Culture

Wake up and smell the...

• Coffee
• Donuts
• Biscuits
• Bagels

Head to work at...

• A coffee shop
• A coworking space
• The Lakeland Public Library
• Somewhere outdoors (weather permitting)

Today I’m writing...

• How to keep your New Year’s resolutions in Lakeland
• What does the City Manager’s department do?
• Businesses opening in 2024

Sweat it out at...

• The Balance Culture
• Earn Your Stripes Lakeland
• A public park
• Yoga Pointe

Grab lunch...

• In North Lakeland
• In South Lakeland
• Downtown
• In Dixieland

Which activity should I do?

• Tour the “Timeless Origins: The Art of Reynier Llanes” exhibit at Polk Museum of Art
• Take a stroll around Lake Mirror’s many sculptures

Head to __________ for happy hour.

• Revival
• Dissent Brewing
• Terrace Grille
• Swan Brewing

• Musical Mondays at El Retiro | Monday, Dec. 11 | 10-11 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $40-$60 | Dr. Charles J. Hulin of Southeastern University will perform a piano concert, followed by a private tour of the El Retiro home.
• New to Yoga | Monday, Dec. 11 | 4-5 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $14-$88 | Find your flow for the first time in this class for beginners.

• Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 12-1 p.m. | Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
• Graphic Novel Talk | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7-8 p.m. | Revival, 119 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free | Discuss “Klaus: How Santa Claus Began” with other graphic novel readers.

• Lunch and Learn: The Power of Action | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 12-1 p.m. | COhatch Lakeland, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the seven Principles of Action with Kelly Fischer of Royal Fischer Business Solutions — bring your own lunch or purchase one for $5.
• “Dirty Dancing In Concert” | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $45-$95 | Have the time of your life as a band and singers perform songs set to clips from the movie.

• A Magical Snowy Wonderland | Thursday, Dec. 14-Friday, Dec. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Watch the snowflakes swirl around Lakeside Village’s iconic tree at the top of each hour on select nights through December.
• University of Florida Men’s Basketball vs. East Carolina | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $25-$110 | The Gators will face off against the Pirates in their first game together.

• Light Up BSP | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the season with free nightly holiday-themed events, including live music concerts, visits with Santa, seasonal food + drinks, family-friendly activities, and so much more.*

1. The Savvy Oak Dough Bowl Candle is unique and smells amazing.
2. Holiday parties just got better with the savory Appalachian Trail Mix.
3. Glassware featuring our city’s skyline is a festive way to toast to the holidays.
4. Celebrate the city and state we all love with artwork great for any home or office.
5. Perfectly curated gift sets are excellent go-to presents for the holidays.

• Lakeland commissioners + city staff will discuss a potential development near Florida Polytechnic University this week. The City of Auburndale will also discuss it during a public hearing on Dec. 18. Lakeland leaders raised concerns about the project, citing misalignment with their goals for a live-work-play district in the area. (The Ledger)

• No. 9. That’s what Polk County ranked nationwide on Lightcast’s eighth annual Talent Attraction Scorecard for attracting and maintaining workforce talent. Meet Lakeland’s top industries + employers.

• 140,000. That’s how many homes in unincorporated Polk County will no longer receive curbside recycling pickup come October 2024. According to county commissioners, the service costs Polk $100 per ton of recyclables. To continue recycling, residents can enlist a private company or bring materials to the Polk County Landfill. (WFTS)

• Tickets are on sale for “The Crystal Nutcracker” on Sunday, Dec. 17, 3-5 p.m. at the Polk Theatre. Get yours now to watch this classic tale unfold with a twist as Clarice and the Nutcracker Prince embark on an exciting and courageous adventure.

• Holiday pre-orders are open at Bandidas. Choose from a holiday cookie platter; cranberry + orange cake; ginger, pear, and date cake; chocolate peppermint sponge rolls; or lemon coconut tres leches. Or, for maximum merriment, get one of each.

• Central Florida Aerospace Academy students honored Jaxon Crabtree, who died last Tuesday, at the Lakeland Christmas Parade by marching with his photo. A good Samaritan is also acting as a crossing guard at the intersection of Pipkin Road + Medulla Road in his memory. (WFLA)

• The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.” Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show. (NASA)

• Do your New Year’s resolutions include AC TLC? If not, consider adding a checkup to that list. Even if all seems well, preventative maintenance keeps units running longer + more efficiently, meaning fewer breakdowns and lower monthly bills. Snag a Payne Protection Program and enjoy discounts and more in 2024.*

• Rate: $500+
• Accommodates 30 seated, 75 standing
• 1,200 sqft
• Key features: Refrigerator, freezer, island, and bar, plus plates, glasses, and more available for an additional fee

• Rate: $150-$7,500+
• Accommodates 25-450 guests
• Rentable spaces: Welcome Center Conference Room, Boathouse, and Event Center

• Rate: $150-$1,000+
• Accommodates 8-70 guests
• Rentable spaces: The Tanks, The Square, The North Side, and The South Side