• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, May 15 | 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.
• Spring Pop-Up Series: Salavate Pasta | Monday, May 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Grab lunch on the Catapult patio from these chefs specializing in fresh pasta, focaccia sandwiches, and more.*

• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | Tuesday, May 16 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$10 | While the Tigers play the Mussels, you can play baseball bingo to win gift cards to local restaurants and attractions.

• After Hours at the Museum | Wednesday, May 17 | 4-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | The museum’s exhibits will stay open late — don’t miss a tour with its executive director at 6 p.m.

• Classic Albums Live: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Damn the Torpedoes” | Thursday, May 18 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $34 | Hear this best-selling album performed “note for note, cut for cut,” just like the original.

What we tried

• Stella Artois Lager (5% ABV)
• Wicked Weed Beer’s Watermelon Dragon Fruit Burst, Session Sour (4.5% ABV)
• Goose Island’s Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)

• $40 million. That’s how much Polk is applying for in grant funding for improved broadband service. The county hopes to incentivize providers to expand their service areas to parts of Polk with low upload speeds using anchor institutions like hospitals, fire stations, and colleges. (The Ledger)

• The award winners for the 2023 Citizens Bank & Trust Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival are in: The $5,000 Best of Show prize went to Nathan Miller of Covington, GA. Lakelanders Cheri Kudja Rhodig and Marcia Morse Mullins won the Merit Awards and Honorable Mention Awards for $500 and $200, respectively.

• Fully automated tractors could be the future of farming here in Polk County, according to Polk farmer and county commissioner Bill Braswell. Bill allowed California-based Monarch Tractor, a battery-operated AI tractor manufacturer, to mow his field. The tractor uses cameras to communicate with farmers for a more hands-off approach. (WFLA)

• The nation’s first unmanned aircraft control towers could be coming to the Bartow + Winter Haven airports. The remote-controlled, camera-operated control towers — which look similar to cell phone towers — are widely used throughout Europe. The $1.23 million project will improve safety and transition the areas from uncontrolled to controlled airspace. (The Ledger)

• Little Lake, a new children’s indoor play and party space, is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring your littles to play in miniature versions of iconic Lakeland landmarks — make sure to bring socks for playtime.

• Ready for your education to take flight? Polk State College’s Aerospace Program is hosting an open house on Thursday, June 8, from 6-8 p.m. Attend to learn about programs in Professional Pilot Science, Aerospace Administration, and more. Additionally, meet with representatives from program partners like SUN ‘n FUN and JetBlue.

• Teacher Appreciation Week may be over, but there are still deals for teachers around town. Britt’s Cafe always offers 10% off to teachers when they show their school ID. Know another deal for educators? Tell us about it.
• Payne Air is offering a Cool Cash Rebate. Get up to a $1,550 rebate when you purchase a new Carrier AC system before May 26. Snag the deal.*

• It’s wine o’clock. Head to Publix GreenWise Market on Friday, May 19 to learn about Sauvignon Blancs with expert Joanna. Class starts at 6 p.m. — pro tip: Space is limited, so head to the POURS section to register in person.

• This is the last week to experience Catapult’s Spring Pop-Up Series. Highlighting a different entrepreneurial food business each day of the week, the lunch series happens from Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through May 19 and features creative tacos, Italian classics, craft beer-infused bakes + more. See the schedule + go.*
• Weekends are for brunch. Here’s an easy (read: Only 20 minutes) Ricotta-Citrus Cornmeal Pancakes with Berries recipe to celebrate the weekend — without leaving the house. Pro tip: This Strawberry-Basil Mimosa makes a great pairing.*

• Have a heart for kids and being a part of creating an enriching learning environment? Polk County Catholic Schools is hiring multiple full time and part time positions, including teachers, receptionists, after care assistants, and more. See positions + apply.*

• Ditch the hangover without having to ditch your favorite cocktail with Ritual Zero Proof Spirits. The award-winning brand makes non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey so you can enjoy the ritual of having a drink without feeling icky the following day. Psst — check out Ritual’s collection of cocktail recipes.*

• Keep your group chats buzzing. This free newsletter offers insight into everything trending in biz (from the evolving AI landscape to soaring rent prices). Subscribe to become a conversation starter.*

Mixed-Use

Rezoning