06.22.2023

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Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

New to Lakeland

Excellent places to network in Lakeland

A group of young professionals laugh, talk, and drink beer at a long table outside. A sign reading "emerge" is visible in the background.

Meet other young professionals at EMERGE. | Photo by @emergelakeland + @bradenworrell

Are you searching for the perfect job or looking to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? Networking doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Try out one of these networking opportunities in Lakeland to start filling your Rolodex — people still use those, right?

American Business Women’s Association – Lakeland Downtown Chapter | Be part of this group dedicated to bringing together women of diverse occupations + fostering personal and professional growth.

BRIDGE Local | Formerly known as Lakeland Business Leaders, BRIDGE Local exists as a hub of resources for local businesses, consumers, and the community.

Catapult | Meet local entrepreneurs in this coworking space that encourages locals to take their ideas to the next level. Become a member for access to networking events, the maker space, commercial kitchen, private workspace, and more.

Photos of the interior of COhatch Lakeland — We spy with our little eye... roomy seating, locally brewed bevs, arcade games, and more.
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Photo via COhatch

COhatch Lakeland | This downtown coworking space has 30+ offices, event space for 40+, and complimentary coffee, beer, and wine.

EMERGE Lakeland | This organization serves young professionals ages 21-42. Become a member to join socials, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.

Green Drinks Lakeland | Attend this organization’s monthly meetings to network with other professionals interested in sustainability.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce — Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce overlooks Lake Morton.
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Photo by LALtoday

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce | Meet other Chamber members at Biz & Brew events, or find new sales through Leads Groups.

Lakeland Economic Development Council | Get insider information and generate new leads at member meetings with this organization focused on expanding Lakeland’s economy.

My Office & More | Meet other professionals and host your own meetings in this office and coworking space.

Swan City Social | Take away the stress of networking by meeting up with other professionals at local restaurants or happy hour events while expanding your network.

The Well | Work around fellow business owners and get to know more about their industries at mixers and forums at this coworking space.

More networking this way

Events

Thursday, June 22

Summer Movie FunFest: “The Emoji Movie” | Thursday, June 22 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | See a new discounted family movie every week — tickets are only available at the box office.
In Love with Sunflowers | Thursday, June 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$49 | Paint this summery sunflower scene with your favorite refreshments — all supplies are included.

Friday, June 23

Stamp Fest | Friday, June 23-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $15 | Attend this rubber stamp and scrapbooking show to add to your collection — admission includes parking and is valid all weekend.
Free Summer Kids Lunches | Friday, June 23| 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mary’s Bagel Cafe, 1242 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Kids ages 5-18 can get free lunches on select days — meals include sandwiches, fruit, chips, and juice or water.

Saturday, June 24

Juneteenth Corvette Car Show | Saturday, June 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Head to Lake Mirror to peruse Corvettes, enter raffles, and eat food from local vendors.
Watermelon Weekend | Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25 | 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.

Sunday, June 25

Lakeland Women’s Day | Sunday, June 25 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy free pampering, shop, and learn about local businesses and resources focused on educating and empowering women.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, June 25 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.

Monday, June 26

Trivia Night | Monday, June 26 | 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.
Yoga for Beginners | Monday, June 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — class meets in a temporary location from June 12-July 26.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Ranked

Everyone has a favorite Publix Super Market — do you think yours takes the cake? ESPN correspondent Joe Winner ranked Lakeland’s Publix stores 1 through 11 using scores from Google reviews. The top store had an overall score of 4.8 out of 5. (ESPN)

Coming Soon

Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio is opening a new storefront in Lakeland. The studio offers in-person hand-building and wheel-throwing classes. If you’re looking to become a regular potter, get on the waiting list for their memberships.

Biz

SoCe Market (380 Ave. C SW, Winter Haven) will offer new late-night hours on the weekends starting Friday, June 30. The restaurant will re-open from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. to serve beer, wine, sandwiches, and other munchies. Currently, the biz operates from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.

Sports

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. David Mundell and Mike Richman are headlining the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on Friday, July 14 at the RP Funding Center. Tickets are on sale now.

Job

Polk County Public Schools is looking for bus drivers for the 2023-2024 school year. Think you might be interested? Send an email to inquire about the position — compensation starts at $16.25 per hour, plus benefits.

Legacy

Yuri dos Santos Vasconcelos, a 24-year-old soccer player from Brazil, died on Monday when a vehicle crashed into a home he was in at the intersection of Longfellow Boulevard and Crystal Lake Drive. His team, the Lakeland United Football Club, is collecting donations for expenses. (LkldNow)

Try This

Plant your own succulent at Picassoz from Thursday, June 29-Saturday, July 1. Shoppers can choose their containers, select the perfect succulent, and take their creations home. Containers start at $8 and plants start at $4.

Show

Union Hall is hosting an EDM show on Friday, July 14. Stop by to don free glow gear and dance the night away while Lawmaker, Kyle D, Vibe Heavy, and other bands perform from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets will be $15 on the day of the show.

Award

Southeastern University has been named a 2023-2024 College of Distinction. In addition to meeting the criteria for engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes, the university was also recognized for its areas of Business, Education, Nursing, Career Development, and Affordability. Way to go, SEU.*

Answered

Bowen Yard breaks ground tomorrow — here’s what you’re looking forward to

A rendering shows three buildings surrounding a pedestrian courtyard. — Get ready to gather, eat, chill.
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Renderings by Alexine Polumbo, owner of Aviva Design Studio

After breaking down Winter Haven’s upcoming food + drink development, we asked our readers what they were looking forward to. Here’s how they responded:

35% are looking forward to dining at the new full-sized restaurant and bar.
16% are already eyeing the menu at SoCe Market.
Another 16% are excited about the smaller food + drink concepts.
Nearly 10% are dreaming of lounging on the pedestrian patio.
6% are ready to bring their dogs to the pet-friendly space.
Another 6% are ready to toast the new space and walk their drinks around the yard.

Additionally, some of our readers + followers submitted their own responses. Here are a few:

Reader Gayle C. is hoping for a restaurant with Southern-style cooking.
Reader Brianna D. is excited about spending outdoor time on the shady patio.
The folks at @haven_magazine are excited for the local entrepreneurs to leave their mark on the area.

It's not too late to answer our survey

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

I can’t decide what I’m most excited for at Bowen Yard; I always love a dog-friendly patio space, but I think being able to walk my drink from restaurant to restaurant is a unique feature that I’ll really enjoy.

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