Recreation + things to do

• Lakeland’s winter months are the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Stop by Bonnet Springs Park for fresh air, weekly events, or a drink at the rooftop bar.
• Find your new favorite eatery — we have guides to dog-friendly dining, can’t-miss happy hours, and pleasant patios.
• Antiquing, anyone? Check out Lakeland’s vintage and antique stores to find a new treasure.
• Use our arts and culture guide to find entertainment ranging from theater to symphony orchestras.

Health + wellness

• Need a checkup? Find a doctor at Lakeland Regional Health. The healthcare provider has 18+ locations, bilingual services, and other helpful features.
• Work up a sweat on one of Lakeland’s trails. Pro tip: Take a look at the difficulty level and wheelchair accessibility listed for each trail.

Live like a local

• Did you know we have an entire website dedicated to new and returning Lakelanders? New to Lakeland is your one-stop guide for all things living, working, and playing in Lakeland.
• For events and adventures both in and beyond Lakeland, check out Visit Central Florida. Pro tip: Bookmark the deals and specials page to save on hotels, experiences, dining, and more.
• What’s more local than being an expert on Lakeland news and events? Subscribe to our newsletter or share it with a friend.

• First Friday: Dancing Under the Stars | Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Salute members of the armed forces at this night of dancing in Munn Park.
• “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” | Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 5 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $22-$28 | Find out whodunit in this interactive mystery musical.

• 2023 Polk County Heart Walk | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 8 a.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | Price of donation | Join a walk starting at 9 a.m. to raise funds for the American Heart Association.
• Sip + Shop | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Shop from local artists + small businesses for handmade art, baked goods, and boutique items while sipping on drinks from the taproom.

• SPCA Florida’s 7 Days of Giving | Sunday, Nov. 5-Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Locations vary | Price of donation | Donate dog and cat food at any Lakeland Fire Station to help the SPCA reach its goal of 7,000 pounds of food.
• Art Crawl | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Visit this art festival to view local art, enjoy food and brews, and see live performances.

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Nov. 6 | 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.

• Chief’s Chat with Interim Chief Bryan Dorman | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 7:30-9 a.m. | Unfiltered Coffee, 160 S. Broadway Ave., Bartow | Free entry | Join Bartow Chief of Police Bryan Dorman and his staff for coffee, breakfast, and informal discussion.
• B-I-N-G-O | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Play for prizes and enjoy extra long golden hour drink prices at this monthly Bingo night.

• Snag Christmas trees and garlands at a discount exclusively for Prime members.
• Shop dripless Hanukkah candles with a burn time of 30+ minutes.
• Hang this star and string lights decoration for cheery, twinkling warmth outdoors or indoors.
• Invite winter coziness into your living room with a flannel electric blanket that’s soft and warm.
• Add an elegant light-up birch tree to any space.

• No. 1. That’s what Lakeland ranked in a recent report analyzing the best cities for women in the workplace. The Checkr report factored metrics such as salaries, wage gaps between men and women, and the number of women in management positions. (The Ledger)

• $22,000. That’s what lakeside fencing around Lake Morton would’ve cost the City of Lakeland, hence the change in route. In addition to protecting swans, the fencing would’ve been a necessary precaution for children near the water. In case you missed it, here’s the new route. (WFLA)

• Florida Polytechnic University professor Dr. Muhammad Rashid donated $250,000, plus a matching gift of $250,000, to create the university’s first endowed chair. The Dr. Muhammad Harunur Rashid Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department will help the school recruit a prestigious new faculty member.

• Farmer Fidel Sanchez is hosting a flower festival at 1390 Forbes Rd., Plant City. Sanchez hopes to increase awareness of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that honors loved ones who have died. Stop by to see the Cempasuchil flowers through Sunday, Nov. 5. (Bay News 9)

• Lakeland Regional Health’s free-standing emergency department will open along South Florida Avenue in 2024. Once open, it will help meet Polk’s growing need for healthcare access and reduce travel distance for Lakelanders seeking care. (WFTS)

• Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only show by local artist Michael McArthur on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. The cozy concert at the Polk Museum of Art will feature songs + storytelling. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door — doors open at 7 p.m.

• Get ready to “fall back,” Lakeland. Daylight saving time is coming to an end on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. And if you’re wondering “What about the Sunshine Protection Act?” the bill, which was reintroduced last March, has not become a law. (WTSP)

• The holidays are here at Lakeside Village. The Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off + Tree Lighting takes place Friday, Nov. 10, 6-7 p.m. Bring the whole family for live music, an address from Sheriff Grady Judd, stilt walkers, and the inaugural tree lighting by Santa Claus himself.

• Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — Nov. 25, to be exact. What local businesses will you be supporting + which local deals should we check out? Let us know and we may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter.

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