Book Clubs

Photo by @wendydl

Storytimes

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• “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.

• 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.

• 76º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

• 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)

• 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. 🎓

• 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.

• 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. 👟

• 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.).

• 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. 🕺

• 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.*

• 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.*

• 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.*

• 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. 💧*

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