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Happy weekend, Lakeland!
In today’s happening-today edition: Bok Tower Gardens’ singing tower, a proposed data center bill, Spring Obsession, and more. + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Florida drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*
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📰 In the news
Sanctuary for people and wildlife: Just a short drive from Lakeland, Bok Tower Gardens showcases Lake Wales history at Polk County’s highest point, welcoming 275,000 visitors yearly with gardens and music from the singing tower — read the full story.
2026 mission guides growth: Lakeland-based Bank of Central Florida has expanded into Hillsborough County with a new loan production office in Brandon, helping clients with credit applications and loan closings through its client-focused strategy — learn what this LPO does.
Public transparency takes center stage: Florida lawmakers advanced a bill to regulate large data centers as Fort Meade’s proposed facility renews debate over water use, full-cost electricity, and limits near homes or schools — see what’s in the bill.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Fries worth the detour: Those hand-cut beauties at Mojo Federal are the fries you start thinking about mid-meeting, golden, salty, and dangerously dunkable with whatever smoky situation lands on your plate. Crisp edges, fluffy centers, zero regrets… the perfect “I earned this” sidekick that turns any bite into a moment.
Glow goals, unlocked: If your mirror’s a bit too honest, Ageless Aesthetics & Wellness builds a plan with injectables, skin treatments, lasers, facials, and IV vitamin boosts to keep you refreshed now and aging gracefully. Expect friendly pros, thoughtful pacing, and natural-looking results that feel like you.
Dial in your drives: Lake Parker Disc Golf Course threads nine fun, tree-lined holes along the lake, ideal for a lunch-break loop or a couple post-work laps. Bring a friend, pack a putter and mid, and enjoy a low-stress round that still lets the chains sing.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Last call for the CVS Epic Beauty Sale: Today’s your last chance to save on all sorts of self-care products at CVS, including makeup, beauty tools, skin care, hair masks, moisturizers, and more from all your favorite brands. *Shop the sale before it ends →
Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →
Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →
Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏃 13th Annual WHPD 5K @ Winter Haven Public Library | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – The 13th Annual WHPD 5k is lacing up for another lap around town, with bragging rights, friendly cops, and that smug post-run coffee. Run, walk, or perfect your power stroll. Details are coming, but you know the drill, and the route probably.
🌸 Spring Obsession @ Munn Park | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – Got blooms, garden gear, or nature-y art to peddle? Spring Obsession takes over Munn Park, and they want local makers, plant people, and garden businesses to snag a spot. Space is limited, so apply at springobsession.org, then dust off the folding table.
🚗 Vision Auto Spring Showdown @ Vision Auto & Customizations (Plant City) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Spring’s here, so let’s ogle polished classics and tricked-out rides while actually doing some good for once. This auto showdown pairs hood-up car talk with local vendors and neighborly vibes, the rare weekend where you leave with merch, memories, and a little civic pride.
🛍 Winter Haven Saturday Markets @ Central Park | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Take a leisurely lap through Winter Haven Saturday Markets, a free community bash with 100+ local vendors, arts, crafts, authors, food trucks, live music, and more. It’s like your neighbor’s garage sale grew up, went to art school, and learned to cook.
🍞 Sourdough Made Simple Class @ Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Think your starter is still judging you from back of the fridge? Meesh in Motion makes sourdough simple with a hands-on class on starter care, mixing and folds, shaping and baking, plus take-home steps to finish same day. Beginner friendly, ages 15 and up.
🌰 Nuts About Nature @ GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Nothing says Pi Day like measuring trees for fun, then calling it exercise. Swing by the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center at Bonnet Springs Park to calculate circumferences, make wearable art, and tackle a scavenger hunt, free and for all ages, with adult supervision.
🤠 Honky Tonk Angels @ Theatre Winter Haven | Saturday (3/14) at 7:30 PM – Skip the chores and catch three gutsy gals chasing their Nashville dreams in a feel-good, honky tonk romp. Expect 30 classic country tunes, including Stand By Your Man, 9 to 5, and Harper Valley PTA, plus big laughs, and you already know the words.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Lakeland report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 83°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 59%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 86°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 80%
Showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South southeast wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
This house is wild
Set on 22 acres in Central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, this multi-home compound features a private pond. Multiple residences include several 3-bed, 2-bath homes, a double-wide, single-wides, and a 2-bed, 2.5-bath. A colossal 75×72 barn adds a 3-bed, 1-bath apartment and a 25×36 shop with a bathroom. Pastures are fully fenced for cattle.
Take a peek inside →
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