• Polk Museum of Art | Beginners or experienced artists can learn oil painting, photography, and more with six-week courses. Pro tip: The deadline to apply for fall courses is Sun., Sept. 18.
• Painting with a Twist | A new class is offered every day so you can try painting in different styles.
• Swan City Improv | Learn the basics of improv comedy with eight-week courses for kids + adults.

Photo by @floridadancetheater

• Florida Dance Theatre | Attend an adult workshop to get your body moving, no experience required.
• Lakeland Ice Arena | Learn how to ice skate in Lakeland’s only real ice rink.

• Institute of Spanish Communication | Learn how to speak Spanish in private or group lessons.
• Lakeland Public Library | Discover your family’s past with free history + genealogy courses.

Photo via @thelaltoday

• Publix Aprons Cooking School | With a different class nearly every day, chefs of all skill levels can expand their culinary expertise.
• Obscure Wine Company | Become a wine tasting + serving expert with courses for beginners and more experienced sommeliers.

• Art Centric Studio | Kids can create art pieces + crafts with step-by-step classes.
• What’s Cooking Lakeland | Young chefs can learn to bake and cook under adult supervision — and they can take home their creations.

• Southeastern University Men’s Soccer vs Florida College | Mon., Sept. 12 | 7-9 p.m. | SEU Soccer Field | $3+ | Watch as the Southeastern University men’s soccer team takes on the Florida College Falcons.
• Cameras for a Cause | Mon., Sept. 12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Polk State WH Fine Arts Gallery, 999 Ave. H NE, Winter Haven | Free | Browse this exhibit showcasing photography from Bond Clinic’s physicians. 📸

• Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tues., Sept. 13 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub | Free | Grab a drink + enjoy live music from Lakeland’s local artists.
• Yoga for a Better Life | Tues., Sept. 13 | 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW | Free | Bring your own mat to this class for yogis of all skill levels. 🧘

• Pirates of the Caribbean Trivia w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wed., Sept. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Captain your team of trivia whizzes to see if you arrgh the biggest Pirates of the Caribbean fans. 🏴‍☠️
• Line Dancing Lessons & DJ Steev G | Wed., Sept. 14 | 5 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall | Free | Learn new line dances + enjoy drink deals before DJ Steev G brings the music starting at 8 p.m.

• ART Connects ALZ | Thurs., Sept. 15 | 2-3 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | Free | Individuals in the early stages of dementia + their care partners can create and appreciate art and its various forms. 🖼

• Women In Business Symposium | Fri., Sept. 16 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | $40 | Professional women can get inspired to recognize their potential at this symposium — tickets include breakfast + a discussion panel.
• “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” | Fri., Sept. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $20+ | This witty musical revue tackles modern love in all its forms. 🎭

• Hollis Garden Community Plant Swap 2022 | Sat., Sept. 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Hollis Garden | Free | Bring your plants, seeds, and gardening tools to swap with other gardeners. 🪴

What we tried (with pricing):

• 88º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain

• More details of Bonnet Springs Park’s grand opening weekend have been announced, including headlining musical performances from Sister Hazel + Spin Doctors. Bike Zoo’s large, rideable creatures will also join the opening festivities from Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23. 🌳

• 4,000. That’s how many Lakeland Electric customers are behind on their bills following recent rate increases. For those in need of help, Lakeland Electric offers payment plans like Pay As You Go and Payment Arrangements to give customers more options. ⚡️ (Fox 13 News)

• Over 1,000 of Polk County’s preserved historic deed books are being converted to digital copies by a Texas company. When the project is complete next spring, deeds from as far back as the 19th century will be available online + preserved from deterioration. 📖 (The Ledger)

• Join the mayors of Polk County for Polk Vision’s 12th Annual Mayors Roundtable. The event is tomorrow, Sept. 13 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Polk State College’s Center for Public Safety. The mayors plan to discuss local issues + future impacts. Register now for free to watch in-person or via livestream.

• New schools could be coming to the Lake Hatchineha area to relieve overcrowded Polk County schools. Some residents voiced concerns over the planned location of the schools, proposing alternative land parcels instead. The location will be voted upon at one of the Polk County School Board’s October meetings. (The Ledger)

• Polk County high schoolers can dress to impress with Project HOCO, hosted by InnerAct Alliance + UthMpact. By pledging to make safe choices, students can receive free homecoming formal wear. Visit the first Student Shopping Day on Sat., Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lakeland Square Mall. 👗

• Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at the Pink Swan Boutique (2500 Drane Field Rd., Ste. 210). The newly renovated store is now open Fri.-Sat. from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. You can also book a styling appointment or private shopping experience to give your wardrobe a personal touch.
• Fill your closet with even more swan fashion from Cob & Pen. New pocket tees featuring — you guessed it — a swan design are now available at the restaurant. Pick one up tonight at trivia, starting at 7:30 p.m. 🦢

• After reporting billions of dollars in losses in the first two quarters of the year, Amazon is slowing its expansion of distribution centers across the country. While Florida delivery stations in Cocoa Beach, Coral Springs, and Miramar have been canceled or delayed, there are no closures expected for Lakeland’s facilities. (The Ledger)

• Central Florida Health Care has opened its thirteenth Polk County location in Davenport. This nonprofit health organization offers medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care to those in need through clinics and mobile units. You can find the location nearest to you here. (The Ledger)

• Life’s what you bake it. Refine your baking skills at the Simple Baking class on Thurs., Sept. 22. On the menu: Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Summer Berry Cobbler, Apricot Galette + more. In one word, yum. Learn more and sign up. 🥧 *

• Looking for a quick, healthy breakfast idea? GreenWise Organic Instant Oatmeal is two for $5 at Publix GreenWise Market through Wed., Sept. 14.*

• Planning a trip to bourbon country this fall? Starting Wed., Oct. 19, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will start servicing direct flights to Lexington, KY (hey, LEXtoday) via Avelo Airlines. 🥃 *

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