Events + observances

• Memorial Day Tribute | Monday, May 29 | 10-11 a.m. | Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Hwy., Lakeland | Free | Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at this tribute featuring an address from Congressman Scott Franklin and a complimentary lunch catered by 2nd Hand Smoke.
• Memorial Day Celebration | Monday, May 29 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lakeland Harley Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | This Memorial Day commemoration will feature a free BBQ cookout, DJ, vendors, and used bike tent sale.
• Memorial Day w/ Shawn Rahn & Fat Maggie’s | Monday, May 29 | 12-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Shawn Rahn will start playing acoustic tunes at 2 p.m. and Fat Maggie’s Food Truck will be on-site serving up your favorites.
• Memorial Day at the Gardens | Monday, May 29 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | Free with military ID | All active duty military personnel and military veterans can gain free admission to the gardens with a valid ID.
• Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 29 | 9-10 a.m. | Railroad Park, 502 E. Main St., Haines City | Free | Visit the Military Court of Honor at Railroad Park in downtown Haines City for a wreath-laying ceremony.

Closures

• Polk County Public Schools
• Joe G. Tedder Tax Collector’s Office
• City of Lakeland offices
• Lakeland Public Libraries
• USPS offices
• CitrusConnection

• Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, May 30 | 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.
• Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, May 30 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

• Research Your House History Workshop | Wednesday, May 31 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Look into the history of your home using the resources at the Lakeland History and Culture Center.

• Cookies ‘n Convos | Thursday, June 1 | 6-7 p.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Kids in grades 2-5 and their parents can learn about aviation careers from a new speaker each month.

• Caribbean Casino Night | Friday, June 2 | 6 p.m. | Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $75 | Enjoy food, drinks, and casino games at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s fundraiser for the Bethany Center for Grieving Children.

• Richard Hood and Johnny Hays — two Winter Haven High School graduates turned Vietnam soldiers — were remembered last week in The Ledger. Author Thomas R. Oldt also paid tribute to a long list of Polk County military members who gave their lives. (The Ledger)

• No. 20. That’s what Florida Southern College’s online MBA program ranked on Fortune Magazine’s list of the Best Online MBA Programs in 2023. The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise has also been recognized by US News & World Report and CEO Magazine, to name a few. (Fortune)

• Crumbl Cookies is opening a storefront in north Lakeland. An opening date is TBA, but signage is already up at 919 Lakeland Park Center Dr., Ste. 370 (steps away from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross, Ulta, and more). That’s just the beginning — check out these other oncoming eateries.

• Cool off with a classic — Parkesdale Market serves its award-winning strawberry milkshakes all summer long (read: Not just during strawberry season). If you’re looking to mix it up, try their other flavors: Peach, piña colada, cafe mocha, and corn are on our shortlist. Or, try one of these frozen treats.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has finalized its predictions for this year’s hurricane season. A near-normal season is predicted with 40% odds. An above-average or below-average season are possible with 30% odds each. Now’s the perfect time to restock your hurricane kit.

• Pressed is changing its hours for summer. Effective Tuesday, May 30, you can shop new, used, and locally-written books Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. While you’re there, try one of their summer drinks — we have our eyes on the lemon poppyseed latte.

• The buzziest deodorant in the beauty scene right now: Lume whole body deodorant. Yup, whole body. It’s aluminum and baking soda-free and offers odor protection for any and everywhere. Try it in Toasted Coconut or Fresh Alpine.*

The artsy types

• Lakeland Community Theatre | The theater needs lots of volunteers and help put on plays, including help with set and prop design, making costumes, and selling concessions and tickets.
• Polk Theatre | Work the box office or concession stand during shows at this historical theater.

Help neighbors in need

• Volunteers in Service to the Elderly | Give back to older adults by sorting and packing food items or signing up to deliver groceries to their homes.
• kidsPACK | Pack food donated for children in need to eat over the weekends.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

• Dream Center | Adopt a block and serve the community by offering food, clothing, and children’s activities each month.
• One More Child Lakeland | Become a mentor for single moms in Lakeland.