Today’s Note

Hey Lakeland, Connor here. It’s a relatively quiet weekend as the city comes back from a busy holiday season. I wouldn’t miss the very first First Friday of the year, and there are also a few comedy shows that you could hit after you walk through downtown. Here’s more to try out during the first weekend of 2024.

Events

Friday, July 14

Sangria Night at Keel Farms | Friday, July 14 | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Enjoy Latin-inspired music and food, locally made sangria, vendors, and a DJ — no reservations needed.
LKLD Shuffle | Friday, July 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Shuffleboard Club, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Head to Lake Parker Park for a night of shuffleboard under the lights — equipment will be provided.
Dixieland Night Market | Friday, July 14 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Mall, 1035 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local artists and makers, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy live entertainment at Union Hall and The Pink Piano.
Glow Lakeland | Friday, July 14 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Listen to musicians like Lawmaker, Kyle D, Bassix, and Vibe Heavy perform at this glow-tastic event — free glow gear is provided.

Saturday, July 15

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, July 15 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market — the market takes an annual hiatus in August.
Kids’ DIY-U Workshop | Saturday, July 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lowe’s Home Improvement, 3525 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Young DIY-ers can learn how to build a grill toy that doubles as a tic-tac-toe board.
Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Saturday, July 15 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 East Main St., Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.

Sunday, July 16

Brunchin’ for Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida | Sunday, July 16 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Mention this local organization to your server and 10% of your check will go to help local families facing breast cancer.
Shoreline Sunday w/ Bad Dog BBQ | Sunday, July 16 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | No Sunday scaries here — enjoy music by John Frinzi and food by Bad Dog BBQ.
Classic Albums Live: Supertramp, “Breakfast in America” | Sunday, July 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $44-$52 | Hear this best-selling album performed “note for note, cut for cut,” just like the original.

100+ more events

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From the editor

Watch

The Polk Theatre is showing different films all month long. Get your tickets for films like “The Bodyguard,” “Dunkirk,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and more.

Community

Pressed Lakeland is hosting July events for Lakeland’s readers. Stop by Author Spotlight Night on Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. to meet local authors included on this list. Other events include a community book talk and the business’ second-anniversary party on July 25 and July 29, respectively.

Weather

Meteorologists have increased their 2023 hurricane season predictions from below-normal to above-average; make sure your hurricane kit is stocked with these essentials (read: Avoid waiting until the last minute to prepare).

Great Escapes

Our guide to Sarasota, Florida

Great Escapes: Our guide to Sarasota, Florida

Explore 37 miles of open shoreline across Sarasota. | Photo by City Editor Rebecca

If you enjoy trips to the beach, learning about the history of the circus, or award-winning seafood, keep reading to discover some of Sarasota’s best offerings for your next weekend getaway.

Why go? This town, located about an hour south of Tampa, is known for its white-sand beaches including the popular Siesta Key, Lido Key, and our personal favorite, Brohard Paw Park, where dogs can run free and swim in the ocean.
Act like a local. With 37 miles of open shoreline, there’s a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants. Get dressed up and try Indigenous, a sustainable seafood restaurant, run by James Beard semifinalist Steve Phelps.
Where to stay: Lido Beach Walk, just one block from the Gulf of Mexico on Lido Key. (~$125/night)

More Sarasota suggestions

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

Shop

Try This

Sous vide, air fry, and steam your way to dinner with the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker + Air Fryer. Psst — it can even be used as a food dehydrator.*

Wellness

Maintain your pearly whites with the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser for Teeth. The portable water flosser has four different tips and three pressure settings.*

Seasonal

Your new favorite summer essential? The Hero Cooling Towel — an ultra-soft microfiber towel that offers 30 to 60 minutes of instant cooling relief.*

Let us know what you think about LALweekend, a product of LALtoday, by answering a few quick questions.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

In case you missed it, we recently shared artist Gillian Fazio’s new Swansation statue — check out our video, then read our Q+A to learn more about Gillian and her plans for making Lakeland more colorful.

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