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91º | 0% chance of precipitation Sunrise 6:43 a.m. | Sunset 8:05 p.m.
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What's next for Dixieland?
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| Participants at Restore the Core public meetings were asked to pick their favorite branding idea for the district, and this historic-inspired concept was the top choice. | Image via Lakeland CRA |
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After months of research and public feedback, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) released a draft of the updated Dixieland district plan — its first update since 2001. We've distilled the 113-page report into key highlights.
Here's what the draft plan recommends to keep up with Dixieland's evolution:- District definition — Brand the district with a nod to its historic character, add signage throughout the area, and enhance public art
- Economic development — Establish consistent design standards, promote walkability, and redevelop vacant properties
- Active public realm — Enhance safety and make alleys more usable
- Transportation — Improve streetscapes and crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists, encourage public transit use, and make parking options more visible
The draft will be presented to the CRA Advisory Board today. Read over the plan and send in your feedback by Monday, July 6, when the plan will be finalized and formally adopted. |
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Asked
How important is each draft plan recommendation to you? Tap below to rate them.
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Events
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash |
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EduDevelopment update: SEU’s new Early Childhood Center| Presented by Southeastern University |
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| The new early childhood center has come as long way since we first shared renderings with you. | Southeastern University |
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Construction is well underway for SEU's Robert and Sandra Graper (RSG) Early Childhood Center, with exciting progress ahead of its projected spring 2027 opening.
Thoughtfully designed to serve children ages 0–4, this state-of-the-art childcare center will emphasize milestone-based learning, exploration, and outdoor play, while providing SEU College of Education students with valuable real-world experience.
Join 200+ families already on the waitlist and register today. |
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News Notes
OpenChen’s Duck & Dumplings is now open on South Florida Avenue, in the former Hong BBQ & Hot Pot spot. Duck in to try dishes like scallion pancakes, signature soup dumplings with heritage pork, and spicy dan dan noodles.Number$70 million. That's how much federal funding Polk County will receive to improve water infrastructure. The funding will cover stormwater management, flooding, and water quality issues identified after storms in 2023 and 2024 (think: hurricanes Idalia + Milton). Projects must be complete by April 2030.TrafficThe next stretch of the Central Polk Parkway is now in progress, with 9.1 total miles planned to connect the Polk Parkway to Bartow. Crews have started clearing land near SR 60, where the new toll road will end. The project is expected to cost $257 million. (The Ledger)ArtsThe Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art has a new Curator of Exhibitions: Laura Putnam, who has worked at the museum for 13 years. Putnam will develop all new exhibitions and select the artwork within them. See what's currently on view.ShopTime to schedule a binge watch. The Lakeland Public Library is holding a sale on all TV series DVDs through the end of the week. Search for a "Friends" box set in the Friends of the Library area near the entrance. Pro tip: Sales are cash only.OutdoorsWas your yard affected by winter freezes or Lakeland's months-long drought? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute suggests replacing dying plants with hardy native species, such as muhly grass. You're in luck — it's in stock at Plant Local. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)GiveawayHave you entered our Storm Season Giveaway in partnership with Lakeland Electric? There's still one day left to grab your chance to win a generator. Enter here by Friday, May 8 at noon.*
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Editor's PickAn epic small business collaboration
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| That's me on the right, meeting Gianna Rahmani of Feasts of Persia (left) and Yohansi Santana of Divicious + bodega Market (center) for a hummus taste test. | Photo by Gianna Rahmani |
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Family-run business Feasts of Persia is now selling four types of hummus: its savory signature style, plus the unique new espresso, coffee, and cinnamon varieties.
I taste-tested them all last week (and can't stop eating them), but even more impressive than the creative flavors is the story of how four local small businesses came together to bring them to market.- It started when Feasts of Persia created the signature recipe, then began selling it at Old South Country Market.
- There, the team connected with Catapult member Spurzile's Gourmet and began a fulfillment partnership. Spurzile's now produces + packages the hummus.
- Eventually, Feasts of Persia met the owners of Divicious Deli and created a new recipe featuring its in-house espresso.
Today, you can find the product of all these local connections for sale at bodega Market downtown. What better representation of Lakeland's business community during Small Business Week? |
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The Buy
| A multivitamin designed to support stress at every stage of life. Formulated with clinically proven ingredients, it promotes emotional well-being, enhances stress resilience, encourages relaxation, and helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. |
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The Wrap
| I can't stop at just four small businesses. My hummus tasting was the same day as a JJ's Fusion Khaana pop-up at Catapult. I ordered my favorite dish, masala fries, and dipped them in the signature hummus. It was a scrumptious small-biz smorgasbord. |
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