Dining

• “The Cheesecake Factory, Kobe Japanese steakhouse, attractions such as indoor go-cart” — Selena M.
• “Any good sushi or Thai plz I’m begging” — @bianx___
• “J. Burns’ Pizza!” — @bunnyberrigan
• “Trader Joe’s, Tiki Docks, expand The Joinery, Metro Lagoon!!!” — @doriangrayphoto
• “Specialty tea like Tea Largo that is on the south side” — Alison T.
• “Mod Pizza or Dutch Bros” — @schokoeis16
• “Trader Joe’s, Greenwise, CAVA, a Self-Serve Draft Beer & Wine Arcade” — @carolineernstes
• “P.F. Chang’s to go, Foxtail Coffee and Sprouts. Put them all together in an outdoor walkable area.” — @joebearmad

Recreation

• “Parks, recreation places for kids” — Terri Y.
• “Putt-Putt and other date night stuff” — @kerbertoast
• “A new shopping mall” — @shay_dio
• “A book store please” — Bart D.
• “Orange Theory” — @anadams_4567
• “A big park” — @sanchez_wicho
• “Another big gym like Crunch Fitness or similar” — Joe B.
• “Need more parks with shaded paved trails.” — Marisol A.
• “A nice outlet shopping center” — Monica A.
• “Another Painting With a Twist” — @toribrady

• Mimosas for Mom | Friday, Aug. 11 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Scout & Tag, 244 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | It’s time for the parents to celebrate after dropping the kids off at school — visit for glitter mimosas, doughnut holes, and shopping.
• The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Aug. 11 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee and enjoy live music by country musician Jon Corneal and his band every Friday.
• LKLD Shuffle | Friday, Aug. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Shuffleboard Club in Lake Parker Park, 820 E. Robson St., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Head to Lake Parker Park for a night of shuffleboard under the lights — equipment will be provided.

• Central Florida Collectorfest | Saturday, Aug. 12-Sunday, Aug. 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Peruse 15,000 sqft of collectible toys, games, comic books, and art — parking is free.
• We Three Strings & Uncle Bucky’s BBQ | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy dinner from the food truck on-site from 5 to 9 p.m. while We Three Strings bring the tunes from 7 to 10 p.m.
• 28th Summer Sunrise Watermelon 5K | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 7-9 a.m. | Lake Hollingsworth Park, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | $20 | Join the final race in this series of summer 5Ks that benefit scholarships for local students — register in person from 5:30-6:30 a.m.
• Caffeine & Gasoline at BSP | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 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.

• 90’s Brunch | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $35-$50 | Enjoy 1990s music, mimosas, and more at this four-course brunch — entrees will be selected at the time of ticket purchase.
• Brian Jones w/ Hi Lumpia FL | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy live music and food truck eats — bring your pet and post a photo together for a BOGO offer in the taproom.
• Bright Sunset Lagoon | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your own refreshments to this guided painting class — supplies are provided.

• Infrastructure, health care, education, and affordable housing — these are the top priorities for city leaders as Lakeland’s population continues to grow, according to Mayor Bill Mutz. Our population is expected to reach 500,000 by 2035. (Bay News 9)

• Jason Lewis of CODA Developments shared a behind-the-scenes look at the progress of the Orange Street apartments going up near Barnett Family Park. Once you’ve seen where they’re at, take a look at where they’re headed.

• Landon Wesley Beck and Fred Eric Belvin were elected to the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority’s Board of Directors. Their three-year terms will begin on January 1, 2024.

• Florida Polytechnic University is welcoming Fulbright Scholars and a Charlemagne Prize Fellow this fall. Students from the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries will continue their studies here; one Florida Poly student will study in Canada as Killam Fellow.

• Looking to kick off football season next week? Check out The Ledger’s list of the top games to watch all season, starting with Lakeland High School’s preseason game against Seffner Armwood on Friday, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. The kickoff classic takes place at Lakeland. (The Ledger)

• Pita Pit’s last day of operation will be Thursday, Aug. 31. In case you missed it, the Kentucky Avenue building where Pita Pit and Dissent Brewing are located has been sold, and both businesses are closing their doors in the coming weeks.

• If you’re planning on taking the kids to Florida Children’s Museum soon, be advised that the 100-ft Blinky the alligator playground is under construction. Luckily for Lakeland’s littles, the upgrades will be worth the wait — Blinky is upgrading his tail for a slide.

• Lakeland Community Theater is holding open auditions for “Honk! Jr.” tomorrow from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Performers ages 6-18 should prepare 16 bars to sing from memory and bring sheet music. Learn more about auditions, roles, and requirements.

• Wishing you were back-to-cool with your kids? Here’s one way to get on their good side: Send them to school with a PubSub or pick up a pizza for dinner. Pro tip: We kind of think they’ll love the Deli Cheeseburger Pizza.*

• Whether a remote worker or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for networking opportunities, Catapult offers day passes so you can give the space a try — and get a first-hand glimpse of what the 40,000-sqft. co-working + entrepreneurial center is all about.*

• In yesterday’s email, we incorrectly shared that entry to the Central Florida Collectorfest would be free. What we should have said is that parking is free, and admission is $15 on Saturday, Aug. 12, and $10 on Sunday, Aug. 13 at the RP Funding Center.