07.07.2023

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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.

Step aside, Arnold Palmer

We tried July’s Cocktails for Charity at The Back Nine

Three colorful cocktails sitting on a bar

Everything tastes better when it does good in Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday

Sipping on a delicious drink and giving back at the same time? That’s a hole in one. We stopped by The Back Nine to kick off Drink Up Month with its new Cocktails for Charity and learn how they’re doing good in the community.

Co-owner Jenna Smith told us the idea for Cocktails for Charity came from wanting to help a friend who was dealing with illness. Now the idea has grown, and a dollar from each drink sold is donated to include other local charities in need.

A compilation of three videos of a bartender making cocktails — Try the Melon Mint Spritz, Pineapple Old Fashioned, and the Blueberry Peach Mule.
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Videos by LALtoday, GIF by Giphy

Proceeds from this month’s drinks will go to Project Hope, a crisis counseling program to help those struggling in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Their goal is to sell 250 cocktails by the end of July.

We got a chance to try the three Cocktails for Charity: The Melon Mint Spritz, the Pineapple Old Fashioned, and the Blueberry Peach Mule. Each drink has a light, summery flavor, perfect for the season. They even shared a recipe with us if you want to try City Editor Connor’s favorite drink.

A recipe for a Melon Mint Spritz cocktail with a photo of the drink — Home bartenders can try this recipe — but we think it tastes best at The Back Nine.
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Photo by LALtoday, graphic by 6AM City

Head to The Back Nine (124 S. Tennessee Ave.) to enjoy these cocktails any day of the week. Who knows, they may even help with your swing.

Events

Friday, July 7

Union Hall Presents: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Friday, July 7 | 7:30-11:55 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Local artists Anisette Mayer, Noan Partly, Robin Brooke, and Shelby Mason will perform the album “Rumours” and more favorite songs by this legendary band.
Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, July 7 | 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these improvised comedy shows — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 p.m. show; the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, July 7 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate summer by dancing to a live DJ on The Joinery’s front patio.

Saturday, July 8

28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, July 8 | 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20 | Join the second race in this series of summer 5Ks that benefit scholarships for local students.
Caffeine and Gasoline | Saturday, July 8 | 8-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee while you stroll through this car show — no registration is required to show off your ride, just arrive before 7:45 a.m.
Wings ‘n Waffles | Saturday, July 8 | 9-10 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Enjoy a breakfast of chicken and waffles while you hear from speakers in the aviation and military fields.

Sunday, July 9

Dreamy Sunset | Sunday, July 9 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | If you’re dreaming of a beach vacation, paint this seascape step by step.
Andy Shreeve w/ Billy’s Roadside Grill | Sunday, July 9 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Hang out with live music, food truck eats, and a drink from the taproom.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. c/o McQueen Marketing

Biz

A new, family-owned UPS Store is now open in North Lakeland

The new location is owned and operated by Daniel and Caroline Gay. | Courtesy of UPS Store Lakeland

Ship your packages in style at the newly constructed, state-of-the-art “Blue Horizon” UPS Store, now open in North Lakeland’s Barclay Plaza (off Highway 98 behind Twistee Treat).

In addition to its convenient location, the new shop is individually-owned + operated by Swan City locals Daniel and Caroline Gay.

UPS specializes in:

📦 Shipping, freight, and Amazon returns
🖨️ Print services including business cards, flyers, and blueprints
📃 Notary services, copies, faxing, and shredding

Bonus: There are mailboxes for rent, too.

Send those packages

News Notes

Number

830. That’s how many pounds of food were donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) at Red, White & Kaboom. VISTE will distribute the food to 1,100 low-income older adults to supplement their groceries. You can also donate online. (WFTS)

Edu

Florida Southern College has appointed Dr. Derrel Bryan as interim dean of the School of Education. Dr. Bryan has worked in secondary and higher education for 50 years. Former dean Dr. Victoria Giordano was appointed as Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Assessment.

Civic

Rep. Jennifer Canady of Lakeland has been selected as Speaker of the Florida House for the 2028-2030 term. Rep. Canady will serve in the role if she is reelected as a representative for the next three terms. (The Ledger)

Learn

Become a master gardener with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County’s workshops and webinars. Chat about plants with a garden volunteer at The Nectary tomorrow, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. To learn about conserving water while landscaping, join Dock Talk at Lake Hollingsworth on Thursday, July 20.

Eat

Summer items have hit the menu at Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro. This season brings the avo-mango tartine, lemon lentil soup, Caribbean salad, and more bright flavors. Check out the menu.

Weather

Scientists say that Tuesday, July 4 was the hottest recorded day in the world, and 38 million Americans were under some sort of heat warning. If you ask us, it sounds like a great time to cool off in one of Lakeland’s public pools. (Fox 13 News)

Shop

Speaking of heat, The Nectary is offering a Heat of the Summer flash sale through tomorrow, July 8. Visit the nursery at 1047 E. Main St. for 40% off scarlet hibiscus, smooth beardtongue, and slender goldenrod wildflowers.

Try This

One of our Instagram followers recently asked us where they can find trivia nights in Lakeland — lucky for them, we have a complete list. Is there a trivia-hosting venue in Lakeland that isn’t on our list? That’s a two-point question, so make sure you tell us about it.

Cause

Crossed Paws Pet Rescue in Winter Haven helps pet owners in need who can’t financially support their dogs. Support the rescue by donating, adopting a dog, or shopping at the Goin’ to the Dogs Thrift Shop at 106B Main St. in Auburndale. (WFTS)

Fun Fact

Indiana University is giving us a reason to smile. Why? They’re home to the invention of Crest toothpaste, the cure for testicular cancer, and the nation’s first school of informatics. Bonus: They also offer the most languages taught (80+) at any American university — from Arabic to Zulu. Discover your potential at IU.*

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.*

Wellness

Hear this: The world’s first hearing aids featuring dual processing — and backed by cutting-edge German technology — were just unveiled by Hear.com. Transform your hearing with a 45-day, no-risk trial and join the 385,000+ customers hearing with double the power and double the clarity.*

Read

How’s your summer reading list looking?

All Together Now: Join the Lakeland Public Library’s summer reading programs

A hand holding an open book with the Blanton Family Lagoon at Bonnet Springs Park in the background

Check out a book and take it to your favorite Lakeland reading spot. | Photo by LALtoday

The Lakeland Public Library’s summer reading programs are in full swing. Don’t miss these free upcoming events:

All Together Fridays | Friday, July 7-Friday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Children can visit each Friday to learn about local organizations like 4-H, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Lakeland Symphony.
Adult and Teen Game Day | Saturday, July 8 | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | You bring your favorite games and friends, the library will bring the junk food and classic games.
Adult and Teen Summer Movie | Saturday, July 22 | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Enjoy a screening of Wes Anderson’s movie “Isle of Dogs” — attendees will earn an entry ticket for the library’s summer prize packs.
Harry Potter Bingo | Saturday, July 29 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Main Branch, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Costumes are encouraged at this themed Bingo event for all ages.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

We loved visiting The Back Nine as part of Drink Up Month, our celebration of local beverages. If you’re looking for bites to pair with your cocktails, I recommend the Cuban eggrolls or the Grown-up Mac + Cheese.

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