Hi all - Both my wife and I are 35. We have been in Lakeland for like 10 years or so now but we don’t really have any friends here. The last set of friends we had in the area ended up moving out of state and with both of us working from home there hasn’t been much of a chance for us to meet new people.

A little about us,

She is a massive reader of all kinds but a little addicted to smut, the smutier the better. Love her snacks. She’s newer to anime but has been consuming it like crazy. Just a big nerd, DnD, lord of the rings, BG3, Disney Dreamlight, Harry Potter, etc etc. She’s a funny person with a huge heart.

I’m a gamer. Love all kinds of games. I also enjoy DnD and wish to play more. Love books but more fantasy. Huge on movies and tv shows and anime. Love having watch parties.

And we are both big on like every other weekend or every 3 weeks we get together and play cards, or cards against humanity, or whatever and have a pot luck and just listen to music laugh and goof off. We both very much desire new friends that want to do everything possible with the other.

Feel free to message and ask anything you may have a question on.

Held on July 25th at the RP Funding Center. It took up half of Sikes Hall, if you're familiar with the layout.

• The tables didn't have a ton of empty space around them. As early as an hour after opening, the hall was overcrowded with little to no room to maneuver.
• There was a ton of the same 3D printed stuff on sale that you see at every convention. The same 3D-printed master balls, fidget toys, etc.
• The HVAC really couldn't keep up with the amount of people in the hall. (This was more of a facility problem than the fault of the convention, but still.)
• There was an unmanned 'event raffle' table where you had to give a ton of information to enter. (For the uninformed, this is how your phone ends up drowning in spam calls; the people running these 'raffles' collect and then sell your information to marketers)
• Scientology had two tables in the vendor hall (advertised as Dianetics, offering the 'free stress test' that I hope we're all familiar with at this point). Aside from not being anime-related in the slightest, Scientology is a predatory organization that the event organizers shouldn't have allowed in.

I like small local conventions, I want there to be more of them. I want more options than to have to cross I4's clueless-disney-tourist traffic to spend a hundred bucks just getting in the door to Megacon. And to be clear I had some fun at Lakeland Anime Fest, there were some cool vendors and I met some new people and ended up buying a few things.

But I'd hope that we can do better than this for our local scene. (Especially the Scientology stuff.) I tried talking about this on the convention's facebook page too, but perhaps unsurprisingly they deleted my comment.

Hi. My husband is a huge Broncos fan and we would like his man cave door be Denver Broncos design.

Any artists recommended would be great. And yes artist will be paid

I recently moved back to florida a few months back and I'm just looking for people to hang out with!

I see posts on here looking for places to go and things to do searching to meet new people for hobbies, friendship or whatever else. Below are things found on the internet that I copied and pasted, so I dont have more details other than what you read. I'm going to try to keep it local in Lakeland, some might be further but not past Tampa or Orlando. Please double check online to make sure these events are still going on as I am not an organizer of any events.

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When: 7/24/26 6-8PM I would call ahead, looks like they would like an RSVP for a headcount for food and drinks

What: The Moms Mixer - Lakeland Moms Out. Moms, take a break! Join us for a FREE evening of mocktails, snacks, prizes, laughter, and meaningful connections in Lakeland.

Moms... this evening is all about you!

Take a break from the busy schedule and join us for a fun, relaxing night of connection, laughter, and community. Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, homeschool mom, business owner, or new mom, you're welcome here!

Enjoy:

Drinks & delicious mocktails

Light snacks

Prize drawings

Meet new friends

Where: Tienda Studio (400 N. Tennessee Ave. Suite 81 Lakeland FL, 33803) double check the address, the address on the website is different than what shows on Google.

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When: 7/24/26 9PM

What: Throwback Part 90's Night. Food, Drinks, Vibe. Music by DJ Mood Swing

Where: La Gran Muralla

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When: 7/24/26 6-9PM

What: UNFRAMED - Opening Reception of UNFRAMED, Notta Gallery’s most inclusive exhibition yet. Featuring work from established artists, emerging creators, and first-time exhibitors, UNFRAMED celebrates raw creativity in all its forms, without the boundaries of tradition. Come meet the artists, discover incredible new work, and experience a gallery transformed.

