Plus, Hall of Fame water skiers.
 
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Today’s Forecast

66º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 6:11 p.m.
 

🥇 Let the games begin

Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
If you’re looking to support local older adults, you’re right on target. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
Move over, Olympics. There’s another athletic event coming up that won’t require a ticket to Paris. Get ready for the 31st Polk Senior Games, happening Saturday, Feb. 24-Saturday, March 9 at locations around Polk County.

The Polk Senior Games draw over 2,100 participants, making it one of the largest events of its kind in Florida. This competition is just for older adults to shine — participants must be 50 years or older. This year, there are 38 events, including:
  • Sports like bowling, golf, and basketball
  • Pickleball and tennis
  • Ballroom, social, and square dancing
  • Track events
  • Games and puzzles like chess, bridge, and sudoku
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.

The top competitors will take home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

|

Photo by Polk Senior Games

Competitors will vie for gold medals and a chance at the Florida Senior Games. Big winners could even qualify for the National Senior Games.

There are three ways to get involved. First, if you’re 50 years or older, enter the games to compete. Registration begins at $12 for your first event, plus $5 for each additional event, up to $37. (Some events, like archery + golf, require an extra facility fee.) Registration is open through Friday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.

Swimmers dive into a large pool with divided lanes. Judges sit behind them in chairs, and other swimmers stand around the pool.

Dive into a new experience as an athlete or volunteer.

|

Photo by Polk Senior Games

Not competing this year? An event this large takes a lot of volunteers — over 700, to be exact. Volunteers help market the games and run events. Reach out online to sign up.

The final way to get involved is to cheer on competitors. Check the full 2024 schedule to find a competition near you. Lakeland locations include the Estates At Carpenters, Beerman Family Tennis Center, and Lake Parker Park. Pro tip: Don’t miss the opening ceremony at All Saints Academy (5001 FL-540, Winter Haven) on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8:45 a.m.
Asked

How many people competed in the first Polk Senior Games in 1992?
A. 29
B. 85
C. 273
D. 777
Take a guess
 
Events
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Fun Run, Music Bingo & Big Baby Bitez | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Get moving with Fleet Feet, then hit the patio for a drink.
  • Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Take the stage or support local musicians at this open mic night in downtown Lakeland.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
  • Salsa y Bachata Class | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6:15-8:15 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn one of two popular Latin dances, then show off your moves in a social dance.
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • Collectorama | Thursday, Feb. 8-Saturday, Feb. 10 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $0-$3 | Browse collectible coins, jewelry, and more (pro tip: use the online flyer for free admission).
  • Trivia at Crave | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss this event hosted by Dang Yo Trivia — prizes are on the line.
Friday, Feb. 9
  • Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Feb. 9 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop local makers + artists under the stars.
  • Polk Tales: A Storytelling Festival | Friday, Feb. 9 | 8 p.m. | Ghostlight Lounge at Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | $10 | Hear from nationally recognized storyteller Paul Strickland.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Sports

🏈 Super essentials for game day
A rotating gif of Super Bowl game day essentials, including tees that support Taylor and a slow cooker buffet.
It’s Super Bowl LVIII: Taylor’s Version. | Photos via Amazon
Ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Gear up for hosting, snacking, and cheering on Taylor’s boyfriend your favorite team with game day essentials.
Shop game day favorites
News Notes
Civic
  • Community members requested that the City of Lakeland designate Juneteenth a city holiday in yesterday’s commission meeting. Commissioners asked Lakelanders to email their thoughts to aid in their decision making. (The Ledger)
Community
  • This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade included 140+ floats and participating organizations, and the winners have been announced. See who earned top honors in categories like best professional float, marching band, and dance group. (LkldNow)
Learn
  • Get inspiration to run your business at Catapult’s Lunch with Marcus Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Hall is the entrepreneur behind Marc Nelson Denim, which will open a Lakeland location this year. RSVP online to join for free.
Sports
  • The International Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation will induct two Winter Haven skiers into its Hall of Fame this year. Meet Lynn Novakofski, a former Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show member, and Keith St. Onge, an awarded barefoot water skier. They’ll be inducted this April. (The Ledger)
Number
  • $60,000. That’s how much Polk County teen John Humphreys is raising for an upcoming trip to Antarctica. This isn’t just a spring break vacation. Humphreys has been invited on a diving expedition to research climate change — he’ll be the youngest to take such a trip. (Bay News 9)
Holiday
  • Treat your sweetheart to a purr-fect date night at Kitty Cat Lounge. The cat cafe is offering Valentine’s packages including coffee, cat cuddle sessions, and dinner from three local restaurants: Cob & Pen, The Patio, and Nineteen61. Reservations are limited.
Arts
  • Catch a mandolin performance by Grammy nominee + Lakelander Mike Marshall with mandolin professor Caterina Lichtenberg. The duo will perform at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland (3140 Troy Ave.) on Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Sports
  • Three cheers for these two local cheer teams. Lakeland High School and Bartow High School cheerleaders came out on top at last week’s state championship. LHS won its sixth consecutive state title, and BHS earned the highest score of the competition. (The Ledger)
Kids
  • The Aerospace Center for Excellence is taking story time outdoors. Head there on Friday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. for Story Time Under the Stars. This free special event will feature s’mores and singalongs around the fire.
Eat
  • Publix has released a new ice cream flavor along with its latest limited-edition lineup. Head to a store near you to try the new Vanilla Shortbread Cookie, or opt for returning favorites like Bananas Foster + Peanut Butter Pie. (WFLA)
Finance
  • If you’ve been dreaming of a “one-card wallet,” it’s time to wake up and get your hands on this credit card. Not only does it offer 0% APR into 2025, but cardholders can also earn up to 5% cash back — with no annual fee to boot.*
 
Active

This city was made for runnin’

Lakeland earns a Runner Friendly Community designation
A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
RRCA considers available trails, like the one at Lake Hollingsworth. | Photo by @bigmanadventures72
During the Monday, Feb. 5 city commission meeting, Lakeland was awarded a Runner Friendly Community designation from the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The city will hold the designation for at least the next five years, ensuring that it continues to be a runner’s paradise.

RRCA takes applications for Runner Friendly Communities twice a year, considering infrastructure, support from the community + government, and additional support for runners. Cities must re-apply for the designation every five years and, not to brag, but there aren’t any others currently active in Florida.

Sarah Kozul presented the city with the designation, recognizing the efforts of the Lakeland Runners Club in partnership with the city and spots like Bonnet Springs Park to offer running opportunities for Lakelanders.

Ready to run? Lace up your shoes and check out our guide to running in Lakeland.
The Buy

The Buy 2.06.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This set of six colored wine glasses, which remind us of Estelle stemware, only more affordable. The multicolor stemware set is perfect for parties, Galentine’s Day, or girls’ night in.
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The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
I saw “Titanic” at the Silvermoon Drive-In this weekend, and let’s just say I was glad to be in the privacy of my car as I bawled my eyes out. It’s showing through Tuesday, Feb. 13 if you need a good cry sesh, too.
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