📍 Treasure Island | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

• Eat: Drink up at the world’s longest waterfront bar at Crabby’s On The Pass.
• Explore: Pedal your way through the island on a Treasure Island E-Bike Tour. You’ll traverse through neighborhoods, over drawbridges, and along four miles of the gulf coast.
• Stay: Courtyard room at Silver Sands (~$200/night)
• Shop: UV protection athletic shirt

📍 Honeymoon Island State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

• Eat: Dine like a local at Hog Island Fish Camp. Pro tip: Check out the restaurant’s special dog-friendly menu.
• Explore: Bring your pup to the state park’s pet beach at the southern tip of the island. Pets are also welcome on the nature trail.
• Stay: Dog-friendly Cook Cottage (~$160/night)
• Shop: Dog leash beach stake

• Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, June 20 | 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.
• Tuesday Night Trivia | Tuesday, June 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Dissent Craft Brewing Company, 125 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Test your knowledge for a chance to win Dissent Craft Brewing gift cards.

• 87th Annual Miss Florida Scholarship Competition Preliminaries | Wednesday, June 21, Friday, June 23 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $64 | Attend the Miss Florida Preliminaries to see who will compete for scholarship assistance at the Miss Florida Finals.
• International Day of Yoga with Yoga Pointe | Wednesday, June 21 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the International Day of Yoga on the Allen & Company Family Lawn — bring your own mat, towel, and water.

• Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Thursday, June 22 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lake Gibson Village, 771 Carpenters Way, Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the third Monday of each month.

• Juneteenth Talent Competition & Art Contest | Friday, June 23 | 6 p.m. | Polk State College Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland | $10-$20 | Cheer on high school performers competing for prizes in a talent show and browse works by local artists.

• Watermelon Weekend | Saturday, June 24 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Celebrate the watermelon harvest with water slides, watermelon eating contests, vendors, live music, and the release of Keel and Curley watermelon wine, lager, and cider.
• Rock for Paws: Benefitting the Homeless Dogs & Cats | Saturday, June 24 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $20 | Support unhoused dogs and cats at this live performance from local band Smokepoint.

• After six years of planning, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is opening at 4729 S. Florida Ave. tomorrow, June 21. The popular barbecue brand chose the location due to its existing relationship with Publix, which already carries 4 Rivers branded foods. Stop by + order tomorrow from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (The Ledger)

• The National Hurricane Center is keeping tabs on a tropical development in the Atlantic. We know these are always subject to change, but as of yesterday afternoon, the Central Tropical Atlantic system had a roughly 40% chance of forming into a cyclone in 48 hours. (The Ledger)

• Southeastern University is partnering with Catapult for a new learning experience — the 3D Maker Course (BUSI 3073). Students enrolled in the course this fall will learn to use 3D printers, CNC machines, and other manufacturing tools in the Catapult Maker Space.

• Christian Disaster Response, a Polk-based nonprofit organization, is looking for volunteers to help in Haiti following a 4.9 magnitude earthquake. Learn more about volunteering or supporting the cause financially online. (Fox 13 News)

• Platform Art, Inc., a Lakeland-based organization, is searching for an artist to create an exterior mural on the face of a new workforce apartment community in Bradenton’s arts district. Submit a proposal for the exterior of The Metropolitan (THE MET) online — applications are due by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 30.

• A new foodie spot could be headed to Lakeland Town Center. Far Corner Kitchen has submitted plans for 943 E. Memorial Blvd., near Hibachi Buffet, Checkers, and Subway. When more information about the restaurant’s vibe and menu becomes available, we’ll let you know. (What Now Tampa)

• “The People Who Live There,” a Lakeland-based documentary that premiered at the Polk Theatre in October 2021, will soon be available in print. You read that right. A companion art book featuring the historic homes and Lakeland history from the film will be sold at Scout & Tag and other local stores (and on Amazon) this July.

• Head to Sun Kava tea room (5711 S. Florida Ave.) on Monday, July 3 for its first-ever Full Moon Market. The biz is currently looking for participating vendors — reach out via Instagram to inquire.

• Don’t let the unexpected hold you back from splashing in the pool with the kids or grabbing dinner with friends. Lakeland Regional Health’s two convenient Urgent Care locations (no appointments needed) mean you can get back to your routine instead of being stuck inside with allergies, scrapes, colds, and sprains.*

• #TabletopTerrace. Looking for a place to celebrate? Make your celebration memorable by making The Terrace Grille your meeting place. Lakeland’s prominent upscale dining location in the heart of Downtown is known for its historic floor-to-ceiling arched windows, black and white patterned floors, and dramatic pecky cypress ceilings. Book a reservation.*

Have an evacuation plan

Stay informed