Stay informed

Food + hurricane kits

Prepare your home

Have an evacuation plan

• If you need to leave your house, stay with someone who has a safe space or relocate out of the area.
• Polk County has 47 public shelters (see map above), three of which identify as special needs shelters and three of which accept certain pets. If you do head to a shelter, don’t forget to bring your medications, water, food, changes of clothes, and other essential items.
• During emergencies, keep an eye on Polk Government Television to see which shelters become activated. Public shelters should be your last resort.

• Lego Club | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 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.
• Harvest Moon | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Kick off fall by painting an eerie treetop — choose a canvas or pallet to paint on.

• “Friends” Trivia Wednesday! | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Bring your lobster with you to compete for prizes at this TV trivia night.
• Storytime @ the Main Library | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Kids aged 2-5 are invited to this storytime featuring activities that promote verbal and listening skills.

• Memory Ministry Workshop | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | First UMC Lakeland, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn tools for communication and promoting positive interactions with friends or family members living with dementia.
• The Aquarian Market — Classical Night | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Wear your formal wear to enjoy vegan eats and performances by Golden Swan Strings.

• First Friday: College Night | Friday, Sept. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the start of September with activities like a rock wall, mechanical bull, food trucks, and discounts for college students.
• Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Sept. 1 | 7:30-10:30 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+.

• Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 9-10 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard and stay to visit the tasting room or restaurant.
• Birding on the Boardwalk | Saturday, Sept. 2 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon during this monthly event — binoculars and birding guides are provided.

• Polk County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 30-Thursday, Aug. 31 to provide shelter spaces if needed during the week. Schools are expected to reopen on Friday, Sept. 1 — any updates will be provided via automated calls, emails, and updates to PCPS’ website and social media accounts.

• New Life Ministries is constructing a three-bedroom house off of Kathleen Road for veterans in need of permanent housing. It will accommodate six residents. The project is funded by a $550,000 allocation from Polk County’s $141 million grant via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (The Ledger)

• Herman Jenkins, a 104-year-old Lakelander, was recognized by Rochelle School of the Arts with a three-dimensional creation laboratory named in his honor. Herman is a Washington Park High School graduate, a World War II veteran, and a professional photographer of Lakeland’s Black youth in the 1950s-1960s. (LkldNow)

• Keel Farms and Keel & Curley Winery were featured by Business Observer. The Plant City biz known for its delicious wines and ciders, farm tours, entertainment, and more has grown from a family business to a $10 million operation. Now, it sells 500,000+ bottles of wine each year. (Business Observer FL)

• $985,957. That’s how much the City of Winter Haven is setting aside for a new outdoor dining project. The pandemic-era trend of eating outside has since become a popular option among downtown diners. Now, 20+ parking spaces will be converted into permanent outdoor patio space. (WFLA)

• 33%. That’s how much some taxes in the City of Bartow could increase according to recent tax notices. The hike is an effort to help the city maintain its independence; fiscally speaking, Bartow is on track to be absorbed by Polk County government. Public meetings are scheduled for this week. (The Ledger)

• Show what you know at Bonnet Springs Park’s first trivia night on Thursday, Aug. 31, 6-7:30 p.m. The park will host trivia on the last Thursday of each month at the Southern Glazer’s Rooftop Bar and offer happy hour deals.

• As Idalia approaches, you probably have a lot of questions. For example: “What should I do if my roof sustains storm damage?” Here’s the answer from locally-based High Tower Roofing. Stay safe out there, LAL.*

• While saving money seems to always be top-of-mind, there are a few Club Publix perks that go beyond saving dollars. See our 411 on the free Publix shopping program + the three perks that make life easier.*

• Dreaming of a startup? Get your biz off the ground with local incubator space, ELEVATE. Owned and operated by the Aerospace Center for Excellence, the shared workspace community provides a dynamic ecosystem where members gain valuable resources, guidance + support to elevate their business ventures. See the three membership levels.*

• How many cards are in your wallet? Make your answer “one.” Earn a $200 sign-up bonus simply by spending $500 in your first three months with this card. Pair that with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months — oh, and unlimited cash back.*