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Lakeland Florida – A Great Place to Live

I have come to realize in recent months, while residing for almost 16 years here in this charming and beautiful town, that Lakeland is a great place to live.

Just between Tampa and Orlando with a growing population of over 93,000 Lakeland is located in Polk County – voted in 2007 as the All-American County.

Did you know that in 1883 Lakeland’s citizens were going to name their town Munnville in recognition of Abraham G. Munn, a Kentucky businessman who purchased 80 acres which the town was located? I’m so glad that he declined the honor and eventually a more adequate name was sought out, due to the serenity of the many lakes surrounding this great community in Central Florida – the name Lakeland was selected!

Lakeland, Florida – The City of 38 Lakes

Lakeland has 38 named lakes – the most visited lakes are near downtown Lakeland at Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Mirror, Lake Morton and Lake Wire providing its residents with great recreational opportunities.  Lakeland has the appeal of small town flair with its big city sophistication.

The downtown Lakeland location including the Dixieland neighborhood and various districts such as Lake Morton District has undergone extensive renovation influenced by its own charm, constructing pedestrian friendly walking areas. Moreover, predominantly enhancements were completed with gorgeous manicured lawn around Munn Park and the Antique District.

A fine collection of specialty shops, such as art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and a General Store, as well as exceptional dining facilities and cafes that enhances the quality of the City of Lakeland are all within leisurely strolling distance of Munn Park.

Annually, the city of Lakeland in conjunction with local sponsors hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year. Each spring, one of the nation’s largest conventions, the Sun n’Fun Fly-In is held in Lakeland, drawing nearly 150,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world, making Lakeland’s Regional Linder Airport one of the busiest airports in the world during this event. The downtown area is the site of many of the town’s activities, such as First Fridays, Farmer’s Market, Mayfaire by the Lake, the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Lakeland Red, White & Kaboom – 4^th July celebration, annual Christmas parade in December.

There are many things to love about Lakeland, Florida.  The City of Lakeland’s financial stability, along with many local contributors and philanthropists providing support for its citizens quality health care, convenient public transportation, and its established public school system are just the tip of the iceberg.

Lakeland also boasts great inexpensive tourist attractions, such as the beautiful Hollis Botanical Garden and the adjacent Barnett Park, the Polk Museum of Arts, the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College, and the Florida Air Museum, just to name a few.

Majority of the Lakeland resident’s workforce finding employment in the wholesale and the retail trade sector, as well as in the manufacturing, production, mining, tourism, distribution and service industries.

In recent years Money Magazine ranked Lakeland at the 10^th “Best Place to Live in America” among medium sized cities in the South, referring to issues such as affordable housing, public safety, modern health care and school systems. The city also enjoys an ideal subtropical climate that averages a balmy 72 degrees per year. With such a pleasant climate, outdoor activities are extremely admired in Polk County.

Lakeland residents tend to be highly involved in the community. The numerous volunteer groups and service organizations in the area have a strong presence in Lakeland.

Lakeland is known to its residents when being asked where you live in Lakeland to give an answer to live in North Lakeland or South Lakeland. To me there is no distinction or separation between the two besides the name; living in North Lakeland or South Lakeland has many valuable aspects and while I have traveled the roads of Lakeland, each location and each neighborhood brings value and its own characteristics to the city of Lakeland, which why I call Lakeland as “there is no place like home”.

You may now recognize that Lakeland has plenty to offer, nonetheless its closeness to Orlando and Tampa provide its residents with the opportunity to visit such notorious attractions as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World and Epcot. While visiting the Kennedy Space Center, the Daytona International Speedway and the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean you may realize that Lakeland is the perfect fit.

Lakeland, Florida may well just be the biggest little small town in America. With a cozy feel, friendly neighbors, and surely something to offer residents of all ages, Lakeland is truly one of America’s finest cities that I call home.

Have I enticed you yet! Well, if you are thinking about moving, consider Lakeland, Florida!  As your Lakeland real estate professional, I’m here to help you find the home of your dreams!

Want to know more about Lakeland, Florida?

Check out these links!

• The City of Lakeland
• Polk County Public Schools
• The Imperial Symphony
• Lakeland Community Theater
• The Ledger
• The Lakeland Center
• The Lakeland Library
• The Polk Museum of Art

Lakeland’s Sun n’ Fun Fly-in Gives You Wings!

