I love discovering interesting public art pieces across the state but this is the first time I have…read morefound one dedicated to the unsung heroes of Florida, the linemen. You can find this art piece between Lake Mirror and the Lakeland Electric headquarters. Besides the subject matter another cool feature of this piece was that it was designed by three Lakeland High School students who won a competition sponsored by Platform Art, a Lakeland-based nonprofit group that links regional artists with public art projects. Six high schools and one middle school entered the contest. The idea for the sculpture was germinated after Hurricane Irma wrecked devastation through Polk County in 2017. Linemen from several power companies worked day and night in hazardous conditions to restore power to thousands of homes. First on the scene after a weather disaster, they often go unrecognized for their important service. The linemen are certainly deserving of this recognition and it is nice to see them get their due.

Every city has a Veterans Memorial to honor the men and women who fought for our freedom in the…read morearmed forces. This memorial is located in beautiful Lakefront Park along Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Florida. Some Veterans Memorials are elaborate but I would call this one simple but dignified. The memorial consists of an American flag and a Prisoner of War flag along with five plaques honoring the Army, Navy, Air Force. Marines, and Coast Guard. There are granite benches for quiet reflection. Next to the Veterans Memorial is Kissimmee's Founding Family Wall with plaques honoring all of the pioneer families who founded Osceola County and built Kissimmee. Another nearby military memorial in the park is the Bataan-Corregidor World War II Memorial dedicated to the Americans and Filipinos who fought alongside each other in the Philippines during the Second World War. All of the memorials are worth visiting to give a moment of reflection and remembrance to honor all those who gave so much so that we can enjoy all we have today.

A part of the lake front area, this marble and stone memorial to veterans pays tribute to the…read morebranches of the armed forces. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Benches for sitting and plaques with the seal of each of the services. Of course, a US and POW flag are raised here. Stop by and visit. [Review 10896 overall, 668 of 2019.]

I've been a loyal Publix shopper since 1990 when I moved to South Florida. When I moved to North…read moreCarolina, I was pleased that Publix opened in the Charlotte area and now the store around the corner from my home is my favorite shop. So now as I'm passing through Lakeland, I had to stop and see the Publix Birthday Cake Water Tower aka the HydroCake! Rising 146 feet 6 inches, the tower is shaped like a giant birthday cake, complete with ten candles. Each candle stands eight feet tall, weighs 250 pounds, and represents five years of Publix history, honoring the company's legacy since its founding in 1930. The concept came from Joe Blanton, who drew inspiration from the nearby Publix Bakery Plant. Construction began in 1982, with Hydrostorage, Inc. serving as the engineering firm. Beyond its playful design, the tower provides essential water service to Publix facilities and the surrounding community. At night, the candles illuminate the skyline, creating a festive glow. The tower sits near the Publix Bakery Warehouse. While there is no dedicated parking, I was able to carefully pull over to photograph the landmark. Over time, the Publix Birthday Cake Water Tower has become more than a utility. It is a beloved symbol of Publix's history and community spirit, a quirky attraction that continues to charm Lakeland and beyond. [Review 1560 of 2025 - 2147 in Florida - 25110 overall]

When you are driving down the street near the headquarters of Publix in Lakeland, look up for a…read moresweet treat. Up in the sky is a three tier birthday cake complete with candles. It has been nicknamed the HydroCake. Publix was founded in 1945 when George Jenkins purchased 19 All American chain of food stores and converted them into the first Publix Super Markets. In 1951, Publix moved its headquarters from Winter Haven to Lakeland where it built its first distribution warehouse. Today Publix has thanked Lakeland by investing philanthropically throughout the city. In the early 1980's, Publix created this iconic water tower in the shape of one of their famous birthday cakes. You can't call yourself an official Floridian if you have not celebrated at least one birthday in your life with a Publix birthday cake. This cake was created with 2.25 million pounds of steel. Each candle on the cake is 8 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds. There are 10 candles, each representing five years of Publix's history. The 11th candle in the middle represents the years to come. Lights on the candles turn on at night to serve as an aerial blinker. This 146 tall steel cake is more than just decorative, it serves an important function. When Publix had opened a dairy processing plant, frozen food warehouse, and expanded the bakery plant they needed a new water system to support the infrastructure. This water tower can deliver 25,000 gallons of water per minute. This whimsical water tower is a fun roadside attraction and symbolizes the connection Publix has to the City of Lakeland.

Nice little park, perfect for the kids, a family picnic or even doing some exercising or yoga. Has…read moreawesome past military equipment such as a humvee and a military chopper. Don't worry, kids, they are non functional and cannot be accessed. Still it's like one of St. Cloud's Landmark... pretty neat.

