The history

Who made it best?

Where can I get one?

• Silver Ring Cafe | 306 S. Central Ave. | This spot claims to serve the “best Cubans in town,” and based on the post’s comment section, they may be right. You can be the judge Monday-Saturday.
• Divicious Deli | 128 E. Main St. | Order the Divicious Cuban, and, if you’re feeling extra, order it with avocado.
• Elena’s Cuban Cafe | 2246 E. Edgewood Dr. | Ask for the Cuban sandwich stuffed with two croquettes.
• Cuban Delight Cafe | 1039 E. County Rd. 540A | Regulars here rave about the Cuban sandwich, as well as the rice + beans and the croquettes.
• Julio’s Sandwich Shop | 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 33 | Our follower @kimknaisch claims that Julio’s is the place for a great non-pressed Cuban sandwich.
• Strawberry Hut | 743 E. Memorial Blvd. | This spot was voted “Best Cuban Sandwich” 15 years in a row — try it for yourself at the Lakeland or Plant City location.
• Ole Tampa Cubans | 4525 S. Florida Ave. | This biz has locations in Mulberry, Plant City, and Lakeland — the Lakeland location is in the same plaza at Julio’s Sandwich Shop, just in case you want to try both + compare.
• West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant | 2215 S. Combee Rd. | Reader Terry D. shared this spot with us. Try the Cubano, an “authentic Cuban sandwich,” for $7.50.

• Take & Make: Adult Craft Kits To Go | Monday, Aug. 21 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, locations vary, Lakeland | Free | Pick up a craft kit from any of the Lakeland Public Library’s locations to create a new piece at home.
• Hip Hop Fitness | Monday, Aug. 21 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Pop, lock, and drop in this upbeat fitness class for ages 16+ — just bring your own water, towel, and mat.

• Help Build Bikes for Lakeland Youth! | Tuesday, Aug. 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Volunteer to build bicycles for kids in the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County — tools and instructions will be provided.
• Lunch & Learn: Business Accelerator Mindest | Tuesday, Aug. 22 | 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, 35 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | $0-$10 | All are invited to this session with Kelly Fischer of Royal Fischer Business Coaching — lunch is served 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

• Author Talk with Cassandra Clare, Author of “The Mortal Instruments” Series | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 8-9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join other Lakelanders for an online conversation with mega-bestselling author, Cassandra Clare, about her newest and final book in “The Last Hours” series, “Chain of Thorns.”

• Prime Air, Amazon’s in-house air freight service, will add two more jets to its operations at Lakeland Linder after canceling all of its operations in Tampa. Each jet brings in ~$175,000 in revenue for LAL. (The Ledger)

• Construction on I-4 will cause lane closures this week. Expect double-lane closures from County Road 557 to Osceola County, and the closure of the eastbound exit ramp at Kathleen Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Wednesday and Friday. (The Ledger)

• Congratulations to kidsPACK and SPCA Florida, the two local nonprofits that received the most nominations in our Publix Giveback Giveaway, sponsored by Publix. Look forward to learning more about the good work they do in our community in an upcoming newsletter. And thank you to all the Lakelanders who participated.*

• Lakeland Police Department seeks to renew its contract with the company that operates 18 red light cameras across Lakeland. The department also requested cameras at the intersection of Kathleen Road and George Jenkins Boulevard, as well as East Parker Street and North Florida Avenue. (LkldNow)

• Polk County Public School maintenance has completed over 600 of the 755 work orders they’ve received regarding failing air-conditioning systems in classrooms. Officials say the surge of outage reports comes from record high temperatures in the county. (LkldNow)

• The Second Sunday Artisan Market will return to Lakeside Village on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 12 to 5 p.m. The market is seeking vendors to share their time, talent, and one-of-a-kind goods with hundreds of shoppers. Sign up.

• After over three months and $225,000 in renovations, the City Commission Chamber is open once again in City Hall. Commissioners will return today to new audio and video equipment, most of which was up to 30 years old. (LkldNow)

• Head to Agape Agora in Winter Haven on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a Caribbean-themed wine dinner with former Seasoned Stone owner and chef Rex. Enjoy tostones, antipasto salad, flank steak, and carrot cake, each with a unique wine pairing from Obscure Wines. Tickets are $120.

• The Bartow City Commission will vote today on a new ordinance which would allow alcohol sales after 9 a.m. on Sundays, replacing existing ordinance permitting alcohol to be sold before noon. (The Ledger)

• We recently asked our readers what they want to see go head-to-head in our next bracket. The top answers so far have been sushi or seafood, Cuban sandwiches, or coffee. Settle it for us in this 10-second survey. We can’t wait to crown Lakeland’s next winner.

• Did you know The Junior League has been active in Lakeland for 90 years? What started as a women’s civic organization in 1933 has grown to a membership of 500+ women who have distributed millions of books and clothing items to children in our community all while supporting up-and-coming female leaders.*

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• Rate: $150-$7,500+
• Accommodates 25-450 guests
• Rentable Spaces: Welcome Center Conference Room, Boathouse, and Event Center

• Rate: $250-3,500
• Accommodates 15-200 guests
• Rentable spaces: Outdoor Party Deck, Private Party Room, or a full arcade + bar buyout

• Rate: $500+
• Accommodates 30 seated, 75 standing
• Key features: Refrigerator, freezer, island, and bar, plus plates, glasses, and more available for an additional fee