Lakeland’s annual Sun n’ Fun Fly-In hosted by the City of Lakeland and the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport for the past 35 years is widely termed the Spring Break for Pilots here in the US and across the globe.  What I like most about the event is that it brings together aviation pros from all over the world, and from all facets of the aviation community to enjoy what is considered to be the best fly-in experience ever.

Each year, Sun n’ Fun provides a huge economic boost to Lakeland’s economy  by bringing in an average of 160,000 visitors from around the country.  According to the official Sun n’ Fun website, as recently as 2008, the event attracted some 1,300 international visitors as well  – coming to Lakeland from as many as 73 countries, including first-time visitors from Tanzania, Botswana, Oman and Singapore!

All told, the fly-in brings about $27 million to Lakeland each year.  So, you can see why it plays a very important role in the success of our local community.

From Vintage to Experimental – Sun n’ Fun Covers it All

Each year, pilots participating in the fly-in consist of owners who fly their aircraft to the event from all parts of the United States and Canada. Many pilots fly their personal vintage, home-built planes or restored ex-military aircraft.

One very special lady, Experimental aircraft pilot Arty Trost, flew an open-cockpit 55-mph Maxair Drifter (Ultralight Style aircraft) from Oregon to Florida for the Sun n’ Fun airshow.

This past year, the event involved the following:

• A host of WWII-era aircraft
• The U.S. Army Golden Parachute Team- this will be their first appearance at Sun ‘n Fun
• Rocket Racing demonstrations
• A Friday night air show
• A Saturday afternoon hot air balloon launch
• Earth Day activities all week long in honor of the April 22 holiday

If you’re planning to purchase a piece of Lakeland real estate, you have to admit that having the Sun n’ Fun close by is a major benefit!

Head Out to the Old Ball Game with Lakeland’s Flying Tigers

Florida and Spring Training.  They’re synonymous.  But when the Detroit Tigers MLB baseball club leaves for the regular season, the Lakeland Flying Tigers keep the baseball activity at Joker Marchant Stadium alive.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers are a minor league baseball team located here in in Lakeland, Florida. The Flying Tigers are part of the Florida State League and have enjoyed a relationship with the Detroit Tigers as their High-A affiliate since 1967.

This is a big deal, since theirs is one of the longest unbroken Major League Baseball affiliate relationships still in existence. The Flying Tigers play in the Florida State League – a Class A-Advanced Minor League Baseball league operating in connection with Minor League Baseball but as a independant entity all the same.

High Level Competition at Affordable Prices

What I like most about watching the Flying Tigers is that we get to see some really amazing baseball at prices that just can’t be beat.  The level of play among teams in the Florida State League is very high, yet you can still find very affordable tickets to Flying Tigers games any time you want them.

Minor League Baseball here in Lakeland is a real pleasure to watch.  Since the Flying Tigers have a solid relationship with the Detroit Tigers – their Major League counterpart – their player are always competing at the top of their game in hopes of making it to the “Big Show.”

Money for Tickets and Snacks, Too

Minor league baseball games are truly family affairs.  They provide affordable, entertaining alternatives to heading out to Major League games  – which tend to put a real dent in the family wallet.

Lakeland Flying Tigers games run about $6.00 for box seats and $5.00 for reserved.  At those prices, you get to see top notch baseball and still have money left over for a few dogs, some sodas, and maybe even some nachos!

Kids are Top Fans with the Lakeland Flying Tigers

Lakeland’s Flying Tigers do a great job reaching out to and interacting with area kids.  Each year, kids ages 5 to 13 can take part in the Tiger Den Kids Club.  For just $10.00, Tiger Den Club members get a t-shirt, a membership card, and free admission to all Saturday night home games.

As an extra kid’s benefit, Den members get a free hot dog and drink during games and are invited to an end of the season autograph party, where they can get signatures from the team!

Any way you slice it, the Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball team provides yet another super opportunity for you to enjoy your little piece of Lakeland real estate!  Now.. play ball!

