Reading is fundamental...

Fiction section at Pressed Lakeland | Photo via LALtoday

...and these local programs are putting an emphasis on “fun.” Connect with others over a good book or let your little one fall in love with reading at these book clubs and storytimes.

Book Clubs

Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave.
Discuss best-sellers at The Reserve on the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m, or branch out with new genres and authors at Books Sandwiched In on the first Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m.
📖 Upcoming reads: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner and “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett

Pressed, 213 E. Bay St.
Sign up to read a new book each month, buy your copy from Pressed (with a 20% discount) to reserve your spot, and meet up on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. to discuss it.
📖 Upcoming reads: “Age of Vice” by Deepti Kapoor, “Georgie, All Along” by Kate Clayborn, and “The Saints of Swallow Hill” by Donna Everhart.

Crossroad Reviews Book Club, Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, 205 E. Main St.
Join in-person or virtually every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Pro tip: Join this group at tonight’s meeting and get more book recommendations online.
📖 Upcoming reads: “Spells Trouble” by PC and Kristin Cast and “Roommaid” by Sariah Wilson

Little readers can laugh, sing, and read along with colorful books.

Storytimes

Children can hear from guest readers, take part in activities, or create crafts at these interactive storytimes.

📚 Lakeland Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Lake Morton Dr. | Select Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

📚 Pressed, 213 E. Bay St. | Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

📚 Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd. | Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

📚 Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.

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EVENTS

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Tuesday, Jan. 24

Beginning Genealogy | Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn how to organize your research, use local resources, and connect with genealogy groups to research your family tree.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., 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.
Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Learn new moves, enjoy drink specials from 5-8 p.m., and sing your heart out at karaoke starting at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26

T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know and enjoy an extra long happy hour.
Circus Mutt w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Live music duo Circus Mutt are providing the soundtrack to your night with fresh food from Smokin’ Chanchos.

Friday, Jan. 27

“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Laugh along at this comedic play featuring five bridesmaids hiding out from a wedding reception.
Lakeland Magic vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$177 | The Magic go head-to-head against the Mad Ants at this Faith and Family Night game.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Coffee with the Artist: Chryssie Tavrides | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Attend this coffee reception to meet artist Chryssie Tavrides and discuss her exhibition “An Artist’s Journey: The Lifeworks of Chryssie Bilder Tavrides.”
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

FINANCE

7 secrets to know about hiring a financial advisor 👀

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SmartAsset is a hassle-free way to find vetted financial advisers in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Check out these seven secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring one, so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

76º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

Traffic

Notice anything different downtown? Stoplights at seven intersections have now been converted into four-way stops in order to improve traffic flow and keep pedestrians safe. Outside of downtown Lakeland, a repaving project covering 31 streets started yesterday — check the list of roads to be resurfaced here. 🛑 (WFTS)

Stat

2.7%. That was Polk County’s unemployment rate in December 2022, down from 3.4% the year prior. In that year, 5,517 people were added to the county’s labor force, bringing the total number to 339,911. Education and health services added the greatest number of new jobs. (The Ledger)
100%. That was Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School’s graduation rate last school year. All three of Polk State College’s collegiate high schools — including Lakeland Collegiate and Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate — exceeded Florida’s average graduation rate of 87.3%. Applications for the schools are open through March 1. 🎓

Health

If you’re a survivor of breast cancer, register for Watson Clinic’s Breast Cancer Survivorship Series. These four monthly workshops offer ways to connect with your community and other survivors through creative outlets, including gardening and dance. Registration is now open for the next series from March-June — space is limited.

Active

On your marks, get set, mark your calendars for Bonnet Springs Park’s first 5K race on Saturday, March 25. Presented in partnership with the Lakeland Runners Club, the sunrise race around the park’s 2.5-mile circulator path is open to runners and walkers. Register now for the lowest price. 👟

Closed

Dart World Gaming Arena permanently closed its doors on Friday, Jan. 20. Plans for the 201 E. Main St. location are TBA. Pro tip: If you’re looking for downtown family activities, check out Ax-Caliber (204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102) or The Back Nine (124 S. Tennessee Ave.).

Plan Ahead

Get ready to move and groove with dance collective Local Motive’s Retro Homecoming on Friday, March 17 at Union Hall. Wear your best 1990s or 2000s attire and enjoy throwback music, exhibition dance battles, and bites by local vendors. Pre-sale tickets are available now for $5. 🕺

Learn

Join Florida Southern College’s 13th Annual Spencer Symposium on Friday, Jan. 27 to learn about science from featured speakers. Yearning for more learning? On Saturday, Feb. 18, architect Aaron Betsky will speak and sign copies of his books, including “50 Lessons to Learn from Frank Lloyd Wright.” (The Ledger)
Meet Morning Brew, a free daily newsletter that covers the latest news across business, finance, and tech, written in a fun and witty tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Four million people are already subscribed — it’s 100% free and takes just five minutes to read.*

Community

Do you hear wedding bells ringing? If you’re looking for a scenic outdoor venue, consider tying the knot at Bonnet Springs Park, surrounded by century old trees and Florida foliage. Learn more + request info. 💍 *
BBQ + Baseball = a good time. The Detroit Tigers are being welcomed back to Polk County with an old-fashioned barbeque: The 76th Annual Tiger BBQ, a family-friendly event at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Bonus: Tickets include a souvenir mug. More info + tickets.*

Eat

Looking to expand your local restaurant rotation? Enter: The Terrace Grille’s scratch kitchen, known for serving Florida’s freshest flavors in an upscale, tropical-inspired atmosphere. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner (including happy hour), or weekend brunch. Make a reservation.*

Trending

The internet’s most popular cup is back in stock. The Stanley Quencher is beloved for its comfortable handle, large straw, ability to fit in your car’s cup holder, and how it keeps water cold for 11 hours. Plus, the popular 40 ounce size means all day hydration. 💧*

Shop

Make tonight pizza night. GreenWise Organic Pizza is two for $12 at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Jan. 25. *

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TRY THIS

A pirate’s life for me 🏴‍☠️

Break out your eye patches — Gasparilla is here. | Photo by City of Tampa

Arrrgh you heading to Tampa for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest? This long-standing tradition includes a pirate invasion on Saturday, Jan. 28. Here’s how we’d plan a weekend trip to see Tampa like a Lakelander during the festivities.

Coffee
Lakelanders know that coffee is the real treasure. Concord Coffee loyalists will find a home at Oxford Exchange’s Buddy Brew Coffee (420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa).

Dinner
After partying the day away, get a taste of Tampa’s fine dining scene. Fans of Nineteen61 will enjoy On Swann (1501 W. Swann Ave., Tampa) for its seasonal menu and craft cocktails.

Hotel
Need to rest your head after a day of pirate fun? X marks the spot at the Floridan Palace (905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa), a historic downtown hotel, similar to Lakeland’s Terrace Hotel.

Find more Gasparilla events from our friends at TBAYtoday, and click below for even more Tampa recommendations.

BRUNCH, ENTERTAINMENT, AND MORE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Even if you’re not a big reader, the Lakeland Public Library is full of free programs and services that you can use. If you are a book lover, I recommend the library’s free ebook apps, like Hoopla and Libby. I’ve already read four books so far this year thanks to their easy check-outs and librarian recommendations.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared upcoming opening dates for Lakeland eateries and businesses, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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