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• 87th Annual Miss Florida Scholarship Competition | Friday, June 23-Saturday, June 24 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $64-$127 | Attend the Miss Florida Preliminaries and Finals this weekend to see who will be crowned.
• 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 and browse works by local artists.

• Cars + Coffee | Saturday, June 24 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a cup of joe and show off your ride or browse other cars.
• The Eras Party: Taylor Night | Saturday, June 24 | 9-11 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $7 | Come out for a Taylor-made dance party, Swift-inspired cocktails, and a night you’ll remember all too well.

• Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.” | Friday, June 23-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Just keep swimming to this musical adaptation of the Pixar movie performed by local young actors.
• Vibrant Rustic Summer: Florida Oranges | Sunday, June 25 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $41-$60 | Paint a summer citrus scene on a canvas, wood plank board, or porch leaner.

• The Lakeland Police Department’s free Summer Trades Academy uses summer vacation to teach kids valuable skills. The second annual program took place this month, teaching 50 middle + high schoolers about architecture, carpentry, welding, and more. (LkldNow)

• 4 Rivers Smokehouse is celebrating its opening with a week of events. Stop in each day from Monday, June 26-Saturday, July 1 for discounts, food specials, and a giveaway.

• Heartland for Children is urgently seeking 60 Polk County families to foster children. Couples and single adults can apply, and accepted parents receive training and a monthly stipend to cover expenses. Learn more and apply. (WFTS)

• The Back Nine announced that its north Lakeland location will close on Sunday, June 2. The owners of the eatery and simulated sports venue say they will focus on their downtown location and “additional opportunities in the works.”

• Shells Seafood’s Lakeland location (5125 S. Florida Ave.) has permanently closed, leaving the chain with three restaurants in Brandon, Tampa, and St. Pete Beach. If you’re still clam-oring for good seafood, try another local spot.

• Cindy Clemmons, Lakeland Electric’s Manager of Legislative & Regulatory Regulations, received the Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award from the American Public Power Association (APPA). She was honored for her service to APPA, an organization that represents public utilities in 2,000 US cities. (The Ledger)

• A rabid bat was found in Bartow this month — the county’s second reported case this year according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Pro tip: Save Animal Control’s information in case you see any suspicious critters, and keep a close eye on your pets outside. (The Ledger)

• Feeling lucky? Visit Black Swan Tattoo (1119 S. Florida Ave.) for this deal. Roll a 100-sided die and get a random tattoo based on your number for $100. No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are always welcome.

• Well, that’s exciting. Lakelander entrepreneur + Catapult member Adam Anderson just secured $5.5 million in funding for Hook Security Co., a cybersecurity business he co-founded. See how Catapult can help you launch your business idea.*

• What’s one way to describe Indiana University alumni? Simply put: They’re game changers. IU alums include NBA franchise-owner Mark Cuban, “The Hunger Games” author Suzanne Collins, and TV writer and producer Ryan Murphy — to name a few. See how your student can join the ranks of IU greatness.*

• This line of natural adaptogen supplements is formulated to help you achieve specific outcomes, like: Clarity (entering flow state), Energy (powering through busy days), Motivation (to stop procrastinating), and Logic (for deep, analytical thinking). Take their quiz to find your perfect blend and get 15% off with code 6amcity.*

• 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.*