Saying goodbye to some Lakeland eateries, but hello to many more
Barry Friedman
Founder and Editor-at-large
For people who like to keep up with the Lakeland dining scene, I’d like to direct your attention to a recent gem on LkldNow. It’s an update on restaurant openings and closings and a reminder of the spirit of entrepreneurism in the hospitality sector.
The listings were part of an article about the closing of Hooters on South Florida Avenue after 40 years. So you might have missed the dining update if you weren’t interested in the Hooters closing.
Our reporting revealed that in the last year and a half:
- At least 20 Lakeland restaurants have closed.
- But at least 43 brick-and-mortar eateries opened during the same period.
- Eight more are expected to open in the near future.
Updated restaurant map: In addition, LkldNow recently updated our map showing the locations of locally owned restaurants. See it here, and please let us know if we missed any.
Polk Museum Has New Benefactors and a New Name
An endowment to secure the museum’s future led to the new identity: The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum at Florida Southern College.
Forum for Polk County School Board Candidates Tackles Tough Issues
Six candidates are vying for three seats in the Aug. 20 election.
State Agency Launches Investigation Into Patient Dumping at Talbot House
Local news reports triggered the investigation by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Jack Harrell, CEO and Philanthropist, Dies at 68
The Lakeland business titan died after a six-month battle with glioblastoma.
Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily
The Publix in Lake Miriam Square is getting a major makeover. The Winn-Dixie on South Florida Avenue is becoming an ALDI.
‘Very Hopeful’: Road Diet Project Turns a Corner as City and FDOT Near Deal
City and state officials are working to create a memorandum of understanding outlining who will pay for what.
Fletcher Park Playground to Close Next Week For Tree Removal
The skate park and ball fields will not be affected.
Lakeland’s Commissioners Are Considering Raising Property Taxes
The average homeowner would pay about $95 more a year.
CURATED LAKELAND NEWS
Developers who plan to put housing on the former Wedgewood golf course get option to sub townhouses for apartments | The Ledger
Sports photographer Scott Audette pivots to artistic underwater portraits | WEDU
Police: Arrested man is a person of interest in multiple business burglaries near U.S. 98 North | Fox 13 News
Downtown bookstore vandalized twice in four days; suspect arrested | The Ledger
Lakeside Village Korean restaurant lets diners cook as much meat as they can in 2 hours | Polk Sun
Back to school: Sheriff’s office handing out bookbags with supplies today and July 27 | News Channel 8
Appeals court: Jury in the north Lakeland quadruple murder can apply a death sentence with as few as 8 of the 12 votes | The Ledger
Residents of Citrus Center Colony seek a solution to persistent flooding at the mobile home park | ABC Action News
Mini-documentary portrays removal of airliner placed along I-4 for years to promote Fantasy of Flight | News Channel 8
Delve into Edgar Allen Poe | Thursday at 10 p.m. | Saturday at noon and 10 p.m. | Polk Theatre
Listen to four Poe stories paired with themed cocktails at a limited-seating Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy for people age 21 and over. Tickets: $48-$55.
Celebrate visual art | Friday | 6-8 p.m. | Melvin Gallery at Florida Southern College
The Lakeland Arts Association kicks off its 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition with an opening reception and awards ceremony. Live music, remarks by Alex Rich of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum, refreshments. The exhibit is open July 19 to Aug. 2 at the Melvin Gallery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free.
Say farewell to Patty Kenoly | Saturday | 8 p.m. | The Pink Piano
The popular Lakeland musician and her band, the Noan Partly Quartet, say farewell to Lakeland as Patty departs for graduate school. Guest musicians will perform. Cover: $8.
Did a friend forward this newsletter to you?
If you want to get our weekly updates, subscribe here.
You are receiving this email at *|EMAIL|* because you opted in at LkldNow.com.
Unsubscribe | Update your profile | Forward to a friend
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* All rights reserved.
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS|**|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
