Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

A bark and a bite

A bark and a bite: Check out these dog-friendly patios in Lakeland

A brown puppy gazes over the shoulder of a red-haired woman in a white shirt.

City Editor Rilee tried out Black & Brew Southside’s patio with her pup, Ruby. | Photo by LALtoday

Sometimes you just can’t stand the thought of leaving your fur-baby at home. To help you figure out some of the best pro-puppy places around town, we connected with BringFido — the ultimate pet-friendly resource — and compiled a few recommendations from folks who have been there.

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, Multiple locations

“I went to the S Florida Ave Black & Brew. The place was very clean and lively and the staff was very friendly. They even offered my dog a pup cup without me having to ask for it. I was allowed to bring my dog inside the cafe to order. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. The food was tasty too. Will be coming back for sure!” — Jaitza

Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave.

“We love Cob & Pen and had to take Ragnar here for his first real outing. The lawn and patio area is great for pets! You simply place your order inside at the bar and waitstaff will deliver your food and drinks to your table outside.” — Aubreigh

Lindsey and her puppy, Winston on the Fresco's patio — Lindsey H and her patio-lovin’ pup, Winston
|
Photo via @lindsey.harrison

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.

“We stopped here after going to the farmers market with our dog, they brought us complimentary water as well as a complimentary water bowl for Cooper. The food was good and I was even able to order a small plate of bacon and eggs for Cooper, would 100% visit with Coop again!” — Amanda

Grillsmith, 1569 Town Center Dr.

“I had lunch on the patio. The food was good, the service was great and the servers were very friendly. Our servers brought a bowl of water for my puppy and several servers stopped to admire him. I’ll definitely go back!” — Christi

Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.

"Beautiful patio with string lights, great spot to enjoy some delicious pizza. They even brought waffles some water without being asked- so thoughtful!” — Shelby

6 more pup-friendly patios

Asked

What is the most popular dog breed in the US?

A. Standard poodle
B. Labrador retriever
C. French bulldog
D. Beagle
E. German shepherd

See the answer in the Wrap.

Boast your breed knowledge

Events

Wednesday, March 22

Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Presbyterian Homes, McArthur Building, 810 Lakeside Ave., Lakeland | Free | Meet other caregivers and learn more about caring for loved ones at this monthly meeting.
Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Learn some new line dancing moves before hopping onstage for karaoke by DJ Kep at 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 23

Just Between Friends Sale | Thursday, March 23-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $0-$2 | Save on children’s clothing, gear, and toys by shopping this resale market.
Launch Pitch Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Come experience Catapult’s version of Shark Tank as finalists pitch their business and answer judges’ questions in an effort to win a $10,000 Launch Micro Grant.*

Friday, March 24

Brett Foster w/ Quit Smackin’ BBQ | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Quit smackin’ and get to Swan Brewing to start your weekend with live music.
Breastfeeding Support Group | Friday, Mar. 24 | 9-10 a.m. | CJB United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Learn breastfeeding tips from a lactation facilitator and connect with other expectant, breastfeeding, and pumping moms.

Saturday, March 25

Spring Night Market | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 4-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Celebrate spring with 100+ vendors, live music and dancing, and photo opportunities from Lemon Street to Oak Street.
Latin Night in Lakeland | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Leo’s Live Music, 5263 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn how to salsa at 9 p.m. before dancing the night away to bachata, salsa, merengue, and more Latin music.

Sunday, March 26

Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market: Volume 6 | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Rock out with live punk bands while you shop unique items, handmade goods, art, and food from dozens of vendors.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.

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.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ more events

Finance

Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?

SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, and rightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀

The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE = FINANCIAL POWER

News Notes

Weather

86º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Civic

What do you think about parking in downtown Lakeland? The city is looking for your feedback to guide parking additions, including bicycle parking. Take the survey to share your thoughts through the end of March.

Family

Kids can enjoy even more at this year’s SUN ‘n FUN Expo. Children up to age 10 now get in free to enjoy new youth activities. Check out Junior ACEs — a program offering STEM activities — and an expanded Career Fair open to students. (The Ledger)

Development

A $299,000 expansion project has begun on the stormwater treatment facility at North Vermont Avenue and Plum Street. The expansion will add a new treatment and storage pond. Expect heavier traffic in the area through April.

Arts

Even clothes can be a work of art. Tickets are still available for $100 for tonight’s spring-inspired fashion show at the Polk Museum of Art. The event starts with a VIP pre-show party at 6 p.m. before the runway opens at 6:30 p.m.

DYK

Did you know hurricane season is just over two months away? Visit the Winter Haven Home Depot (2000 8th St. NW) this week to get free advice from FEMA experts on home improvement strategies to mitigate storm damage. They’ll be on site through Sunday, March 26. (WTSP)

Cause

Hope House is a new nonprofit facility for expecting first-time moms eyeing a September opening date. You can help renovate the house (which you may recognize from the movie “My Girl”) at its next Serve Day on Saturday, April 1.

Biz

Do you know a leader who is interested in learning more about local business? Nominate them for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s next Leadership Lakeland Class. Nominations are due by tomorrow, March 24 at 5 p.m.

Eat

All good things must come to an end. The last day to get strawberry shortcake at Plant City’s Parkesdale Market is Saturday, April 8. Stop by for one last cake daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and don’t forget you can still find fresh produce and treats there year-round.

Holiday

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14. Treat mom to new family snapshots at Lakeside Village. Visit on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. for complimentary Mother’s Day photos by The LaGrones, no appointment required.

Seasonal

Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, this wipeable tablecloth is just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.

History

✈️ Lakeland’s first aviatrix

Meet Ruth Elder: Lakeland’s first aviatrix

Opening the new terminal at Miami for Pan American World Airways featuring Ruth Elder (in white) and Amelia Earheart | Photo by Florida Photographic Collection

Have you heard about two Lakeland residents who nearly made aviation history?

Lakelanders Ruth Elder — a charter member of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots — and George William Haldeman Sr. — an Army Air Force member and pilot trainer — aimed to make Elder the first woman to fly across the ocean.

On October 11, 1927, they left Long Island in their Stinson Detroiter monoplane named the “American Girl.” Fun fact: Amelia Earhart’s solo flight took place the following year.

For nine hours, Elder was at the controls. They had nearly reached Paris when a ruptured oil line forced them to ditch the plane in the water, 336 miles off the coast of Spain. They were rescued by the Dutch oil tanker Barendrecht. While they did not make it across the Atlantic, their over-water, 36-hour course of 2,623 miles still set a new distance record.

Read the full history

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Rilee

From the Editor

Here’s a trivia question for you: On what night of the week can you find public trivia games at Swan Brewing? If you answered Wednesday (AKA tonight), you’re correct. You can also head to Gator’s Dockside or Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub. Check out our full guide to Lakeland trivia nights here.

Quiz Answer: C. French bulldog

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY