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Lakeland
Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Celebrating 100 years in Lakeland

Top Stories

Muslim Student Association works to foster community 

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at FSC was born out of a need for community and representation. Co-leaders Nida Anwar (president) and Ghita Diani (vice-president) have worked to establish a welcoming environment for Muslim students while educating the broader campus community about Islam.  When both Anwar and Diani first arrived at FSC, they found it challenging to connect with other Muslim students. Recognizing the gap, the MSA’s mission became clear: to create a safe, inclusive space for Muslims to practice their faith and build community.

Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland

Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil. From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.

Recent alumnae returns as a ballet instructor

This academic year, Florida Southern College welcomes a familiar face to its faculty, Olivia McCartney, a 2022 graduate of the college’s Dance Performance and Choreography program. McCartney aspire to bring a blend of empathy, experience, and enthusiasm to her students, grounded in her recent experiences both as a student and a professional dancer.

Opinion

The Hallmark debate: Comforting classics or corny cliches? 

Few genres spark as much debate as “Hallmark” movies. Some viewers eagerly await the time for movies with small-town charm and holiday cheer, while others can’t stomach another minute of predictable romances. To explore the great “Hallmark” divide, two perspectives are put in place: the individual who adores these films and the other who dreads them.

Rogue Coffee expands from Dubai to Lakeland

Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil. From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.

News

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands 

Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.  “This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”

FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life

As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life. 

Curiosity inspires junior to audition for leading role

Despite the hurdles of performing in a play that tackles such controversial topics, Campbell’s representation of Wendla showcased her talents and abilities to display the complexities of a deeply emotional character. As she continues her journey in theater, Campbell’s passion and dedication to her roles influences her to leave a lasting impact on her audience. 

Arts & Entertainment

Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?

I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites. 

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum in Lakeland artfully expands 

Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.  “This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”

FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life

As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life. 

Sports

Philadelphia stops a Kansas City three-peat in dominant revenge game

The Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious with a final score of 40-22, securing their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history by taking down the two-time reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Opinion: Say Drake, what’s your favorite halftime show?

I am not the biggest football fan. Never have been. But, I love the Super Bowl. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends, have an excuse to eat too many chips and salsa, and, of course, see if you’ll witness yet another legendary halftime performance. Living through many, I have clear performance favorites.