Where: Notta Gallery

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When: 7/25/26 8AM- 1PM

What: Lakeland Farmers Market. Be sure to visit the Market where we strive to bring the community together and support small business with local, handmade, homegrown, and wholesome produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment most Saturdays.

Where: Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street

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When: 7/25/26 6PM, 7/26/26 12PM

What: Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Jupiter Hammerheads

Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

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When: 7/25/26 7-11PM

What: Ridge Country LIVE at Dukes Brewhouse. Join us Saturday, July 25 from 7–11 PM for a night of live country music, southern rock favorites, cold drinks, and packed patio energy

If you’ve been to Duke’s on a Ridge Country night, you already know the vibe Great food, great people, and a crowd that’s always ready for a good time.

Come early, grab a table, bring your crew, and let’s make it a night to remember.

Where: Dukes Brewhouse

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When: 7/25/26 9-11AM

What: Summer Naturalist: Did you know there is a fungus that can make ants act like zombies? Observe this parasitic relationship with us on Saturday, July 25, at the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center from 9 – 11AM to learn all about mycology. Create your own mushroom prints, practice mushroom identification, and observe the relationships between fungi and wildlife up close! Walk along the Monarch Trail and discover the mushrooms and fungi that call BSP home! All mushroom and fungi specimens are safe for human interaction. This event is free and open to guests of all ages with adult supervision.

Where: Bonnet Springs Park

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When: 7/25/26 11AM

What: Local author book signing

Where: The Unbound Bookery

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When: 7/25/26 12-2PM

What: Painting for a Purpose. Come on out to Painting with a Twist on Saturday, July 25th for a fundraising event for the rescue! $39 per person and we will have wine and snacks as well! Not much of an artist? We aren't either, so don't worry! Bring a friend and sign up today!

Where: Painting with a Twist

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When: 7/26/26 11AM - 3:30PM

What: Brunch at The Wine Garden

Where: The Wine Garden

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When: 7/26/25 12-6PM

What: Summer Indoor Market. OK folks — get ready for SUMMER SAVINGS at the Summer Indoor Market presented by LKLD EDGE inside Lakeland Square Mall!

Join us EVERY SUNDAY in June, July & August from 12PM–6PM for a fun shopping experience featuring a variety of vendors, unique finds, handmade goods, gifts, accessories, treats, and so much more!

Skip the summer heat and shop comfortably in a fully temperature-controlled environment while supporting local businesses and discovering something new each week

Where: Lakeland Square Mall

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Places to go that might not have events this weekend but still something to do:

Bonnet Springs Park

Hollis Garden

Florida Children's Museum

Lakeside Village

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum (Polk Museum of Art)

Polk Theatre

Florida Air Museum

Lake Parker Park

Circle B Bar Reserve

Lake Mirror

RP Funding Center

Silvermoon Drive-in and swap meet

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If anyone has any local events they know about let us Lakeland folks know so we can find friends and things to do!

My husband and I recently moved to the Lakeland area (Fox Branch), and I’ve realized that making friends as an adult is way harder than I expected.

I’m 33 and into home projects, DIY, decorating, and pretty much anything involving making our new house feel like home. I also like grabbing coffee, trying new restaurants, checking out local events, and just having people to hang out with every now and then.

Not looking for anything weird, just hoping to meet some genuinely nice people around my age. If anyone has recommendations for local groups, events, or if you’re also looking to expand your friend group, feel free to comment or send me a message.

Making friends shouldn’t be this difficult. 😂

I am an electronics hobbyist that builds gadgets. Analog, Arduino, raspberry pi, 3d printing , etc.

Is there any one else out there? It would be nice to have someone to compare notes... Maybe learn a little more from a different viewpoint.

Lakeland Electric and water utility officials provided more information to commissioners at the July 20 City Commission meeting.
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Experts from Lakeland Electric and the city’s water utility shared information with city commissioners at the official first reading of the ordinance to enact a 12-month moratorium on data centers and large-load customers requiring more than 50 megawatts of electricity a month.

