Stephanie Claytor

Lakeland Will Unite to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Observances kick off with a gala dinner Friday and continue with a parade Jan. 18.

New locally owned tea houses have bubbled up on Lakeland’s north and south sides.

The president was greeted by then-Mayor Carrie Oldham, who had suggested he come to Lakeland during a White House visit.

Three food and beverage businesses will occupy two vacant buildings at South Florida Avenue and East Belmar Street.

Alexander Andrade, who attends the Bartow IB School, is also a Presidential Scholar and a National Merit semifinalist.

Bonnet Springs Park has expanded its holiday lights-and-entertainment event for its second year; it takes place Dec. 14-31.

The Mexican restaurant and Latino market on George Jenkins Boulevard now has a second location on South Florida Avenue.

Three new eateries offer interactive culinary experiences where diners cook at their tables.

The budget airline flies nonstop between Lakeland and eight other airports in the eastern U.S. and Puerto Rico.