Other special opportunities available to Lakeland residents include:

• The Lakeland Flying Tigers Baseball Camp
• Lakeland Flying Tigers Education Days

Lakeland’s Polk Theatre – 1920s Movie Palace Tradition Still Alive Today

Lakeland, Florida boasts many wonderful cultural opportunities for its residents, but one of the most amazing and cherished of them all has to be the historic Polk Theatre.  Located at 139 South Florida Avenue, this late 1920s era vaudeville stage and movie provides a window into America’s Golden Age of Entertainment.

The Polk Theatre’s exterior really does little to prepare you for the visual treat you’re in for once you enter. Envisioned  initially by Lakeland businessman John E. Melton,the exterior was set up as a business building and retail space to provide income to help finance the theatre.

Eventually, the Publix Theatre Corporation finished up the project, and brought the entire structure together. And trust me, the interior of this building is breath-taking.  Words, and even pictures really can’t do it justice.  In my opinion, this building stands up to any of its type in the country.  (Note: The Publix Theatre Corporation had no ties to George Jenkins’ Publix Supermarkets.)

Without fail, it’s the interior of the Polk Theatre that continues to amaze both casual visitors and architectural buffs alike.

According to the Polk Theatre website:

The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior.

S0, what can you expect to see at the Polk Theatre?

In years past, the Polk Theatre has been host to some of the biggest names in show business – perhaps most notably, one Elvis Presley.

As usual, the girls in the audience swooned, and Elvis rocked the house as much with his signature hip bump, leg shaking moves as with his music.  Long time Elvis backup Guitarist Scotty Moore’s website provides one of the most comprehensive accounts of what was perhaps the most famous show ever to be held at the Polk Theatre.

Moore does a great job recounting not only Evlis’ interview session with then Lakeland Ledger reporter Elvalee Donaldson, who interviewed Elvis during his show at the Polk Theatre, but he also adds some wonderful historical information about the theatre itself.  Please do yourself a favor and read through this information.  If you’re an Elvis Presley Fan – you will absolutely love it!

Today, the Polk Theatre has once again come into its own as a well-attended local Lakeland, Florida landmark.  Whether you’re interested in cinema, or one of the great live shows the theatre brings into town as part of its ever-popular Polk Theatre Performing Arts Series, there’s surely something sure to entertain.

I love the Polk Theatre, and I think you will to.  As you consider your Lakeland real estate purchase, think of how nice it will be to have such a vibrant and historic cultural landmark close by!

Photo Credits

• Polk Theatre Exterior Credit: Robert Blackie on Flickr
• Polk Theatre Interior Credit: Scotty Moore Website
• Elvis Presley Ad  – Lakeland Ledger Credit: Kevin Logan, Lakeland Public Library

In Downtown Lakeland, Florida – Munn’s The Word

If you are new to Lakeland, Florida, one of the first places you should visit is the revitalized downtown area known as the Munn Park district.  A hub of activity for shopping and dining from the late 19th century to about 1989,  the streets adjacent to and surrounding Munn Park fell silent as much of the area’s shopping and dining moved north toward the expanding area around the I-4 Interstate.

Today, however, the downtown Lakeland area around Munn Park is alive and thriving.   There’s shopping, dining, and entertainment to fit nearly every taste and every budget.  If you’re in the market to purchase of Lakeland real estate, and you’re wondering what areas to consider, you’d be well served to take a look at some of the homes for sale within easy driving distance of Munn Park.  Trust me, come Saturday morning – the short trek to Mitchell’s for breakfast and coffee will be a pleasure!

Munn Park – A Brief History

Established in 1884, Munn Park served as the town square for Munn’s Subdivision, which was Lakeland’s first. Sometime later, Abraham Munn, for whom the area was named, dedicated the entire block as a “Public Square” that remains in public ownership today.

In 1989 the park underwent a redesign to amplify the character of the Munn Park Historic District that surrounds it . The new look took the park back to the more simplistic “Town Square Era,” which is more in line with its historic beginnings.

Enjoy Shopping, Dining and More

The revitalization of the Munn Park Historic District has brought about a lot of changes to the area.  If you’re in the neighborhood and enjoy shopping, dining, and a wide choice of casual hang out spots, then you’ll be very happy with what Mun Park has to offer.

All told, there are some 50 shops and restaurants in the downtown Lakeland area. I suppose we here in the Lakeland area all have our favorite shops, cafes, and restaurants.  I’ll share a few of mine here, and I encourage you to visit them!

