With 23 billion texts sent worldwide everyday, it’s safe to say that texting is one of the most comfortable modes of communication for most. Recognizing this, Peace River Center just added texting + chatting options to their 24/7 crisis hotline — expanding the number of ways people can reach out for help.  Made possible by an Impact Polk grant, the initiative gives individuals the additional option to text “TALK” (863) 204-3443 or to chat using a computer browser. On the other side is a Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) member, who will: Be someone to talk to. Provide immediate crisis a ..read more

Let the countdown begin. Lakeland is 94 days away from the long anticipated opening of Bonnet Springs Park, Central Florida’s new place to play. The public park is located just outside of downtown on the east side of Lake Bonnet and will serve as a connection between downtown and northwest Lakeland.  There’s a lot to look forward to, so we’re giving you a rundown of what to expect. By the numbers 94: Days away from the park’s Sat., Oct. 22 opening 168: Acres of park to explore 20+: Paths to walk or run, plus a high-speed bike trail 200+: Benches along walking trails like the Lakeland Reg ..read more

With Lakeland being one of the nation’s fastest-growing mid-sized metro areas, it’s no surprise that housing is a hot topic. In last week’s Polk County Planning Commission meeting, the commission approved two new developments — 233 units in total — in the Lakeland area. Single-family homes A 32-acre subdivision at the corner of D R Bryant Road and Park Byrd Road (near Socrum Loop Road) was approved with a 4-2 vote. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect: 128 units 79 50-ft-wide lots 49 70-ft-wide lots ~4 units per acre 5-ft setbacks (that’s the distance from the structure to the prop ..read more

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Today marks the first day of “Freedom Week,” a seven-day sales tax holiday from Fri., July 1 to Thurs., July 7 on items in the following categories: Fishing and camping supplies (including tackle boxes, sleeping bags, tents, flashlights, etc.) for your next weekend trip to Colt Creek State Park. Pool supplies (filters, chemicals, pool toys, floats, etc.) Boating and water activity equipment (like life jackets, coolers, kayaks, etc.) to keep you afloat as you paddle across Lake Crago.  Sporting equipment (items less than $40, excluding clothing and footwear ..read more

Downtown Lakeland is getting a new Information Technology campus, thanks to Publix Super Markets. Coming soon to the site of the former FedEx building at 333 E. Lemon St., the tech campus will create 100 new full-time jobs with an average annual salary of $93,000, double the county’s median wage.  In support of the new jobs, Polk County and the City of Lakeland will each contribute $250,000 over the next three years. As long as the 100 jobs are created and compensated as planned, that will pan out to be $500,000 in Publix’s pocket. The former FedEx building located at 333 E. Lemon St. | P ..read more

The wait for a Bonnet Springs Park opening date is finally over. Yesterday it was announced that the park will officially open on Sat., October 22. The 168-acre park is located between West Memorial Blvd. and George Jenkins Blvd., and is designed to be within walking distance of Downtown Lakeland. Also announced was the opening of the Florida Children’s Museum, formerly known as Explorations V Children’s Museum, which will be on-site at the park. The new location will open on Fri., November 4. You can read more about what to expect in our Q+A with Kerry Falwell, CEO of the Florida Children’s M ..read more

If you’ve ever wondered when Lakeland might get its first grocery or convenience store downtown, your wait is over. A 1,500 sqft storefront called bodega Market is opening this fall at 106 N. Tennessee Ave., a space currently held by Silver Ring Cafe. Imagine how appetizing some local goods would look on that shelf. | Rendering via Amaury Santana The restaurant has occupied 106 N. Tennessee Ave. since 1986, but with the lease expiring on Aug. 31, 2022, the space became available for a new tenant. Enter: bodega Market. The small-scale convenience store, which could be open by late Nov ..read more

Happy May, Lakeland.  If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about the sunny days, blooming flowers, and summer on the horizon — and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in Swan City. All month long Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Every Saturday | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Support local businesses and shop from 100+ vendors including Omusubee, The Red Swan Shop + Mk Boba.   Sunday, May 1 Sun., May 1 HB Jazz Live | Sun., May 1 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Listen t ..read more

Ready to scale to new heights? Pace Center for Girls, Polk is hosting this year’s Ten Story Challenge on Fri., April 29 + Sat., April 30.  In case you’re unfamiliar with the event, participants will rappel from the top of the Lakeland Electric building via a partnership with Over the Edge — an urban rappelling nonprofit that works with businesses to find innovative ways to fundraise.  On Friday, the challenge kicks off with VIP Day, where Lakeland community leaders will take the first leap. Mayor Mutz, Mrs. Mutz, President and CEO of Pace, Mary Marx, and Miss Florida volunteer Megan ..read more

Strap in and prepare for your annual dose of G-force fun. SUN ‘n FUN is back, taking place from Tues., April 5-Sun., April 10 at the Expo Campus, (4075 James C. Ray Dr.). Entering its 48th year, the event has grown into one of, if not the, largest aviation events… Ever.  Within the Sunshine State, it reigns as the largest annual convention of any kind, drawing in over 200,000 visitors. If you’ve never heard of SUN ‘n FUN before, the aviation must-do showcases hundreds of aircraft, a trade show, 500+ exhibitors, a career fair, and airshows.  B-25 Mitchell medium-range bomber, circa 1 ..read more