The key industries

Photo via @wacokitchenfl

The major players

Photo by @publix

• Free Whiskey Duo w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Get a dose of live music while enjoying craft brews and fresh-cooked food.
• Winter Haven Beer Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven, 220 Ave. A NW | $45-$95 | Enjoy beer, spirits and spooky stories on this haunted ghost walking tour through downtown Winter Haven.

• “There Is A Light” Christmas Show | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free | See this Christmas production featuring timeless classics and unique musical surprises.
• Florida Tropics SC vs. Baltimore Blast | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer on Florida Tropics SC as they go head to head against the Baltimore Blast soccer team.

• Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Shop produce, plants, and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly downtown farmer’s market.

• New Yoga | Monday, Dec. 26 | 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.
• Kwanzaa at the Museum | Monday, Dec. 26 | 1:45-5 p.m. | African American Heritage Museum, 585 E. Summerlin St., Bartow | Free | Celebrate Kwanzaa while learning about African American history.

• Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, Dec. 27 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.

• 72º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain

• Construction on Lakeland Regional Health’s freestanding emergency department will begin next year. The department — which is different from a trauma center — will treat and triage emergent patients on Lakeland’s south side (at South Florida Avenue and CR 540-A). Patients needing further care will be transferred to the main medical center. 🏥 (WFLA)

• 3.2%. That’s Polk County’s unemployment rate as of November 2022, down from 3.9% last year. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Polk’s labor force is up 8,516 jobs — or 2.6% — from last year. Florida’s state unemployment rate is 2.6%. (The Ledger)

• Talbot House Ministries recently announced a new executive director: Maria Cruz. With 23 years of experience working in nonprofits, Maria plans to hit the ground running in January. Some of Maria’s priorities include strengthening community outreach programs to help people on the brink of homelessness avoid it. (LkldNow + The Ledger)

• No. 51. That’s what Polk County ranked on The Florida Policy Institute’s list of Florida’s 67 counties ranked for childhood well-being. Counties are ranked individually across 16 metrics, including economic well-being, education, health, and more. Polk ranked No. 42, 57, and 54 in these categories, respectively. (The Ledger)

• The Polk Museum of Art has opened registration for spring art classes for teens and adults. Whether you’re looking to up your art appreciation game or get hands on with classes in clay, Photoshop, oil painting, and more, there’s something for you.

• Purrology Cat Cafe is hosting a familiar face — Santa Claws. Stop by on Friday, Dec. 23 to mingle with cats and Santa. The event will also feature milk and cookies, photos with Santa, and coloring for kids. Two 45-minute time slots are available beginning at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Register online. 🐱
• A unique flight path set out from Lakeland Linder International Airport. Retiring naval officer and commercial flight instructor Nathan Mitich used his plane to draw a Christmas tree — complete with ornaments, gifts, and a star — over Florida. Learn more about how Nathan got and executed his idea here. (WFLA)

• Looking to ace 2023? The Back Nine is starting a new virtual golf league in January. Teams of two can play at either location on their choice of Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Interested players can email the Back Nine team for more information about signing up. ⛳️

• Southeastern University men’s soccer player Skylar Funk was a first round draft pick for The Florida Tropics in the Major Arena Soccer League’s first ever college player draft. Skylar, a forward, has played four seasons at SEU. ⚽️

• Ayan Wellness is offering a free Hydro Facial or Brainstorm IV Kit when you book a Ketamine Therapy session at the Ketamine Clinic. Snag the deal.*

• Need a gift that only takes a few mouse clicks? Gift three, six, or 12 months of an Audible Premium Plus membership. They’ll get one credit a month good for any title, plus instant access to thousands of books and podcasts in The Plus Catalog. Hello, future book club. 📚*

• Fusion shoves atomic nuclei together. It’s how stars get their power. Fission splits atoms apart.
• 20% of electricity generated nationwide already comes from fission, according to the Department of Energy. That 20% is produced by just 92 nuclear reactors. Did you know? The nearest one is the Nearest reactor, located in Jensen Beach (~two and a half hours away).
• Ignition just means they got more energy out of the reaction than they put in — fusing atoms is hard work.