Mitchell’s Coffee House

Mitchell’s Coffe House, located at 235 North Kentucky Ave, was founded by the Harvey’s (Mitchell is their son) in 1998 to fill a much needed void in the community for an honest to goodness local coffee house. From the outset, Mitchell’s has featured local artists with live music on the weekends and original artwork in the store.

The menu at Mitchell’s is pretty amazing.  Everything is handmade, and it’s all gourmet quality.  You can find gourmet coffees, pastries, and killer breakfast sandwiches.

Each morning Mitchell’s is filled with an eclectic mix of local residents, business people, college students and out-of-towners all enjoying the cozy atmosphere and friendly service. The Polk Netizens group, a collective of local Polk County, Florida social media enthusiasts, can often be found at Mitchell’s on Saturday mornings.

Photo Credit – Hyku on Flickr

Brooke Pottery

Brooke Pottery is one of the most amazing local Lakeland area shops I know of.  Though Brooke Pottery is a local treasure, they carry a wide variety of contemporary American artists’ work in clay, glass, wood and metal.

I love to just wander in and see what’s new on their shelves.   It’s always a wonderful experience – as Brooke Pottery continues its reputation for celebrating imagination and fine craftsmanship.

These are just a few of the local places that make owning a piece of Lakeland real estate so very special.  I hope you take time to visit all of the shops and stores that Downtown Lakeland has to offer.

Photo Credit: Brooke Pottery Website

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy is Lakeland’s Treasure

I love Lakeland, Florida.  I’ve lived here for years – working as a Lakeland real estate professional – and it seems that there’s something new to enjoy all the time.  Though my family and I enjoy all that the city has to offer, I think we’d all agree that Lakeland’s Florida Southern College campus is one of our very favorite parts of living here.

Frank Lloyd Wright was known for generating new and innovative architectural spaces that fit seamlessly into a given area’s natural surroundings.  With Florida Southern’s campus, he did just that.

Unlike a lot of central Florida,  Polk County has a good amount of topography.  Lakeland benefits from this as well, and the 12 architectural structures Wright designed for Florida Southern College – the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world – fit organically into the college’s rolling landscape.

Some of My Favorite “Children of the Sun”

Though there are 12 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings on Florida Southern College’s campus, Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Water Dome, and the Esplanades that stretch along the campus grounds are my favorites.

Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

When you see pictures of Florida Southern College, Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is often the image you see.  The chapel’s construction lasted from 1939-1041, and it was built using student labor – as were several of Wright’s buildings on the campus.  Of all of Wright’s buildings at Florida Southern, Annie Pfeiffer shines as a true example of his work.  Fit snugly into the hill upon which it sits, the chapel really does appear to be born from the ground  – lifting into the sky – playing upon Wright’s “Child of the Sun” theme for his FSC campus architecture project.

The Water Dome

The Water Dome at Florida Southern Campus is located in front of Roux Library and is a showcase of beauty and serenity both day and night.  Actual construction on the Water Dome in 1948, but was only just competed in 2007 due to financial and technical limitations.

There was a lot of press around this phase of Wright’s FSC design “coming to life,” and you’ll see why when you view the Water Dome first hand.  The fountain is geometrically perfect 160 feet across. Around its perimeter are high-pressure water nozzles that propel water 45 feet into the air to create a “dome” of water.

The following video provides some history behind the Water Dome at Florida Southern College.

The Esplanades

Wright’s desire to set his buildings at Florida Southern College within the landscape rather than flattening the land to set them upon it is clear when you roam underneath the vast expanse of esplanades covering the campus.  The main idea for these covered walkways  – in Wright’s mind – was for the esplanades to wind through the grounds and bring you suddenly upon one of the architect’s buildings.

In all, Frank Lloyd Wright’s collection of buildings at Florida Southern College are a definite “must experience” when you next find yourself in Lakeland, Florida.  Yes, I’m a Lakeland real estate agent, but I love just showing my city to newcomers as well. If you find yourself in the area looking, please call me at 863-619-6918.  I’d love to share one of my city’s landmarks with you.

Additional Resources

• Restoring a Campus-Full of Frank Lloyd Wright – NPR.org
• Florida Southern College Preservation and Restoration Project – Official Site