Destinations to explore

• Madrid, Spain | New destination via Iberojet starting June 23 | Food, architecture, art, gardens, street markets, and soaking in that beautiful Spanish sun. What more could you ask for?
• Santiago, Chile | New destination via LATAM Airlines starting June 16 | With a historic town square dating back to 1541 + a bustling city back-dropped by the Andes Mountains, Chile’s capital city has no shortage of places to explore.
• Monterrey, Mexico | New destination via Viva Aerobus starting May 2 | For city flair, explore La Gran Plaza (one of the world’s largest plazas) — or, for a dose of nature, visit the area’s waterfalls, caves, mountains + canyons.

Destinations to unwind

• Hamilton, Bermuda | New destination via BermudAir starting March 26 | When not unwinding on Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches, experience next-level relaxation at one of its indulgent spas.
• Providenciales, Turks & Caicos | New destination via Southwest starting June 4 | Talk about brilliant turquoise water. Let these stunning beaches put your soul at ease — or try low key activities like snorkeling or boat excursions.
• Reykjavik, Iceland | Service via Icelandair through May 18 and starting Sept. 5 (no service June-Aug.) | While Iceland is an outdoor lover’s paradise, it’s also home to relaxing geothermal experiences like no other. Bonus: The spring + fall equinoxes are prime times to see the Northern Lights.

Destinations for adventure

• Grand Cayman | New destination via Southwest starting June 4 | Interact with stingrays, see water light up in Bioluminescent Bay, or traverse tropical forests and crystal caves.
• San Jose, Costa Rica | New destination via Southwest starting June 4 | Adventure-seekers will love the endless number of outdoor activities in this land of volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers.
• Asheville, North Carolina | New destination via Allegiant starting May 3 | Hike along stunning Blue Ridge Mountain trails and explore a thriving foodie scene.

• Yoga for Beginners | Monday, March 4 | 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 yogis 16 or older.
• After School Art | Monday, March 4 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Parents and children can learn a new art medium together.

• LEGO Club | Tuesday, March 5 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Children and their guardians can build their own LEGO brick creations.
• Classical Music of the World | Tuesday, March 5 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | Free | The Florida Philharmonia Orchestra will perform compositions from around the world.

• Lakeland City Commission SUN ‘n FUN Breakfast | Wednesday, March 6 | 7-8:30 a.m. | Skylight Hangar, SUN ‘n FUN, 3985 Laird Blvd., Lakeland | $28 | Enjoy breakfast, enter to win door prizes, and hear from guest speakers from Avelo Airlines and SUN ‘n FUN.
• Be Fearless | Wednesday, March 6 | 9-11 a.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | $25 | Speakers will share about overcoming fear to pursue goals in honor of Women’s History Month.

• Jukebox Bingo & Brother Burgers | Thursday, March 7 | 5 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Listen for the songs on your bingo card for a chance at $10 off your tab.
• The Reserve Book Club | Thursday, March 7 | 5:30-6:50 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Meet with other readers to discuss “Maame” by Jessica George.

• Tom’s Elton Tribute | Friday, March 8 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $30-$40 | Say “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and hello to this Elton John tribute band.
• Turn Up Dance Fitness | Friday, March 8 | 7-8 p.m. | Just Dance Academy, 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This high energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery.

• Lakeland’s Charter Review Committee is considering changing the city commissioner election process. Proposed changes would have district residents, rather than all Lakeland residents, elect each commissioner. Voters could see this referendum on their November 2025 municipal election ballot. (LkldNow)

• PCPS recently announced Stephanie Carte as its new Exceptional Student Education parent liaison. Since starting in November, Carte has already handled 100+ cases focused on helping families navigate the school system and providing student resources.

• The Polk County History Center in Bartow will host a tour of Evergreen Cemetery, the oldest documented Black cemetery in Polk County, on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. Notable figures buried in the cemetery include L.B. Brown, Dr. Ossian Sweet, and Andy + Tamer Moore. (Bay News 9)

• Loni Lebanoff, a business owner from Winter Haven, will appear on season 13 of Prime Video’s “The Blox” a competition focused on entrepreneurship. Lebanoff owns CogniTutor, a personalized tutoring service that was one of 100 businesses chosen for the show.

• Join the Polk Museum of Art’s Executive Director Alex Rich and a panel of experts on Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. for “Drinks with the Director.” RSVP and submit your suggestions for art history pioneers you’d like to see discussed in this interactive conversation.

• Put on those boogie shoes, kiddos — it’s time to get funky. Funky Friends will host its second dance and creative play for kids of all ages at ART/ifact (820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 201) on Saturday, March 16, 1-3 p.m. Tickets are $15/family.

• Have you been to the Lakeside Second Sunday Market at Lakeside Village yet? We visited the monthly market that brings together 80+ small businesses and live musicians — and experienced a world of discoveries. See what we loved most.*

• ICYMI happyfastdelicious is now Andrew’s Coffee — and the recently reopened drive-thru on South Florida Avenue wants to help you change your routine (think: goodbye Starbucks and Dunkin). Making it easy: Purchase five drinks in March and get five drinks free in April (or up it to 10 + get 10 free in April).*

• Visiting another city and looking for a brunch as good as Frescos’? Check a map. Having trouble picking a credit card? Check The Ascent. They recommend this card for its incredible perks (like 0% interest on balance transfers for almost two years + 2% cash back).*