Former City Editor Rilee got married in Haus 820 for its open-air concept and simple environment. | Photo via Noble Photo Co.
Whether you’re getting a jump start on your holiday party planning, preparing for a family reunion, or hunting for your ideal wedding venue, check out this list of rentable venues in Lakeland.
Note: Guest counts and rates are based on estimations and various options available on each venue’s website. Please contact venue owners to inquire about current availability and current pricing.
Hip Hop Fitness | Monday, June 12 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Pop, lock, and drop in this upbeat fitness class for ages 16+ — just bring your own water, towel, and mat.
Trivia Night | Monday, June 12 | 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.
Tuesday, June 13
Alzheimer Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Tuesday, June 13 | 12-1 p.m. | Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, June 13 | 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.
Wednesday, June 14
Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, June 14 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to share tips and tricks with other crafters.
Thursday, June 15
Civics 101: Why Should I Vote? | Thursday, June 15 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | Free | Join this voter education forum to learn how local, state, and federal legislation affects you.
It’s very common for travel to wreak havoc on our digestive system, due to a number of factors from eating new foods to time changes (yes, “gut-lag” is a thing). | Photo by Pendulum
We’ve all been there: a sunny beach, a gorgeous new city, a cute little cabin — andthen you feel the dreaded rumble. Your stomach doesn’t feel good, and you have to get to a bathroom, pronto.
1. Stay hydrated. Stick to (safe) tap or bottled water.
2. Pack probiotics. Pro tip: Sprint to checkout (instead of the bathroom) for 20% off Metabolic Daily with code 6AMCITY.
Tampa Bay Business Journal included four Lakeland businesses — AgAmerica Lending, Southern Milling & Lumber Inc., Springer Construction, and SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler — on its Fast 50 list. The annual list identifies the fastest-growing private companies in the Tampa Bay area. The alphabetical list will be officially ranked on July 27. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
$30.5 million. That’s how much federal aid funding the Polk County Public School Board has allocated to addressing COVID-19 learning losses. Funding will serve nine programs: Weekend boot camps, summer learning, kindergarten readiness, STEM teacher training, and reading intervention are among them. (LkldNow)
Outdoors
Polk County Fire and Rescue responded to a large sinkhole near Scott Lake in south Lakeland on Friday. While it didn’t directly affect any homes, four homeowners were put on evacuation standby. The 80-ft. hole isn’t the first in the area — a similar one appeared in 2006. (WFTS + LkldNow)
Legacy
Rob Mason, 77, died last Thursday from pancreatic cancer. An active member of the Lakeland Runner’s Club, Rob helped found races including the MidFlorida Mayfaire 5K, the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series, and the Aching Quad Challenge. Rob journaled each run; his runs totaled 79,679 miles. (The Ledger)
Community
Last week, Polk County commissioners informed Imperial Lakes residents that a solution for recurring flooding is coming. While not the immediate fix residents requested, commissioners hope to expedite the existing long-term plan to bring relief to the 1,700-acre community. Once started, the project could take 18 months. (The Ledger)
Edu
According to nonprofits working with Polk County Public Schools, the number of students experiencing homelessness is increasing. This month, 4,550 students were without homes, and it’s expected that the number will rise to 4,700 within months. If you’re looking to help, check out these volunteer opportunities. (WFTS)
Civic
Dale Henderson has been appointed as Polk’s director of the waste and recycling division, effective Monday, June 19. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Dale has varied experience ranging from collection services to capital investments and strategic planning. (The Ledger)
Try This
Whether you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family or just looking for a fun summer activity, try taking an SPCA dog on a Doggie Date. Wondering what it’s like? Read about our experience with Titan — from pup cups to walks by the lake, he stole our hearts.
Festival
A watermelon weekend is in the works. Keel Farms is celebrating the summer watermelon harvest from Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25. Stop by for watermelon eating contests, watermelon recipes, live music, water slides, and the release of their watermelon cider, lager, blush wine, and Strawberry Watermelon Wine. (That’s So Tampa)
Listen
Lakeland artist Kimmy Gabriela is releasing her next album, “Eyes Wide Open,” on Sunday, July 2. The 21-year-old is known for her season 18 run on American Idol and performing live at local venues.
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
How to make skincare more fun: The Marshmallow Whip Maker, which turns any cleanser into a fluffy, marshmallow-like foam that’s rich and creamy on the skin.*
Family
School’s out for summer
Kid-friendly activities in Lakeland
Mini golf, arcade games, and more await. | Photo via Family Fun Center
Looking to keep the kids entertained this summer? From major attractions like Bonnet Springs Park to hidden gems like Se7en Wetlands, there’s something in Swan City for children of all ages. Check out this list of 20 kid-friendly activities around the 863.
After-hours attractions
Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave.
You can technically stop by any time of day, but what makes a core memory better than a twilight round of mini golf? Step inside for arcade games galore after you’ve putt-putted to your heart’s content.
Common Ground Playground, 1000 E. Edgewood Dr.
Celebrated as the county’s “first inclusive play experience,” this park offers a variety of activities and structures for children of varying abilities.
Is there a topic you’re itching to read about this summer? Maybe there’s a question you’ve always had about Lakeland history, maybe you’re wondering about the folks behind Lakeland Linder International Airport, or maybe you have a foodie roundup idea. Tell us what’s on your mind and we may consider it for our summer content.
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