Intersect Development project

Suntrax autonomous vehicle test facility

Florida Polytechnic University

• Author Talk with Rick Steves | Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn the latest tips for traveling to Europe from Rick Steves, a TV host and author of the new travel guidebook “Europe through the Back Door.”
• Tacos, Margaritas + BINGO! At The Back Nine | Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.

• Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — locations vary by day.

• Friendship Bracelet Making Party | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Grab your fellow Swifties and head to Lakeside Village to make friendship bracelets, listen to music + get free CMX tickets — supplies available while they last.
• Child of the Sun Night of Music 2023 | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy this symphony and jazz band concert inspired by the architecture around the auditorium and campus.

• Friday the Fur-Teenth Pet Parade | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6:45-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Get in the Howl-O-Ween spirit at this pet parade featuring a costume contest, drink specials, and more — contest entries will be accepted from 6:45-7:30 p.m.
• Superstition: Exhibition, Art Party, and Market | Friday, Oct. 13 | 7-11:11 p.m. | ART/ifact, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 2, Lakeland | $13 | Browse art by seven lucky Central Florida artists and shop for oddities in the dark market.

• Plant Pop-Up in Munn Park | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Plant and garden vendors will sell everything you need for your fall foliage.

• Performances, DJ, petting zoo, train rides, rock climbing, and more (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

• Live music + food trucks (12-4 p.m.)
• Free admission to the Florida Children’s Museum (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• Live concert by Viva Gaia
• Screening of “Jumanji” (1995)
• Fireworks at 9 p.m.

• You’ll find two new names on the ballot under District At-Large Seat 2 this November: Kay Klymko and Dennis Odisho. The candidates are running for the seat of sitting Commissioner Chad McLeod, who is seeking a second four-year term. (The Ledger)

• Tenoroc High School is one of nine schools seeing its first class of 3DE students graduate at the end of this school year. The program, which launched in 2020, gives students hands-on business experience with partners like Delta Airlines, UPS, and more. (Bay News 9)

• “National Security, Surveillance, and AI: The Evolution, History, and Implications on Today’s Society.” That’s the title of the talk that David Shedd, former acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, will give at Southeastern University on Monday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. in the Welcome Center’s Lake Bonny Room.

• Ever wondered what it’s like to be a citrus grower? Check out this Q+A with Martha Roe Burke, owner of Camellia Groves in Winter Haven. Martha was raised by citrus growers, served on the Florida Citrus Commission for six years, and opened the 32-acre lemon farm in retirement. (The Ledger)

• With mortgage rates climbing towards 8%, a Lakeland assistance program is dispersing income-based, interest-free deferred loans to homebuyers for down payments + closing costs. Housing and Neighborhood Development Services of Central Florida (HANDS) was contracted by the City of Lakeland + Polk County. (WFTS)

• Polk County is hosting a health + social services fair on Saturday, Oct. 21 at West Area Foundational Learning Center (604 S. Central Ave.), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Attend to learn about nutrition, social services programs, and more. Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and more will also be available.

• Safari Wilderness was featured by Spectrum News 13 — and it’s pretty clear why. The Swan City hidden gem boasts unique experiences like feeding cheetahs, ATV, kayak, and camel tours, and more. Pro tip: Online reservations are mandatory. (Spectrum News)

• Feasts of Persia is setting up shop at a new location: Union Hall. Head to the grand opening, happy hour, and housewarming party on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. While supplies last, guests can claim a free meal + gift.

• #TerraceTabletop: Boo-gie on down to the Terrace Grille Lakeland for a Halloween-themed brunch on Saturday, Oct. 28 + Sunday, Oct. 29. Brunchers will enjoy festive goodies, fall flavors, and lively music — and are encouraged to come dressed in costume. Make a reservation.*

• It’s day one of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. Shop deals on home, kitchen, fashion, and tech, like 11% off the Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner.*