and parking donations will go to local churches. ✌️
Monday
- Elevated Grits | Mon., Nov. 22 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School | $55+ | Learn to make grits four different ways, including yellow grits and white grits with shrimp. 🍤
Tuesday
- Trivia Night | Tues., Nov. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Keel and Curley Winery | Free | Bring a team and practice your trivia skills while enjoying Keel Farms beer, wine, or cider. 🍷
Wednesday
- Kids Cooking Class | Wed., Nov. 24 | 5-6:30 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland | $50+ | Save the shopping, cooking + cleaning with this kid’s cooking class (ages 5-13) that results in a take-home dinner for four. 🍴
Thursday
- Wonderland of Lights and Santa’s Village | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | The International Market World, 1052 US-92 | $25 | Come out after Thanksgiving dinner for the first night of Wonderland of Lights to see holiday light displays and vendors. 🎄
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.
Photo provided by Purple Carrot
In a cooking rut? Enter: Purple Carrot, the meal delivery solution customers can rely on to send tasty, super satisfying plant-based meals straight to their front door.
You can choose from high-protein, gluten-free, or quick + easy dishes that fit your lifestyle. Purple Carrot’s flexible options include meal kits with ingredients and a recipe to follow or freshly prepared meals you only need to heat up. (Hint: They’re all really good.) 🍽️ Ⓟ
Weather
- 80º | Cloudy with rain | 62% chance of rain
Family
- Legoland has committed to making their Peppa Pig Themepark a Certified Autism Center when it opens. The theme park will work with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to administer staff-wide autism awareness training + develop an accessibility guide for visitors. (The Ledger)
Edu
- A piece composed by Harrison School of Arts graduate, Erica Porter, will be performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall as part of the United Chamber Music Society Concert for Village Health Works. The composition is titled “Motion,” and will be performed by a violinist, cellist, and violist. (The Ledger)
- Ready to finish a degree to accelerate your career? Florida Southern College offers online bachelor's programs tailored specifically for working adults. Get started by joining the conversation on Thurs., Dec. 2. 🎓 Ⓟ
Ranked
- 55. That’s what Polk County ranked out of 67 Florida counties In an annual report released by the Florida Policy Institute regarding child welfare. The ranking is based on 16 indicators in four categories, including health, education, and economic well-being. (The Ledger)
Cause
- Chain of Skates is hosting a Skatesgiving holiday food drive with Wonder on Wheels and One More Child on Sun., Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. at Thomas B. Mack Park. Bring canned food donations to be entered into a raffle for some goodies + skate for a cause. 🛼
- Heartland for Children has launched its seventeenth annual Rudolph Round-Up Holiday Toy Drive. There are many ways to get involved — you can sponsor a child for the holidays, host a toy drive, purchase toys from their toy registry, or make a monetary donation. 🧸
Eat
- La Imperial Bakery is offering Thanksgiving catering packages for families of five to twenty, + orders for individual lunch plates. They are also open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving with a special menu. 🥧 (WTSP)
Biz
- The cost of building materials is rising, and some businesses may feel the financial effects more than others. That’s where coinsurance comes in — learn what it is + how it works. Ⓟ
Arts
- Polk County Museum of Art has partnered with the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards to recognize the artistic and literary talent of Polk County middle and high school students ages 13 and up. Students must submit their art or writing by Dec. 12 for consideration.
Question
- As the day of thanks draws closer, we’re wondering what you’re most thankful for in Swan City. Is it the unique history of Queen Elizabeth’s royal swans, the iconic sunsets over the Southgate Sign, or the friendliness of your 863 community? Let us know.
The Buy
- Most joggers we’ve tried have waistbands that never stay in place, or no pockets for our phones. Meet Public Rec. They make leisurewear in waist and inseam sizes (read: a broader selection than XS-XL) for increased comfort and a better fit. (The All Day Jogger is on our holiday wishlist.) 🎁 Ⓟ
Eighty degrees in November can make it a bit difficult to get in the fall mood. But keep your gin up because Red Door Lakeland’s cocktail of the week is giving us all the autumn vibes. The crisp, herbaceous flavors of the Cocchi Americano and cappelletti combined with gin and blood orange make for the perfect fall in Florida cocktail.
Pro tip — try their “OutDoor” Steak Burger while you’re there.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Just use #LALtoday on social media.
We asked you where you volunteer in Lakeland. Here are some of the organizations where you + your fellow readers lend a hand:
- Meals on Wheels — Readers Gail F., Bill M. + Barbara C.
- Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine — Reader Gretchen H.
- VISTE — Reader Donna M.
- VITA — Reader Donald B.
- Florida Baptist Children's Home — Reader Lynnette A.
- Polk County Bully Project Rescue — Reader J. S.
- SUN 'n FUN. — Reader Robin M.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
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