155/100 in 2016 challenge…read more Cute little park in downtown St. Cloud. Old time military equipment is on display but can not be touch. Nice bandstand area. There is a playground in the back for children to play on. A few benches and picnic tables. It also has bathroom facilities. I have picked up my older daughter here on several occasions as it is not to far from the local High School. Great local place.

Are you a fan of a Pub Sub or a BOGO or have you ever enjoyed a Publix cake for your birthday?…read morePublix is ingrained in the everyday fabric of a Floridian's life. How did this beloved and iconic Florida supermarket come to be? I stumbled upon its origin story while exploring Winter Haven. Across from South Central Park in Winter Haven is the very first Publix opened by company founder George Jenkins on September 6, 1930. After working as a food clerk in Tampa, George opened his own store which he named after the Publix Theaters movie chain. He opened a second store in 1935. This store operated until 1940 when he opened his store two blocks east of here. I love the 1920's architecture of downtown Winter Haven and building. Historic marker number PCHC-022 was added to the front of the building in 2017 by the Polk County Historical Commission and Publix Super Markets, Two of George Jenkins grandsons had the honor of unveiling this marker. The building is empty for now but a sign on the window indicates that it will become a Foxtail Coffee.

Longer trail than other local loops - with parking and a water stop. Appreciate that they keep it…read moreclean & that it's a wider trail so we're able to ride side by side for the most part.

This trail is partly hilly but mostly flat. They are doing a lot of construction on the main road…read morebeside the trail. There is a restroom on the path with a wheelchair accessible bathroom. If you ride the entire trail you will have to cross the road three times from start to finish. The trail is not usually that busy, I usually pass about 3-5 people on the trail. There are seats to stop if you need a break but no water available.

I discovered this historical marker in front of the Osceola County Courthouse. Dating back to 1888,…read moreit is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in Florida. The Romanesque Revival style courthouse opened in 1890 and it was listed on the the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The marker relates the history of Osceola County when it was created in 1887 from portions of Orange and Brevard Counties. Osceola became Florida's 40th county. It was Senator J. Milton Bryan who suggested the new county be named for Osceola, in honor of a Seminole warrior who adopted a name that translated to "black drink crier." Osceola led several small but successful raids against the U.S. army over 10 years. Osceola was captured on December 31, 1837, and died one month later at Fort Moultrie in South Carolina. Osceola is the sixth largest county in Florida and Kissimmee is the county seat. In the late 19th century it was a transportation hub for riverboats and the railroad. Osceola County is known for its long history of raising cattle. Cattle, agriculture, and tourism are now the main industries. Marker number F-340 was installed in front of the Osceola County Courthouse in 1983 by the Kissimmee Business and Professional Women's Club.

My first visit to Plant City was just about 20 years ago, I was working in the northeast and doing…read morebusiness with a company located here, my first impression wasn't the best being it was mid summer. It was 95 degrees and at least that same percentage of humidity and the vendor I was visiting had no air conditioning in his shop, needless to say it was a very short visit, but I did have the chance to kick around the town a little and got a little history of the area. Originally, Plant City was a large cotton center, but after changing its primary crop to strawberries it gained recognition as the winter strawberry capital of the world and now that I live in Florida I can say without a doubt they grow some of the most succulent strawberries that will ever touch your lips. Plant City's original name was Ichepucksassa (also known as Idasukshed) after the Indian village that once occupied the territory. Its name caused so much confusion besides being difficult to pronounce that the city was renamed Cork, ( LOL) after the postmaster's Irish hometown. It was finally given the name Plant City in commemoration of Henry B. Plant and his railroad, which significantly boosted the commerce in this primarily agricultural community by incorporating it with the South Florida Railroad. I thought it was because of all the plants they grew here, oh well so much for assumptions. I'd say most people recognize the city's name because Plant City was also the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds who played at Plant City Stadium from 1988 to 1997. In case you're wondering Pete Rose never played pre-season baseball here but he did manage here for two years before "agreeing to" and "accepting" a permanent ban from baseball for betting on games he participated in with no appeal, what was he thinking? It appears that "Charlie Hustle" got shang·haied by his legal counsel in to believing the truth will set you free. Well I respect the honesty of the man but can never agree that the punishment fit the crime. So it's okay to be convicted of drugs possession, domestic violent, rape, murder and child abuse and continue to participate, make millions of dollars and even be inducted into the Hall of Fame but don't bet on yourself to win because that's unforgivable. Pete Rose is alright by me as is Plant City....