Parks and public spaces

Coffee and tea shops

Restaurants and bars

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, July 10 | 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.
• Auditions: “Nunsense” | Monday, July 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Try out for the community production of this musical — bring your own sheet music.

• Karaoke Night w/ Super Grouper | Tuesday, July 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | The lead singer of Smokepoint will host karaoke while Super Grouper serves fresh seafood.
• Harry Potter Trivia | Tuesday, July 11 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Dress in your robes and how well you know the wizarding world — reservations are recommended.

• Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, July 12 | 5-10 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Boot scoot boogie on down to Union Hall for free line dancing lessons followed by karaoke at 8 p.m.
• Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, July 12 | 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.

• A more active lifestyle with increased mobility
• Reduced daily and chronic joint pain
• Increased energy to enjoy daily activities
• Reduced or potentially eradicated weight-related conditions
• Boosted confidence and self-esteem

• Metabolic Medicine — expert guidance + weight management through assessment, diet, physical activity, behavior modification, and/or medication
• Bariatric Surgery — a procedure performed to help eligible candidates lose excess weight and manage weight-related diseases

• $78 million. That’s how much Continental Realty Corporation (CRC) just paid for Lakeside Village. CRC is planning a $3 million renovation to paint the shopping center’s exterior, renovate commercial offices, and make other repairs. The four hotels within Lakeside Village’s 88 acres were not part of the transaction. (Business Observer)

• Fish canning company Frinsa announced it’s canceling plans for a $21 million Lakeland plant due to rising construction costs. The European company announced its plans in 2022. The future of the existing building Frinsa was planning on outfitting at 900 Chestnut Rd. is yet to be determined. (LkldNow)

• Applications for the City of Lakeland’s new Youth Council will be due on Friday, Aug. 25. Students will access applications via public and private high schools. City commissioners hope the council will develop young talent and entice Lakeland students to continue their education here, rather than leaving. (LkldNow)

• According to Public Works Director Heath Frederick, many of Lakeland’s streets have brick beneath the asphalt. Some residents have petitioned to have the asphalt removed to reveal the original brick on Buckingham Avenue, Easton Drive, and other streets. (LkldNow)

• Stop by The Back Nine (124 S. Tennessee Ave.) on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to support the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Just mention the foundation to your server, and 10% of the sales from your bill will go to the foundation.

• Fine Art at the Magnolia, an indoor art show featuring 19 artists, is set for Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20. Attend from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday to view handcrafted pieces. This year’s featured artist is Beth Garcia.

• If you’re gearing up to go back-to-school shopping, take advantage of Florida’s sales tax holiday from July 24-Aug. 6. In addition to classic pencils, notebooks, and binders, laptops and tablets under $1,500 will also be tax-free. Check out more sales tax holidays. (The Ledger)

• The Polk State College District Board of Trustees has two newly appointed members: Ann Barnhart + Ashley Troutman. Additionally, Greg Littleton, Ashley Bell Barnett, and Cindy Hartley Ross were reappointed to serve on the board alongside Vice Chair Teresa V. Martinez. The board oversees matters including programs, financing, and personnel.

• Time flies when you have holiday festivities to look forward to. Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat event is included with park admission on weekends Sept. 16-Oct. 29. Visit for live shows, Halloween decorations, trick-or-treating, and more. (Bay News 9)

• Keep cool this summer and enjoy great financing. Payne Air is now offering 0% interest for 36 months (with approved credit) on the purchase of a new Carrier AC system. Bonus: Payne Air is the only certified factory authorized Carrier dealer in Lakeland.*

• Love doing things with your hands — but don’t have the tools to get the job done? Whether you’re a professional, hobbyist, or budding entrepreneur, Catapult’s Makerspace gives access to commercial grade manufacturing equipment (think: Woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and assembly area). See the space — and meet some makers.*

• The world is your lobster. Starting Wednesday, Sept. 6, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will offer nonstop flights to Portland, ME via Breeze Airways. From kayaking around the islands to biking down the coastline (plus plenty of blueberries to go around), adventure is waiting for you in Maine. Plan your trip.*