FOOD & DRINK

Nothing beats a long-standing local eatery, especially when it's been family owned and operated for generations. Whether you live in the area or you’re just passing through, you have to check out this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in central Florida that serves some of the absolute best BBQ. Keep reading to learn more.

A Polk County Fire Battalion Chief honored by his wife for First Responder Friday this week. Matthew is being honored by his wife, Tricia. He works for Polk County Fire Rescue. Matthew has been there for about 15 years and is very passionate about his career. Congrats to Matthew as...

We were passing through Winter Haven, FL and had to stop off at the famous Lucille's for a few of their well known menu items. What did we think of their famous baked potato soup and chili? Will we return for another lunch someday?

If you're looking for something fun to do with your kids this weekend, then check out the Kids Art Workshop happening on May 28th, 2023, at Lakeland Lakeland in FL 33801. This is an event that kids will love, and parents will appreciate. But we need your help to make it happen! We're looking for vendors to participate in this event and make it a success.

Attention all comedy lovers in Central Florida! Don't miss out on the Stand-Up Underground show happening this weekend! This event will feature some of the funniest and most talented up-and-coming comics from the area.

Favorite Florida Pit Stops goes Italian in Central Florida. Favorite Florida Pit Stops is a dining series that features places to pull over for a break and a bite while traveling along the state’s main corridors. They don’t take a lot of effort to find and are worth more than just a stop for stretching your legs and back. Especially if your refueling needs are beyond petrol. These provide fuel for the body, mind and spirit.

A black bear appears to have made its home in Polk County.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Walking up the historical stairs at the Polk County Historical Museum is the curator of exhibitions, Bartholomew Delcamp. While that might be his official title with the museum, he has an unofficial job he’s even more passionate about and it involves showing people around and sharing the history of something he loves — architecture.

Publix is saying goodbye to its GreenWise Market stores. Lindsey Willis, a spokeswoman for the Lakeland-based supermarket chain, said Tuesday that the eight remaining Publix GreenWise Market locations will be converted to traditional Publix supermarkets. Willis said that "customers' shopping habits have reinforced that they enjoy the attributes" of the...

Largemouth Bass – The bass bite is good around the Polk County area. With all the recent runs, look for the bite pick up around areas with running water. Strike Zone, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Around Polk County. 1 Around...

LAKELAND, Fla. – In seven years and in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation, Publix Super Markets has funded the planting of one million trees. To commemorate the millionth tree planted and in honor of National Plant Something Day, a 24-foot bald cypress tree was planted last week at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. The park was originally one of Florida’s largest rail yard operations, but after closing in the 1980s, the property was unused for more than 40 years before reopening as a park in 2022.

Florida residents who enjoy camping in the great outdoors will breathe a sigh of relief because it’ll be a little easier to snag a reservation for state park cabins and campsites, thanks to House Bill 109 that was signed into law last week by Governor Ron DeSantis. The act, which takes effect January 1, 2024, allows Florida residents to book a state park cabin or campsite up to 11 months in advance. For nonresidents, reservations can only be made up to 10 months in advance, giving those who call the Sunshine State home the chance to book a cabin or campsite, including sites for RV, tent, boat and equestrian camping, a month earlier than nonresidents. Florida residents booking a state park cabin or campsite more than 10 months in advance must provide his or her valid Florida driver license number or the identification number from a Florida identification card as proof of Florida residency when making a reservation.

Harry's Old Place has been a Winter Haven tradition for almost 25 years. During the winter season you can expect to wait 45 minutes or so to get a table. The wait is worth it because of the quality and taste of the food and the good drinks you can sip while you wait.

As soon as you park, you see a palette of petunias and a giant milkweed tree swarming with monarch butterflies along a fence that skirts the perimeter of Peterson Nursery and Garden Center. Here is a garden that’s moved many times throughout the decades, but has kept the same promise.

The Plant City High graduate and Stetson University student toured the country with the Stetson Chamber Orchestra. Plant City High School Class of 2020 graduate and Steston University student Zach Frankowiak just returned from a trip to Italy, where he played the flute with the Stetson Chamber Orchestra at historic venues throughout the country.

The new attraction will feature impressive tricks on BMX bikes, rollerblades and even a pogo stick.

Late in May, many of us get a three- or -four-day weekend thanks to the yearly tradition of honoring our late veterans for Memorial Day. Why not make this year’s a memorable one and get away with a nice, fun-filled day trip to a nearby attraction or adventure?. Here...

We love coffee in the Tampa area, and we love it so much that we’ll drive beyond our city’s boundaries to experience something new. Lakeland has just landed a truly sensational looking drive-thru and walkup cafe called happyfastdelicious. It has a brilliant bright purple paint job, and is designed primarily for mobile pick up.

Hey foodies! Are you ready for a culinary adventure this weekend? Join us for the Wine Dinner: Celebrate American-Made Cheeses event at Publix Aprons Cooking School at Lake Miriam Square in Lakeland, FL. The event is happening on May 27, 2023, at 6:30 PM.

Strawberries are now a year-round delight, but there's nothing better than getting them when they're in season. My mom swears by the ones grown in Plant City, Florida, which start showing up in stores in late February. Those are plenty good, but I covet the ones at the local u-pick farm down the road. I get up early, don my dorky giant straw hat to mitigate the sunlight, and get out there crouching in the straw with the rest of the strawberry fanatics.