• Mural Locations in Lakeland Florida,Tonya Lockamy

    Mural Locations in Lakeland Florida

    Hello Lakelanders! While Lakeland has many gems, I love observing the murals by many talented artists. They make great backgrounds for photos. I'm standing in front of "Magnolia's" located downtown by The Stationary Loft. Head out, take in the creativity, and find yourself on your adventure.   If you haven't already, head out to Lakeside Village and check out the newest mural "Bloom" by Gillian Fazio located by Books A Million.   AstroKnights, 844 S. Florida Ave. By C. Stanley The Yard on Mass Oranges, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. By Gillian Fazio The Legend of Ondine, 927 S. Florida Ave. By Cecilia Lueza For LKLD, 3125 Bartow Rd, Lakeland, FL By Gillian Fazio Dixieland THEN, 948 S. Florida Ave. By Ahmad H. Taylor Let’s Ride, 1058 Florida Ave. S. By Gillian Fazio Flights of Fancy, 901 Florida Ave. S. By Tim Haas Create, 502 E. Main St. By Gillian Fazio Cultivate, 502 E. Main St. By Maegan Carroll 360 Unlimited, 911 S. Florida Ave. By Tim Haas Watchful Woman, 235 N. Florida Ave. By Gabriela Jaxon Crape Blossoms, 913 S. Florida Ave. By Kate Hall Greetings from Lakeland, 505 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. By Gillian Fazio Tobacco Leaf, 112 S. Tennessee Ave. By Gillian Fazio Lakeland swan mural, 1035 S. Florida Ave. By Charly Malpass Angel Selfie Wall, 1113 S. Florida Ave. By Aaron M. Corbitt Pace Center for Girls, Polk, 213 Tyler Ave. By Gillian Fazio Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. By Arielle “AKAT” Katarina Gaslight Tattoo Company, 509 S. Florida Ave. By Gilligan Gee Welcome to Lakeland, 110 W. Highland St. By Jenna O’Brien You Are Beautiful, 4520 S. Florida Ave. By Fresh Kitchen Magnolias, 230 N. Kentucky Ave. By Maegan Carroll Mosaic murals, 917 E. Memorial Blvd. By John Garth Mass Market Color Wall, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. By Haus 820 Dixieland mural, 950 S. Florida Ave. By Beth Warmath The Well, 114 E. Parker St. By Kent McAllister Monarch butterflies, 130 S. Massachusetts Ave. By Gillian Fazio Dream, Play, Explore; 2947 S. Florida Ave. By Kate Hall Greetings from Lakeland Postcard 950 E Main St. By Ahmad Taylor

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  • 12 Fun Facts that Makes Lakeland, Florida Special,Tonya Lockamy

