What to know

• Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before arriving, these maps of the airport will be your saving grace.
• Food and drink | Cask & Larder’s modern Southern comfort food changes the “airport food” game — whether you’re popping in for a breakfast Belgian waffle platter or enjoying a locally brewed craft beer before your red eye. (Don’t worry, we have even more food options below).
• Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
• Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check your flight status here in a pinch, or by downloading the MCO App.

Current airport updates

Parking

• New Yoga | Monday, Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
• Ciro’s Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour | Monday, Dec. 12 | 10:30 a.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Bring your sweet tooth to try muffins, cupcakes, and more desserts from Winter Haven’s local bakers.

• Alzheimer Association’s in-person Caregiver Support Group. | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 12-1 p.m. | Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
• Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

• Trivia General Knowledge w/ Nick and Billy’s Roadside Grill | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Put your general knowledge to the test at this free trivia night while enjoying bites from Billy’s Roadside Grill.
• Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 8-11:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local comedians and singers or perform onstage yourself at this open mic night.

• Lakeland Magic vs Birmingham Squadron | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | Cheer on the Magic as they take on the Birmingham Squadron in this School Day-themed game.
• Songs of Christmas Past - A Community Outreach Program | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Heritage Park, 8950 N. Campbell Rd., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the history behind your favorite Christmas carols and the time periods in which they were written.

• Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | View Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.

• Welcome Wednesday Admissions Open House | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Christian School, 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland | Free | Tour the school, meet their faculty, and get information about admissions for your student.*

• 76º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

• Liz Haygood, the founder of Kate’s Story Foundation, was featured on ABC Action News. Liz shared her daughter’s story of battling epilepsy, which led to Liz starting the organization that collects toys for hospitalized children. You can donate now through Friday, Dec. 16. (WFTS)

• Emmersyn Smith, a Lakeland nine-year-old, was runner up in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 2022 Lunchroom Wars. Emmersyn was one of three finalists chosen from over 300 applicants, and she left with a $3,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan College Scholarship from Humana. Congrats, Emmersyn. 🥘 (Central Florida Ag News)

• Make a reservation for The Back Nine’s dinner with The Clauses on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 5:30-6:45 p.m. or 7-8:15 p.m. A $35 three-course meal for adults and a $15 three-course kids menu will be available. Reservations include a $10 event fee.

• Ever wanted to document your family’s story? The Lakeland Public Library is hosting a “Get Organized to Write Your Family History” workshop tonight from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Lakeland Public Library’s History Room (100 Lake Morton Dr.). Registration is required — sign up online. ✍️

• The Polk Museum of Art is unveiling a new exhibit — “Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois: Painting the Real” — on Saturday, Dec. 17. Pro tip: Get a sneak peek of the exhibit at Polk @ Nite on Thursday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $15.

• My, how you’ve grown — yes, we’re talking to you, Lakeland. With a projected population growth of 55.5% by 2060, it’s important for the healthcare industry to grow right alongside you. How is Lakeland Regional Health growing with our community? Get the deets on their six recently-opened or coming-soon locations. 🏥 *

• Voting is now open for Catapult’s Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards, an annual celebration of the startups in our community and those who support them. Lakelanders can vote for their favorite local entrepreneur for the People’s Choice Award during the first voting round now through Thursday, Dec. 15.*
• Looking to launch your business? Catapult has everything you need to start. Check out these success stories from business owners who got their start at Catapult before opening their own brick and mortar.*

• Here’s something to giggle about: The Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Cheese Snacks are buy one get one free at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Dec. 14. (We hope that wasn’t too cheesy.)*

• Where do you plan on traveling in 2023? Prep for authentic exploration with Babbel, the No. 1 language app in the world. Choose from 14 languages and learn through bite-sized, 10-minute sessions that focus on everyday phrases + relevant topics. Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *