Polk County Public Schools

Florida Southern College

Southeastern University

Polk State College

Florida Polytechnic University

• Panel of Experts: Empowering Through Engagement | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 3-5 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Learn about how business engagement affects education from thought leaders and experts in K-12 education.
• BSP Photo Club | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 5-6 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Photography enthusiasts can bring a camera to snap pictures in the park with other photographers.

• Jukebox Bingo & Cousins Maine Lobster | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Order from Cousins’ food truck and listen for the songs on your Bingo card.
• Before You Test: DNA Basics You Need to Know | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn the ins and outs of DNA testing from expert Drew Smith.

• “Nam — A Musical Drama of the Vietnam War” | Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 5 | Times vary | Stage Room, 310 E. Lemon St., Lakeland | $15 | This 1960s jukebox musical tells the story of the Vietnam War through the eyes of two brothers.
• Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Nov. 3 | 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+.

• 2023 Polk County Heart Walk | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 8 a.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join a walk starting at 9 a.m. to raise funds for the American Heart Association.
• Women’s Self-Defense Classes | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Enhance personal safety, elevate confidence, and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 15 and up.

• “Cinderella” | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $16-$18 | Don’t forget your glass slipper at this student production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved musical.
• Paint Pour! | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $45 | Try your hand at this new experience — no brushes needed.

1. Drop off dog + cat food at these seven Lakeland Fire Stations
2. Drop off food at SPCA Florida’s Administration Office
3. Order through SPCA Florida’s Amazon or Walmart wishlist
4. Donate funds

• The City of Lakeland has changed the route for this year’s Lakeland Christmas Parade. Rather than wrapping around Lake Morton, floats will now travel down Massachusetts Avenue, turn west on Lake Morton Drive, and then back up Tennessee Avenue. The city cited public + swan safety and lakeshore management costs for the change.

• The state of Florida recently purchased 17,342 acres from landowners in a conservation easement. The $37 million transaction allows landowners to maintain their ownership and right to use the land for agriculture. It also places restrictions on how the land may be developed in the future. (Tampa Bay Business & Wealth)

• No. 2. That’s where Lakeland Regional Health ranks among the nation’s busiest emergency departments. In 2022, LRH’s emergency department saw ~550 patients per day. Why so busy? According to LRH’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Regan, the hospital’s level 2 trauma center is the largest in the county. (The Ledger)

• Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is hosting its 27th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Whether you’re a regular VISTE volunteer or looking to participate for the first time, apply online.

• $20,515.96. That’s how much Early Learning Coalition of Polk County raised for United Way of Central Florida. Members from the organization’s Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven offices worked together for the cause.

• A free business workshop — “The Psychology of Business Success or Failure” — is happening this Thursday, Nov. 2, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce (35 Lake Morton Dr.). Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp. consultant James Randolph will instruct on topics like funding, client relationships, and more. (LkldNow)

• Mark your calendar for Dox-A-Palooza, Florida’s “premier wiener dog party” on Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wiener dog races, auctions, raffles, a costume contest, and more will raise proceeds for DARE (Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education). Dogs will also be available for adoption — pre-approval is required. (Fox 13 News)

• Calling all small business owners. Connect with others at Bizfest: Where Dreams Take Flight on Dec. 16, 12-5 p.m. Showcase your goods and services at the small business expo just in time for the holiday season. The event will also feature Santa, photo ops, food trucks, and other local vendors looking to build connections.

• November is National Aviation Month. Lakeland has a rich history with the industry — from hosting the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In to teaching the next generation of aviators at Central Florida Aerospace Academy.

• Do you know the leadership skills it takes to advance in a growing world marketplace? Find out by getting a (fully online) MA in Leadership at Southeastern University. Career possibilities include Operations Manager, Organization Director, Entrepreneur, Brand Manager + more. See courses.*

• This innovative robotic technology is revolutionizing pancreatic cancer treatment. Not only does it result in a more accurate + less invasive procedure, but also better outcomes. Learn about the procedure, available at Lakeland Regional Health (the only provider in Polk County offering the cutting-edge technique).*