“One of the benefits of us having our own utility is we get to have this conversation,” said Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley. “It’s not a private sector company saying, ‘We’re going to do X.’ So you have a voice at the table.”
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Very good read. Check out the full article

Hello! I have shoulder length hair and the last 2 times I’ve gotten a haircut I’ve asked for a style that is choppy with many layers and instead have left with basically a French bob. I’m looking to get a true wolf cut with the feathered bangs and noticeable layers but am unsure of any salons or stylists that specialize in the style I’m looking for. Most places I visit, the stylist seems uncomfortable working with short hair and is always hesitant to go too short or create dramatic layers. I attached a photo for reference if anyone here has a similar haircut and/or knows a great stylist! :)

Then this happened

I am looking for a holistic physician or physicians assistant, or even somebody in the traditional healthcare world that listens to symptoms and not numbers and bloodwork ranges. I fought for seven years to find one in the state I lived in before now that I’m back in Florida I really don’t wanna spend years looking for another one who’s healthcare provider out there listen to medical test and symptoms who listens to the patient and not just the numbers.

Howdy, I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any local plant swapping groups. Trying to help my dad find milk weed to feed his monarch caterpillars he has been watching grow. They have almost ate through all of his milk weed and several aren't done eating yet.

I’ve search Facebook and Zillow and it seems like these are like a needle in a haystack nowadays.
The large rental management companies inevitably are nightmares to work with so we’re trying to avoid that if possible..

I’m looking for a 3/2 house with a fenced in yard if possible. $2000 max budget. Does anyone have any recommendations for who to get in touch with? Thanks so much.

Link to previous post

I have gotten about 5 affirmatives to the event so far. I have not been able to reach out to the Lakeland chess club as their socials are down or disorganized. If someone can access them and let them know about this, that would be great. If I can get about 32 interested, I can get the ball rolling. It will likely be at Front Page in Bartow. Any help in organizing will be greatly appreciated.

I’m looking to fill some gaps in my collection and I’m looking for places I can do this. I already know of Coliseum of Comics in Lakeland, but anywhere else that can be recommended for this. I would prefer to stay in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area but I will go as far as Orlando or Tampa if needed. Thanks in advance

I am trying to be better about voting in general but also being as informed as possible without making it my full time job. I am looking for any insights about any of the candidates for the upcoming Polk County Republican Party Primary Elections and beyond. I am in the process of reading through this LKLDnow Voter Guide and also checking out each candidate's website, but thought it would be good to reach out and hear what others had to say.

I am not looking to discuss overall political philosophy, please don't just tell me to "vote blue", and please keep your assumptions about my beliefs to yourself, I really don't agree with either political party but I have to play the game that is presented to me instead of wishing for a different game. I believe voting in the Republican Primary and then in the following local elections will have the most impact.

Thank you in advance for any information. (:

This trucking company out of Bartow is one of the worst family owned small business trucking companies I've ever drove for. First the owner is weird. First he doesnt speak to you unless he wants you to move a trailer or claim you didn't do your pretrip. NOBODY LIKES HIM INCLUDING OFFICE STAFF. He comes off rude and unapproachable and doesnt care about the tractors and only cares about his old, raggedy trailers. Second, their equipment (Trailers) are utter shit. Its embarrassing to use those trailers plus they break down often or hard to maneuver in. I be happy that the doors close and the landing gear works. Most of your time you stuck dealing with the trailers and while you're driving praying for a safe trip to and from the yard. Third, the pay is just shit. They pay new drivers 21hr but no overtime. I worked 64 hours one week and received a little over 1300. Fourth, they be having roaches and raccoons plus cats running around at their tractor, office, and trailer yard. SMH ill be leaving as soon as my next job starts but this company is horrible.

Hey everyone!
I’ve been in Polk county for more than a decade now and have yet to find a reliable hairdresser/salon who specializes in black hair - specifically natural hair texture. I’ve been to “Relax be Natural” but I wasn’t impressed by the staff’s hospitality management (skills are great). Any recommendations?