Renewable energy farm

Suntrax autonomous vehicle test facility

Florida Polytechnic University

Hydrogen plant

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, May 8 | 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.
• Auditions: Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” | Monday, May 8-Tuesday, May 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Put your performance chops to the test and audition for this 2017 jukebox musical.

• Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, May 9 | 10-11 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.
• Let’s Talk Lkld: Race & Equity | Tuesday, May 9 | 6:30 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | Free | Join LkldNow, Lakeland Vision, The Well, and other speakers like Mayor Bill Mutz and Police Chief Marvin Tarver for this community forum focusing on race and equity.

• Coffee Chat and Presentation | Wednesday, May 10 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | The Well Lakeland, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | Free | Attend to learn from mental health professionals and enjoy specialty coffee from Quigley Coffee Cart.
• Trivia Night | Wednesday, May 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas at Union Taproom while showing off your general trivia knowledge.

• Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, May 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Head to Munn Park for live music, scavenger hunts, and bites from your favorite local food trucks, like The Chief’s Cantina, Wheelin N Grillin, and more.

• Mother’s Day Eclectic Soul Seafood Sunday Brunch | Sunday, May 14 | 12-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | $125 | This special four-course Mother’s Day celebration features a peach cobbler French toast, broiled lobster tail, and other dishes.*

Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham

In the Eye of the Mind: The Fantastic Realities of Steven Kenny

• $117 billion. That’s the state budget passed by Florida legislators on Friday. The budget includes several Lakeland projects, including additions to Florida Polytechnic University and Polk State College, Kathleen Road improvements, the Polk Museum of Art’s expansion, and more. Countywide broadband internet improvements weren’t included. (The Ledger)
• $1.8 million. That’s how much US Rep. Scott Franklin has requested in federal funding to expand the Bridging Resource and Information Gaps in Human Trafficking (BRIGHT) Network. This online network would connect victims in Polk County and Central Florida with resources like One More Child. (LkldNow)

• New drive-thru coffee concept happyfastdelicious will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 11 at 3601 S. Florida Ave., the former Gelati Joe’s location. The biz specializes in customizable coffee, energy drinks, sodas, and seltzers.

• Old Medulla Road will close today for two months as part of the West Pipkin Road widening project. A detour will be set up on Waring Road. Raulerson Road will also be closed for four days — take the detour from Kathleen Road to West Socrum Loop Road. (LkldNow)

• KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is coming to Lakeside Village at 1568 Town Center Dr. (in the former Crispers location). While we wait for an opening date to be announced, learn our pro tips for visiting a hotpot restaurant.

• Construction on the I-4 Saddle Creek wildlife crossing east of the State Road 33/I-4 interchange could begin in the next four years if state legislators approve its funding. Researchers decided to use an overpass instead of an underpass due to lower costs and animal preferences. (WUSF)

• The Unbound Bookery and its owner Sandi Silverman were featured by Spectrum News 13. Read about how Sandi’s love of books led her to open the shop in a historic home, and visit at 1026 S. Florida Ave. to find your next page-turner. (Spectrum News 13)

• Support local literacy programs by joining the Florida Children’s Museum’s Lunch for Literacy on Friday, May 12 from 12-1:30 p.m. The lunch will feature guest speaker Eric Litwin, author of the children’s book “Pete the Cat.” Tickets are on sale now.

• Fresh Kitchen is celebrating Fri-Yay for Teachers on Friday, May 12. Educators can show their school badge for 50% off their bowl. Study up with our bowl recs before you stop by.

• The Emporium Art Collective will transform Union Hall into an art gallery with a show on Thursday, May 11 at 6 p.m. Visit the free show to see works inspired by local legends and landmarks.

• Looking for a career in healthcare? Attend Lakeland Regional Health’s Career Expo tomorrow, Tuesday, May 9 from 5-7 p.m. to learn about exciting career opportunities, benefits + all levels of available positions. Come dressed in business casual attire and have your resume ready for potential job offers. See details.*

• If the ice cream and butter are organic, does that make it good to eat? We like to think so. The good news: Publix GreenWise Market’s organic ice cream + butter is on sale this week through Wednesday, May 10. Can’t do dairy? Organic ghee and organic kombucha are on sale, too.*

• She doesn’t need another bouquet of flowers — give mom the gift of learning a new language instead. Bonus: Get 55% off.*
• It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re helping you choose the perfect gift for your favorite educators. Show them love with Marble and Steel Craft Chocolates or a handwritten note using a Joy Paper Co. card.