City

Namiah Simpson

Mike Cooper

• LKLD Shuffle | Friday, Oct. 13 | 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.
• 5th Annual Paws for Patriots Fundraiser | Friday, Oct. 13 | 7-10 p.m. | White Horse Ranch, 5718 Yates Rd., Lakeland | $75 | Cigar Life will host this event with a dinner and auctions to raise money for guide dogs for veterans.

• Wings ‘n Waffles | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 9-10 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland | $0-$10 | Enjoy a breakfast of chicken and waffles while you hear from retired intelligence officer and aerospace medicine physician Colonel Tony Rizzo.
• Nuts About Nature | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the park for a nature-themed craft, play, and learning opportunities for all ages.

• Vintage Blooms | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 4-6 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39-$49 | An artist will walk you through each step to paint a Mason jar filled with flowers.
• Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail | Sunday, Oct. 15| 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City | $27-$57 | Celebrate this attraction’s 10th season with three outdoor haunted trails, a new haunted hayride, escape games, and axe throwing.

• An interactive art experience (alongside local artist Josh “Bump” Galletta)
• Exclusive insights from financial experts on advanced charitable giving strategies
• A presentation from museum CEO, Kerry Falwell, on the intricacies of running a nonprofit
• Networking opportunities

• $55.6 million. That’s Polk County’s budget for the Pipkin Road widening project, which began in the summer of 2021. The project is scheduled to reach completion on Nov. 2, 2024, and contractors say it’s moving along according to schedule. (LkldNow)

• Polk County Public Schools and the Polk Education Association (PEA) union have tentatively agreed to $16.5 million in employee salary increases. PEA members will now vote on the proposed increases. Non-union employees could also see another $2.1 million in benefits.

• Great news from Lake Morton. Doctors at the Swan Roundup found that most of our swans are healthy. The team from My Pet’s Animal Hospital did find that some of the birds are overweight, likely due to being fed bread. Remember: Swans should only eat food provided by the city. (The Ledger)

• Velma Thompson, the oldest resident at Lake Morton Senior Living, celebrated her 105th birthday with a surprise party this week. The guest list of nearly 100 people included her family, Mayor Mutz, and her friends. (The Ledger)

• The Lakeland Rotary Clubs are hosting a Salute to Veterans Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 10 at Heritage Baptist Church (4204 Pipkin Creek Rd.). Join a Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, followed by a parade at 11 a.m.

• Bidding is now open for Talbot House Ministries’ virtual silent auction. Place your bids on theme park tickets, lunch with Sheriff Grady Judd, gift cards to local businesses, and more through Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will support the Unraveling Homelessness fundraiser.

• Haus 820 is hosting a Vendor Showcase on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. If you’re planning your nuptials, buy a ticket to meet with photographers, caterers, florists, and more of the venue’s preferred vendors.

• Leave the pumpkins at home and celebrate Hula-ween at The Joinery’s fourth annual pineapple carving event on Friday, Oct. 27. Tickets include a pineapple and tools for carving, plus two drinks from the bar. Get yours before they sell out.

• What’s the password? Eala’s Speakeasy is holding a Boos and Booze Halloween Swing Party on Saturday, Oct. 28. Swing dance the night away and enjoy Frescos’ tapas menu + cash bar. Pro tip: Private lounges are also available for reservations.

• Experience luxury living in a tranquil environment with Grasslands West, a high-end single family gated rental community that caters to your every need. The community is pet-friendly, and boasts lawn maintenance, pest control + internet services all included. Take your pick from three different floor plans.*

• Noticing hair changes? Root causes of hair thinning can change over time making it difficult to know where to begin. Learn more about how Nutrafol can help.*

• Several tattoo shops are offering deals, including Atomic Tattoos and Lakeland Tattoo Company. Pro tip: Grab your spot in line early.
• If you’re a little -stitious, head to the Superstition art exhibition at ART/ifact studios from 7 to 11:11 p.m. The event will feature a dark market, DJ, and ink by Patterson Tattoos.
• Feline lucky? Cross paths with a new furry friend — bonus points if it’s a black cat. Check out Botany Cats’ mobile cat lounge at tonight’s Friday the Fur-Teenth pet parade at Bonnet Springs Park at 7 p.m.
• It doesn’t get more classic than this — the Polk Theatre is showing “Friday the 13th” at 7:30 p.m.