03.08.2024

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Today’s Forecast

85º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. | Sunset 6:33 p.m.

Kids

🛝 Lakeland is our playground

A photo of a fire station-themed playground with a toddler going down a slide and his mother assisting him.

Take your kids to Common Ground Playground from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Photo courtesy of @repservicesfl

We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions to hidden gems, you’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of kid-friendly activities around the 863.

All about the arts

Art Centric Studio 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 180
Kids can create art pieces and crafts with step-by-step classes. Editor’s pick: Try Kidz Night Out, a weekly Saturday night event where kids ages 6-10 can be dropped off to complete a painting, have some pizza, and play some games — all for less than the cost of a babysitter.

Educational activities

Snapology, Locations vary
Kids can explore the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and the Arts (STEAM) through one of Snapology’s community programs or camps. Pro tip: Snapology also offers birthday parties.

Great outdoors

A large treehouse — Take the kids to this 500-sqft aerial tree house at Bonnet Springs Park.
|
Photo by @wakeupsunshinephotography

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This 180-acre adventure park has more than 1.75 miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands. It also features an exhibition gallery and roof garden terrace.

Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tie up your sneakers and explore 8.5 miles of scenic trails. Remember to leave no trace.

Movin’ and groovin’

Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave.
If your child has a flair for the dramatic, Lakeland Community Theatre offers musical theater, drama, and dance classes for children in grades K-12.

Animal encounters

Gator + Snake at Circle B Bar Reserve — You can see alligators, snakes, and more at Circle B Bar Reserve | Photo by Linda Waring at BirdWalk Photography

Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Take the whole family to this nature reserve. Untouched natural spaces and trails lead to sights where you can appreciate wildlife and waterfront views.

Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E. Orange St.
Stop in to this cafe where you can grab a snack, play a game, or cuddle up with adoptable cats from Saving Paws Rescue of Florida.

17 more spots the kids will love

Events

Friday, March 8

Florida Strawberry Festival 2024 | Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City | $4-$15 | Celebrate all things strawberry with fair rides, entertainment, and plenty of berry-themed food + drinks.
Gallery Perspectives | Friday, March 8 | 12-1 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Get an in-depth look at the “Rockwell/Wyeth: Icons of Americana” exhibit with museum director Dr. Alex Rich.
Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, March 8 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.

Saturday, March 9

Mind, Body, Movement: Step Aerobics | Saturday, March 9 | 9-10 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Get your heart rate up with a cardio session led by T. Fitness & Wellness.
Percy Jackson Party | Saturday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Release your inner hero with activities, crafts, and games for kids ages 7-13.
Miss Lakeland Scholarship Competition | Saturday, March 9 | 6 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $25 | Cheer on contestants as they compete for scholarship dollars and the chance to represent Swan City at Miss Florida.

Sunday, March 10

Mini Tarot Readings | Sunday, March 10 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Crystal Gaze in the flow, 213 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland | $25 | Meet a local Tarot reader and get your own mini reading.
Lakeside Second Sunday Market | Sunday, March 10 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Explore 80+ vendors, enjoy live music by Patty Kenoly, and join Easter egg giveaways for kids.*
Forever Elvis ’73 | Sunday, March 10 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $25-$59 | Decades after Elvis Presley’s performance at the Polk Theatre, impersonator Dwight Icenhower will take the stage for a tribute.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Traffic

Polk County commuters will see some slight traffic delays today at the right turn lane from US 98 South onto County Road 540A westbound due to a major water main break. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day. (LkldNow)

Number

$74,900. That’s how much MidFlorida Credit Union donated to renovate a meeting room in the Coleman-Bush Building into a premiere eSports center. After seven months of construction, the center is now open with 20 gaming stations and daily programming from 5 to 7 p.m. (The Ledger)

Health

Watson Clinic’s search for a new Chief Operating Officer has come to an end. The Clinic announced that Rebecca Pacatte has assumed the role after serving in various positions with the organization for more than three decades.

Job

LPD will host a Women in Law Enforcement career fair and panel discussion on Tuesday, March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the station (219 N. Massachusetts Ave.). Guests will hear stories from current female officers + dispatchers and get their questions answered about employment with LPD.

Plan Ahead

Lakeland Leads will host its annual awards dinner on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park Event Center. The gala-style event will celebrate collaborations between Polk County educators and business leaders, with all proceeds going towards bolstering career academies in Polk County schools.

Arts

The 52nd Mayfaire by-the-Lake festival is coming up on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. This celebration of all things artistic draws 15,000+ visitors to Swan City annually. Check out what we’ve done in years’ past so you can sketch out your weekend plans.

Try This

Create your own terrarium at Lakeland’s The Rustic Jungle, a DIY terrarium bar located at Austin’s Backyard Garden in Dixieland Relics (949 S. Florida Ave.). Pro tip: The experiences are BYOB, so you can pop some bubbly while you build your mini ecosystem.

Seasonal

It’s almost time to set the clocks forward. Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Many states have made moves to address time change, but for now enjoy the extra sunlight.

Watch

The Academy Awards air this Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Not sure how to watch? Access the broadcast with a free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM.*

Today Is

🎮 Get your game on

Celebrate National Retro Video Game Day with these Lakeland gaming hubs

The Rec Room | Image via @thelaltoday

Calling all classic video game lovers — it’s your time to shine. Today is National Retro Video Game Day and we’ve got a list of pixel perfect places to celebrate in Lakeland.

Play

Family Fun Center, 4825 S. Florida Ave. | This family-friendly center features 100+ video and arcade games, including classics like “Pac-Man” and “Galaga.”

Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. | Air hockey, Skee-Ball, and pinball —oh my. Find classic games galore in this downtown spot. Pro tip: While the arcade is family-friendly during the day, it’s 21+ after 9 p.m.

Buy & Sell

Cyber Sage Video Games, 4676 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | With owners boasting 25+ years of industry experience, this shop focuses on bringing you the best new and used classic games.

Game Attic, 3800 US Highway 98 N. | This Lakeland Square Mall staple is home to one of Florida’s largest selections of retro and updated video games and consoles.

The Buy

The Buy 3.08.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Dog walks around the block just got more stylish.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

I’ve never been much of a gamer (unless we’re counting The Sims), but I do carry a healthy appreciation for the classics. Fun fact: Before I became a Lakelander, I was born and raised in New Hampshire, which is home to the American Classic Arcade Museum.

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