🚗 Parking

• Gate 1 | Extreme dogs dog show
• Gate 2 | Cracker Country 19th century rural Florida exhibition
• Gate 3 | Electric slide and Ferris Wheel
• Gate 4 | Demolition Derby and Cycle Circus Live
  

Photos by @flstatefair

🥨 Fair food

• Hot Cheeto Burger | 📍 Top Notch Concessions | Just like your favorite burger, with a hot and crunchy twist.
• Salted caramel turtle funnel cake | 📍 Paulette’s Food Service | Salted caramel, fudge, and pecans atop this classic fair food
• Mac Daddy | 📍 Low N Slow Catering | Pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and two waffles for buns

Photo by @flstatefair

🎡 Can’t-miss rides

• City Editor Rilee likes to see the sights from the giant swings.
• City Editor Connor is a fan of the classics — you can find her on the Midway Sky Eye.
• Extreme thrill seekers should head to the RC-48 Coaster.
• Children and low-to-medium-level thrill seekers can try the Speedway.

🎤 Live entertainment

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Feb. 6 | 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.
• After School Art | Monday, Feb. 6 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $5 | Parents and children can work together on an art activity — space is limited.

• B-I-N-G-O | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Join in on free games of BINGO to win prizes and enjoy an extra-long happy hour.

• Trivia Night | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas while showing off your general trivia knowledge.

• Gallery Concert Series: Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $49 | The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces inspired by the museum’s “Painting the Real” exhibit inside the gallery.

• Festive Flix | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie under the stars on the shore of Lake Mirror — this month’s flick is “Sing 2.”

• 77º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️

• $20.7 million. That’s the sticker price of a new affordable housing complex going up at 419 and 225 Griffin Rd. The four-story building will live on former City Manager Gene Strickland’s property. Tenants will include individuals earning between $16,555-$40,500 annually. (The Ledger + LkldNow)
• $21.54. That’s how much Lakelanders can expect their Lakeland Electric bill to decrease by this spring, following a fuel charge decrease and proposed base rate increase proposed by Lakeland Electric. If approved, the change will go into effect on Wednesday, March 1.

• No. 35. That’s what Florida Southern College’s online MBA program was ranked on The Princeton Review’s list of Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2023. Individuals interested in the program can attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, Feb. 15 — register online. 🎓

• The City of Lakeland is holding its Annual Black History Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jackson Park. Attend to view dance tributes, hear spoken-word poetry, and let the littles enjoy bounce houses.
• Increased surveillance in the Midtown area of Lakeland is being discussed following last Monday’s shooting. While an exact course of action is to be determined, leaders are considering street cameras, helping residents purchase and install doorbell cameras, and increasing human surveillance in the area. (The Ledger)

• Lakeland nonprofits Top Buttons, The Dream Center of Lakeland, and Take a Kid Fishing were among five Polk organizations to receive $10,000 from The Florida Fund. Recipients were selected by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. ECHO Ministries of Tampa and Bikes for Christ of Auburndale also received grants. 💰 (The Ledger)

• Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is looking for more locals to join the cause. You don’t need to be a medical professional — volunteer opportunities range from check-in greeters to patient schedulers in addition to clinical roles like registered nurses and pharmacists.

• Who says cookie decorating is only for December? Twisted Sugar has Valentine’s cookie kits up for grabs. Stop by to pick yours up now through Tuesday, Feb. 28 — each kit includes six sugar cookies, plus all of the frosting and sprinkles you could need. 💕

• A new trattoria — that’s an Italian restaurant serving “simple food” according to a quick Google search — just opened in downtown Winter Haven. Agápē Agorá serves fresh dishes plus offerings from local favorites like Born & Bread, Bandidas, and Honeycomb Bread Bakers Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

• From chocolates to candles and cards, we’ve got you covered with all things loveable in our online shop, Six & Main. Explore our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to start shopping for sweet presents such as this bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. 🍫

• Did you know? The average high temperature in February is 76°. It won’t be long before things really heat up. Make sure your AC system is in good working order now and be comfortable all year long. Pro tip: Protect your investment and keep your AC system running smoothly with a maintenance plan from Payne Air.*

• Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool. 🏝️ *