Plus, a downtown biz is closing.
 
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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.
 
High Tower Roofing
 

This little Lakelander went to market

5 top markets to shop in Lakeland
Two shoppers purchasing goods from a market vendor's tent. The table is covered with stationery and tote bags.
The maker you shop from could be your neighbor. | Photo by @londonwmedia and @dixielandnightmarket
Lakeland is a hot spot for local makers, foodies, and creatives. Local markets bring them all together — and we’re ready to shop ‘til we drop at these upcoming events.

Dixieland Night Market, Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave.
Every second Friday of the month, 6-11 p.m.

The Emporium Art Collective brings together local artists and artisans each month. Shop, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy live entertainment inside Union Hall and The Pink Piano. The next market is this Friday, Aug. 11.

Buena Market, locations and dates vary

You’ll find this market popping up at locations all over Lakeland — from downtown to Bonnet Springs Park — with local entrepreneurs, performers, and food vendors. Catch the next market, Disco Fest 2, on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Haus 820.

Visitors at the Aquarian Market sit on the ground for a meditation practice as a teacher uses sound bowls. In the background are vendor tents.

The Aquarian Market often features activities like meditation or painting.

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Photo by @theaquarianmarket

The Aquarian Market, The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Every third Thursday of the month, 6-10 p.m.

This pet-friendly event touts itself as the first all-vegan market in Lakeland. Visit for vegan eats, unique goods, and different activities each month. Thursday, Aug. 17 is Classical Night, featuring a blue carpet and performances by Golden Swan Strings.

Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market, Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
Last Sunday of March and September, 12-6 p.m.

Rock out with 80+ vendors and live music acts from across Central Florida. Mark your calendar for the next Punk Flea on Sunday, Sept. 24 — plus a pre-show on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Union Hall.

Downtown Farmers Curb Market, Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave.
Every Saturday from September to July, times vary

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the farmers market. You can shop from vendors of all types when the market returns from its hiatus on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Publix
 
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 8
  • Alzheimer Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 12-1 p.m. | Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets monthly on the second Tuesday.
  • Lego Club | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 4-5 p.m. | Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven | Free | Kids ages 6-12 are invited to let their imaginations run wild at this weekly event — building blocks are provided.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
  • Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 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.
Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Music Bingo at Keel Farms | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Listen for the songs on your game card to be the first to five in a row — dining reservations required.
Friday, Aug. 11
  • LKLD Shuffle | Friday, Aug. 11 | 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.
Saturday, Aug. 19
  • PACA Pick of the Month: Fine Art at the Magnolia | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Fine Art at the Magnolia is an elegant indoor fine art show featuring nineteen artists + craftsmen in a variety of media.*
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Indiana University
 
Biz

Business Beat: How this local family business got the tire rolling
Bank of Central Florida’s VP Commercial Relationship Manager, Dawn Lyons smiles with Business Owner, Matt Wade.
Bank of Central Florida’s VP Commercial Relationship Manager, Dawn Lyons with Business Owner, Matt Wade. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida, Member FDIC
Lakelander Matt Wade owns Day and Night Tires, a family business that services tire retreading. Located here in Swan City, Matt works with distributors across the nation to retread + sell new tires for major truck fleets.

Since Matt joined the team 35 years ago, the company has expanded substantially, and today retreads tires for massive operations like the US Postal Service + Amazon.

Read on to see how this local entrepreneur got his start.
Day and Night Tires: Then and now
News Notes
Ranked
  • No. 4. That’s what Lakeland ranked on US News & World Report’s list of the Fastest Growing Places in the US. According to the report, the city’s net migration was 3.5% from 2020 to 2021 (read: More people are moving in than moving out). (US News & World Report)
Civic
  • Help improve local walkability by volunteering for a three-year term on Polk County’s Sidewalk Advisory Committee. Applications will close on Tuesday, Aug. 15. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
  • Bonnet Springs Park will hold its first Hispanic Heritage Celebration, “Bienvenido a BSP,” on Saturday, Oct. 7. The free event will feature cultural performances, an artisan market, and a live concert by the Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda.
Closing
  • Dissent Craft Brewing will close its doors permanently after Sunday, Sept. 3. The brewery shared that its building at 125 S. Kentucky Ave. was sold, so it will focus on its St. Petersburg location and local distribution.
Family
  • Common Ground Playground will be closed from Monday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 25 while crews trim trees. Find another nearby park to enjoy in the meantime with our guide.
Stat
  • 13%. That’s what percentage of American homes are estimated to keep backyard chickens. Lakelanders are jumping on the craze for fresh eggs and low-maintenance pets. City laws allow residents to keep chickens, with a few exceptions. (LkldNow)
Feel Good
  • Junaid Saqib, a refugee from Pakistan, has been reunited with his wife and daughters after years apart. Aided by a part-time Lakelander and pastor, Junaid found a home in Lakeland with hosts Jim and Jan Plumb. His family has been settling in since arriving in May. (The Ledger)
Eat
  • New ice cream flavors are dropping all the time at Mimi’s Italian Ice, but we’re falling for the new Pumpkin Cheesecake. Visit today at 3120 S. Florida Ave. from 12 to 9 p.m. to try this vegan and gluten-free treat.
Travel
  • Got the travel bug? Orlando International Airport (MCO) is offering new or resuming services to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Amsterdam, Netherlands + Quebec City, Quebec in October. Plan a trip (and see where they’re headed in November).*
Job
  • Are you creative, organized, and dreaming of being a part of a company that ignites a thriving community of entrepreneurs and professionals in Lakeland? Catapult is hiring an Event & Marketing Manager to organize events, build strong relationships, and create effective marketing campaigns. Learn more + apply.*
Watson Clinic
 
Sports

Sports

Playing pickleball in Lakeland
An outdoor pickleball court on a sunny day
Challenge a friend to a pickleball match today. | Image via Google Maps
Have y’all heard about pickleball? Today is National Pickleball Day — the perfect time to pick up the sport, if you ask us. Here’s where you can play in Lakeland:
More ways to play
 
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The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Give back to local students by donating to a school supply drive. Paint Lakeland (1486 Town Center Dr.) is accepting supplies all month, and Jamaican Jerk Kitchen (210 W. 8th St.) will hold a drive throughout the school year.
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