What are magnet and choice schools?

What about Accelerated Academic Programs?

What about career academies?

How can I learn more before choosing a school?

• First Friday: Three Kings Celebration | Friday, Jan. 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Shop downtown where vendors, food trucks, musicians, and makers will line the streets.
• “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” | Friday, Jan. 5-Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW, Winter Haven | $33-$36 | See this comedic musical featuring the residents of the fictional Florida trailer park Armadillo Acres.

• Al Ernst’s Comedy Academy | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 3:30-5:45 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, 19 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven | $75-$95 | Learn the basics of comedy in this interactive class with Carnival Cruise Line’s Entertainer of the Year.
• Jazz into the New Year | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $0-$20 | Enjoy dinner from the Blue Palmetto Cafe and live jazz music on the Terrace.
• Galaxy Love — Date Night Set | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | You and your significant other or friend can paint connecting canvases at this class for two.

• Festival de Aguinaldo / A Latin Christmas Fest | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 12-6 p.m. | Mosaic Park, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | Price of donation | Keep the holiday cheer going at this event with music, food, and vendors.
• Beer Share | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 4 p.m. | Dissent Craft Brewing Company, 125 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Bring a can or bottle of your favorite beer to share with other enthusiasts.

1. Try a new hobby.
2. Find a fun way to move.
3. Go organic with groceries.

• Access to wholesale pricing (products are up to 30% off traditional grocery stores)
• Free two-day shipping with orders $49+
• All organic or non-GMO food
• Guaranteed price matching and more

• There are plenty of local updates in store for 2024, from changes to parks to a new makers village planned for downtown Lakeland. Check out the developments that city officials are most excited to see this year. (The Ledger)

• Speaking of park upgrades, construction is set to begin this month to complete Three Parks Trail. Using $305,200 from the Florida Department of Transportation, the city will connect the trail between Cleveland Heights Golf Course, the Lakeland Family YMCA, and Peterson Park. (The Ledger)

• Happy hour is about to get even better. Nineteen61 is building a rooftop bar above its dining space, with plans to complete construction by April. The bar will be enclosed + air-conditioned, with views of Munn Park. (LkldNow)

• If you’re interested in serving the community, apply for Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course by Monday, Jan. 15. The free course will include four full-day sessions from February to April at locations around the county.

• Harmony United Psychiatric Care is expanding its locations across Central Florida, including a new office in Lakeland. Its clinic at 500 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 330 is now open Monday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m. (Business Observer FL)

• If you’re cleaning the house and getting rid of luggage, Peace River Center is accepting donations for domestic violence survivors. Donate luggage and other gently used items at the Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe or Victim Services Empowerment Boutique — see drop-off locations + hours.

• Celebrate Florida Arbor Day with a workshop on using native trees in your landscaping. UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the City of Lakeland Water Utilities department will host the free event at The Nectary (1047 E. Main St.) on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.

• On Wednesdays, we eat wings. The Back Nine is now offering all-you-can-eat chicken wings on Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to close for $18 with the purchase of a beverage. Which of the nine sauces and dry rubs will you try first?

• Strawberry shortcake is back on the menu at Parkesdale Market. This season, you can also get a gluten-friendly version of Florida’s official state dessert, or try the new plant-based strawberry shake.

• 12%. The percentage of the US population diagnosed with diabetes — a disease that can lead to potentially life-threatening complications when left unmanaged. Learn how to take control of your diabetes with the help of Watson Clinic’s Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.*

• One of our top New Year’s resolutions? Getting our finances in order. Money Pickle matches you with a trusted advisor tailored to your needs through a complimentary video call to help you navigate your money. Book your free session.*

• Got 2024 travel plans? Sign up for a free Going account and get notified when flights are up to 90% off. Hello, trip of your dreams.*

• We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about Lakeland. This person is passionate about storytelling, news, and the city we call home. See details + apply.