• BINGO! | Monday, May 22 | 6:30 p.m. | The Links of Sandpiper, 6001 Sandpipers Dr., Lakeland | Free | Head to Sandpiper Golf and Country Club to try your hand at this classic game every Monday.
• Trivia Night | Monday, May 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy happy hour deals all day and test your knowledge with trivia.

• Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, May 23 | 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.
• Butterfly Garden | Tuesday, May 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Paint this summery scene of butterflies settling over colorful blooms with your favorite refreshments.

• Live Music: Andy Heath | Wednesday, May 24 | 6-7 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Price of purchase | Listen to live music from Andy Heath while enjoying wine, beer, and cider from this local winery.

• Med (Mediterranean) Instead of Meds | Thursday, May 25-Thursday, July 13 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | $18 | Cook along with this virtual cooking class series to learn Mediterranean recipes and wellness tips.

• Jerk Fest | Friday, May 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Celebrate Jamaican culture with reggae music by DJ Plug and food by Our Noire Kitchen.

1. Download the MCO App: Get indoor turn-by-turn navigation and access to security wait times, gate changes, where to eat + drink, and more. Whew, we feel less stressed already.
2. Arrive early: MCO recommends arriving three hours early for domestic flights and four hours for international.
3. Speed through security: Remember Disney World FastPasses? Think of MCO Reserve as your FastPass through the security line — travelers (who don’t have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+) just reserve a timeslot and enter through an exclusive lane.
4. Know your parking options: Before heading to the airport, check parking online. Pro tip: Utilize ridesharing or a friend as an alt.
5. Wake up at your gate: Why push yourself for an early flight or late arrival? Instead, sleep comfortably at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located between Terminals A + B.
6. Get travel inspo (and save money): See MCO’s Airfare Deals to plan a summer trip to San Salvador, Edinburgh, California + more.*

• The Homeless Coalition of Polk County Inc. is proposing a new center for those experiencing homelessness. With most shelters near downtown closing in the mornings, the proposed center would be open during the day to offer services, hygiene facilities, and a relaxation space. (The Ledger)

• All Polk County Public Schools resource officers will be replaced with Polk County Sheriff’s deputies in the next two years. The change will bring all 150+ schools under one jurisdiction. Lakeland Police Department will provide resource officers for charter and private schools. (LkldNow)

• $799,095. That’s how much funding Central Florida Health Care will receive from the Polk County Commission to build a new facility next to its existing one on North Florida Avenue. The 25,000-sqft center will house the nonprofit’s primary care, pediatrics, and dental services. A Winter Haven center is also planned. (The Ledger)
• 1 million. That’s how many guests have visited Bonnet Springs Park since it opened in October 2022. The park celebrated its millionth visitors with a swag bag and a Friends of Bonnet Springs Park membership.

• The Planning and Zoning Board approved Noah’s Ark of Central Florida to build a solar farm. The $3.57 million project would take ~90 days to construct at its residential community for adults with varying abilities. The nonprofit could then potentially sell energy to Lakeland Electric. (The Ledger)

• High school football teams took to the field last week for spring games. Several Polk teams changed up their rosters with new players and coaches. Lakeland High School’s new head coach, Marvin Frazier, led the team to its first victory after coach Bill Castle retired. (The Ledger)

• The Back Nine is offering a free entree (up to $19) for graduates who visit its downtown location in their cap and gown through Thursday, May 25. Pro tip: Keep the celebration going with a round of simulated sports.

• Looking for a solution to weight-related health concerns like joint pain, fatigue, and hypertension? Lakeland Regional Health’s bariatric surgery program may be your answer. Learn about real patients and their results — like Hayley who lost 142 pounds with bariatric surgery. Your after can start now.*

• We frequently share about the many Lakelander entrepreneurs who got their start at Catapult — but do you know how Catapult got its start? See the story of how an experiment in an empty basement led to becoming a 40,000-sqft entrepreneurial center.*

• Galleta. Start using it in conversation in three weeks.*

• $200 welcome bonus — check. Unlimited cash back — check. 0% interest into 2024 — check. This card checks all our boxes.*

• Which Vrbo Vacation Home of the Year is most your style? Maybe it’s the mountain views and woodsiness at this Big Sky cabin. Or maybe it’s a Hamptons holiday at this breathtaking retreat. If vacation means heat, spas, and golf courses, check out this Palm Springs poolside property.*

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