Getting there

Open hours and seasons

Fees and reservations

Camping

• Long Pine Key Campground | $33-$60 per night | Available from November through April
• Flamingo Campground | $33-$60 for non-electric, $50-$60 for electric | Available year-round
• Wilderness camping | $21 plus $2 per person | Recommended from December through April

• BSP Power Packs | Friday, Aug. 4 | 4-6 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Kids and teens can pick up free grab-and-go snacks at the park’s main entrance.
• Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Aug. 4 | 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 and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.

• Lakeland Cars and Coffee | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 8-10 a.m. | Lakeland Linder International Airport, 3900 Don Emerson Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Bring your ride to this car show to let other automobile enthusiasts take a peek, or just visit to see other cars for yourself.
• End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year with games, crafts, activities, and free ice cream for all ages — dairy-free options are available upon request.

• Side Hustle Sunday | Sunday, Aug. 6 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Sun Kava, 5711 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Dive into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship by getting business insights, investment tips, and networking with Lakeland’s emerging entrepreneurs.

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older.

• The Collaboration level provides access to co-working spaces, networking events, and educational workshops.

• Mentorship goes a step further with one-on-one guidance from industry experts, personalized mentorship programs, and exclusive mastermind sessions (think: Running your business plan by an experienced CPA or speaking to a practicing attorney about business formation).

• The Launchpad level is for startups looking to accelerate their growth, benefit from investor connections, pitch opportunities, and have access to specialized resources.

• The Polk Theatre is postponing its reopening date. The theater took to Facebook to share that pipe installation had been delayed, so it will not reopen tomorrow, Aug. 5, as planned. Keep an eye on the biz’s social media for new opening plans.

• Bartow native Ken Riley will be posthumously inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame this year. The honor comes 40 years after he retired from the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played cornerback from 1969 to 1983. (WTSP)

• Lakeland Christian School students Easton Morrow and RJ Sanger recently competed in the High School Championship Bassmaster Tournament. Of 409 teams, the duo ranked at No. 170. The incoming juniors have been partners on the LCS fishing team since the fourth grade. (The Ledger)

• The Feasts of Persia food truck is adding a new falafel dish with a house recipe tahini sauce to its menu. Be one of the first to try it tonight when it makes its debut at First Friday.

• One of our followers recently hit us with a great question: Where can Lakeland workers bring a meal from home to get out of the office during their lunch break? If you’ve got a lunchbox-friendly spot in mind, send it our way.

• A new study of the best states to retire ranked Florida at No. 8. Coming in first was Iowa, which garnered the top spot for its affordability, weather, and more. Trying to convince loved ones to retire in Lakeland anyway? Just send them our guide for older adults. (Bankrate)

• Did you know Southeastern University offers a robust Master’s + online Bachelor’s degree program? Register for a Virtual Info Session to learn everything you need to know about the programs (think: Admissions, financial aid, course work, and more).*

• Don’t let the unexpected hold you back from getting the kids ready for the new school year or grabbing dinner with friends. Lakeland Regional Health’s two convenient Urgent Care locations (no appointments needed) mean you can get back to your routine instead of being stuck inside with allergies, scrapes, colds, and sprains.*

• We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter. This team member will directly support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients, including creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style. Learn more + apply.