    12 Fun Facts that Makes Lakeland, Florida Special

    1. **Royal Swans:**   Lakeland, Florida proudly flaunts its majestic royal swans, originally gifted by Queen Elizabeth II from England in 1957. You can visit the swans downtown on beautiful Lake Morton. Annually, the City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation employees round up the swans for their annual veterinary check-up. Learn more about the history of Lakeland's royal swans. 2. **Spanish-American War Legacy:**    Did you know? Lakeland played a crucial role in the Spanish-American War as a training ground for troops heading to Cuba. It's a piece of history that adds a unique touch to the city's past. 3. **Elvis Presley's Lakeland Connection:**   Lakeland had its own rock 'n' roll moment in 1956 when Elvis Presley graced the Polk Theater with his presence. The King left an indelible mark on the city's cultural scene and also left his mark on the dressing room wall with his autograph! 4. **Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College:**   Florida Southern College boasts an architectural wonderland designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. The campus is dotted with these iconic structures, including the awe-inspiring Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. 5. **Phosphate Production Hub:**   While Mulberry is known as the "phosphate capital of the world", Lakeland has been a key player in phosphate production, contributing to global agriculture. The city's historical ties to phosphate mining tell a tale of economic growth and industrial significance. Want to learn more? Stop by the Mulberry Phosphate Musueum. 6. **38 Lakes Within the City:**   Surprising, isn't it? Lakeland is home to not just a few, but 38 lakes! Each one adds to the city's charm, offering residents and visitors alike a plethora of recreational opportunities. From the beautiful charm of Lake Morton to the largest lake, Lake Parker, you're sure to find something you love about them all. 7. **Famous Visitors and Residents:**   Lakeland has had its fair share of famous faces gracing its streets. From dignitaries to celebrities, these visitors and residents have added their own touch of glamour to the city. Edward Scissorhands was filmed in Lakeland, as residents got to watch Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder perform in the iconic movie. Other visitors have included Elvis Prelsey, Burt Reynolds, and former Presidents including Abraham Lincoln. Lakeland was also the home to two former Florida Governors, Lawton Chiles and Park Trammell.  8. **Origin of Lakeland's Name:**   Ever wonder why it's called Lakeland? The name is a nod to the city's abundant lakes and lush landscapes, emphasizing its commitment to preserving nature's bounty. While Munnville (after the town's founder, Abraham Munn) was a considered name, Lakeland was the clear winner! 9. **Detroit Tigers Spring Training:**   Since 1934, Lakeland has been the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Baseball fans flock to the city every year, contributing to the infectious enthusiasm that defines Lakeland's sports culture. 10. **World Citrus Center:**    Lakeland proudly was known as the World Citrus Center. Through the 1980s, Lakeland and the surrounding towns produced 25 percent of the nation's citrus. That's a lot of orange juice! The citrus industry played a pivotal role in shaping the city's economy and identity and agriculture is still an important part of Polk County. 11. **Carpenters Home:**  The Carpenters' Home in Lakeland was the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America's (UBCJA) response to the recognized need to provide for its elderly and disabled members. While union retirement homes did not flourish, the Carpenters' Home was a noble experiment, as America sought ways to provide proper care for its elderly workers and their families. Carpenters Home provided 2,205 elderly men with care, dignity, and companionship throughout its 47-year history. 12. **Blinky the Alligator:**    Lakeland had its own celebrity alligator, Blinky, who resided downtown in Lake Mirror. This famous 11-foot gator, was known as "One-Eyed Joe" and had residents mesmerized in the 1970s. Sadly Blinky got a little too comfortable and friendly due to people feeding him and he ultimately had to be relocated. In a nutshell, Lakeland, Florida, is not just a city; it's a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. These 12 fun facts give you a sneak peek into what makes Lakeland an extra special place to explore and cherish.

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  • Dog Parks in Lakeland, Florida,Tonya Lockamy

    Dog Parks in Lakeland, Florida

    Lakeland, Florida is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lakes, rich history, and charming neighborhoods. For dog owners, one of the key considerations when choosing a place to live is the availability of dog parks. Luckily, Lakeland has several fantastic options that cater to our furry friends, ensuring a healthy and active lifestyle for both pets and their owners.Living in a city with a dog-friendly environment positively impacts the overall lifestyle of pet owners. The social and emotional benefits of owning a dog are well-documented, and having access to well-maintained and safe dog parks only enhances these advantages. In Lakeland, dog parks provide the perfect setting for canine companions to socialize, exercise, and play to their heart's content.One such exemplary dog park in Lakeland is the Dog Leg Woods Dog Park. Located at 3701 Cleveland Heights Boulevard, this park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for every pup. With its lush greenery, shaded seating areas, and ample space for running and fetching, Dog Leg Woods is the perfect spot for both dogs and their owners to unwind and socialize. Additionally, the park is equipped with water fountains, waste stations, and even agility equipment, making it a truly well-rounded and inclusive facility.Another beloved dog park in Lakeland is the Barnett Family Park Dog Park, located at 730 E Orange Street. This park features separate sections for small and large dogs, providing a safe environment for all breeds and sizes. The highlight of Barnett Family Park Dog Park is the spacious off-leash area where dogs can freely roam and play while their owners sit back and relax on the shaded benches. The park also offers an abundance of lush grassy areas, walking paths, and waste stations for added convenience.Apart from the numerous benefits of dog parks for pet owners, the availability of these facilities can significantly enhance the overall appeal of a neighborhood. Living in close proximity to a well-maintained dog park fosters a sense of community and allows residents to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for pets. It provides a common ground for dog owners to interact and build friendships while their four-legged companions bond and socialize.For those considering moving to a dog-friendly neighborhood in Lakeland, both the Dog Leg Woods Dog Park and Barnett Family Park Dog Park are located in close proximity to desirable residential areas. These parks not only contribute to a vibrant community feel but also offer easy access to recreational opportunities for both pets and their owners.In conclusion, Lakeland, Florida is a city that recognizes the importance of providing dog-friendly spaces for its residents. Dog parks like Dog Leg Woods and Barnett Family Park not only enrich the lifestyle of dog owners but also enhance the appeal of the surrounding neighborhoods. So, if you're looking for a place to settle down with your furry friend, Lakeland should undoubtedly be on your list of potential cities to call home.

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