Public courses

Grab a bite on site

Members only

• Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 5 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, Aug. 16 | 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.

• Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels.
• Trivia Thursdays! | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | It’s a beautiful day to save lives — or at least, to test your knowledge at this “Grey’s Anatomy” themed trivia night.

• Darra Raquel & Best Dressed Eggs | Friday, Aug. 18 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | You don’t have to dress up to enjoy food truck bites from 5 to 9 p.m. and live music from 7 to 10 p.m.

• Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 5 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch astounding stunts by this team that’s been water skiing for over 100 years.

• Amazon has announced that it will consolidate its operations at Tampa International Airport to Lakeland Linder International Airport this fall. The air cargo facility at LAL opened in 2020, and Amazon says it offers more space and flexibility. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• Food + Beer will open its first Lakeland location at 3615 S. Florida Avenue, Ste. 1350 on Monday, Aug. 21. The sports bar will feature (you guessed it) plenty of beer and bites, but you’ll also find seasonal menu items and vegan eats. Plus, it’s open until 2 a.m. (The Ledger)

• No. 3,271. That’s what Lakeland-based business Dugout Mugs ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies. It saw 155% three-year growth. Iceberg Air Conditioning & Heating from Winter Haven also made the list at No. 2,435. (Inc.)

• City officials are considering removing a pedestrian refuge island from the median of South Florida Avenue, south of Hickory Street. The change comes after an ambulance struck the median and crashed into the former Proud Gator store this weekend. Officials will study the island’s traffic before moving forward with removal. (LkldNow)

• Polk County commissioners recently voted to approve industrial land use for a business park in Mulberry’s Rolling Hills area despite area residents’ opposition. In addition to the business park, the rural area will also be home to a TECO solar energy farm and a hydrogen plant. (The Ledger)

• Sheriff’s, police, and fire departments from across Polk County will host a Freedom Walk and candlelight ceremony in remembrance of 9/11. The event will take place on Monday, Sept. 11 in Winter Haven’s South Central Park at 5:30 p.m.

• 580,000. That’s how many people in Florida are currently estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. First United Methodist Church’s Memory Cafe aims to help Lakelanders experiencing memory loss and their loved ones. Read the program coordinator’s tips for caring for those with dementia.

• Join Lakeland Regional Health and the YMCA of West Central Florida on Saturday, Oct. 14 for Hoopin’ for Health — a 3-on-3 basketball tournament promoting fun, cardio activity, and health screenings for all. Register your team today (or join the cheering crowds). Here’s hoopin’ your team does well.*

• Imagine waking up to a waterfront view or enjoying an evening cocktail overlooking the green. The luxury homes at Grasslands West all feature unobstructed views of either water or the nearby golf course. See for yourself.*

• Celebrate LALtoday’s birthday with 20% off items in our online store, Six & Main. Use code LALBIRTHDAY at checkout.

• It’s Going’s biggest sale of the year. Buy an Elite membership and finally get notified when first + business class flights are 40-90% off. The sale ends Thursday, Aug. 31.

• The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.

• Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.