For those who enjoy working out alongside others

For those who want one-on-one training

For those looking for flexibility and variety

• Full STEAM Ahead | Friday, March 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Children and family members can take part in new science, technology, engineering, arts, or math activities each day.
• St. Patrick’s Weekend Shenanigans | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | 12-7 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music and food truck eats.
• Bartow’s Unparade | Friday, March 15 | 5:30-6 p.m. | Nye Jordan Park, 800 E. Stuart St., Bartow | Free | Get wacky with a wild parade from the park to Friday Fest in downtown Bartow.

• Florida PolyCon | Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Florida Polytechnic University, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland | $8-$60 | Students will host a sci-fi-themed “celebration of geek culture” featuring cosplay + exhibitors — parking is $5.
• 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party | Saturday, March 16 | 11-2 a.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | The festivities last all day long with a full food menu, green beer, and live entertainment.
• St. Patrick’s Block Party | Saturday, March 16-Sunday, March 17 | 12-11:59 p.m. | The Brass Tap, 1515 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | There’s no cover charge to enjoy drink specials, live music, and giant yard games.
• Seraph Brass Quintet | Saturday, March 16 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $0-$10 | Hear this group of five top female brass musicians from around the US.

• Glass Painting — Shamrock Beer Mugs | Sunday, March 17 | 12-3 p.m. | Dissent Craft Brewing, 125 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $39 | All materials will be provided for this seasonal paint and sip class.

• Once considered a novelty, “grapefruit” got its name from the grape-like clusters it grows in.
• Florida grows 60% of the US’ grapefruits, making the state the nation’s top producer.
• Make it: Grapefruit and Ricotta Salad

• Cauliflower (or “cabbage flower”) is actually an unbloomed flower.
• Eating low carb? Cauliflower is a tasty sub for rice.
• Make it: Spiced Salmon with Mango Salsa and Cauliflower “Rice”

• Red and yellow bell peppers are overly ripe (and sweeter) green bell peppers. Bonus: Paprika is made from red bell peppers.
• Bell peppers are not hot because they don’t contain capsaicin — the compound that makes hot peppers hot.
• Make it: Jamaican-Style Pepper Steak

• Polk County was the most popular county for new movers in 2023, according to recently released US Census Bureau data. Over 29,000 new residents moved to Polk last year, with 88% moving from other parts of the country. Psst — pass this along to your new neighbors. (The Ledger)

• FDOT has begun expanding US Highway 98 North. Crews will transform nine miles of the highway into a four-lane road between West Socrum Loop Road + County Road 54 on the Pasco County line. The project is expected to be complete in 2028. (The Ledger)

• Property taxes are due on Sunday, March 31, and Polk Tax Collector’s offices expect to stay busy until then. To avoid long lines, check out their services that are available online and at self-service kiosks.

• New York-based developer KPR Centers has purchased the Lakeland Park Center and Shoppes of Lakeland. The shopping centers were purchased as part of a $180 million deal. No changes have been announced for either property yet. (Tampa Bay Business Journals)

• Florida Polytechnic University could receive $8.7 million in special funding from the Florida state budget, barring any vetoes. The funding would go toward designing a new Student Achievement Center and enhancing STEM programs. (The Ledger)

• 634,779. That’s the new attendance record that was set at the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival. Want to break that record next year? You can already mark your calendar for the next festival happening February 27-March 9, 2025.

• Dr. Melody Rider of Lakeland Leads received a Bronze Spirit of Achievement Award from Junior Achievement for her commitment to local students. Carol Jenkins Barnett also received a posthumous award for her work with Publix Super Markets Charities.

• We’re totally buggin’, because the 15th annual Lakeland VW Classic returns to the RP Funding Center this weekend. Head there 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday to see 850+ classic Volkswagens. Tickets are $5 and parking is $10.

• Want to stretch your artistic muscles? ART/ifact is hosting an open studio night for 20 artists on Sunday, March 24, 5-8 p.m. If you’re into more casual creativity, check out Pressed’s Craft and Create event for women on Wednesday, March 27, 6-8 p.m.

• Harrison School for the Arts students will present a wind symphony concert next Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. in the school’s main theater. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students + older adults.

• Try out new running shoes by Hoka at Fleet Feet’s next pub run. Meet up at Swan Brewing on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. to demo Hoka’s new Mach 6 and Arahi 7 styles when the run starts at 6 p.m.

• Fourteen bronzes from the master sculptor Auguste Rodin, best known for his works “Thinker” and “Gates of Hell,” are returning to the Polk Museum of Art and will be displayed in the museum’s upcoming 14,000-sqft expansion. Peep Rodin’s work + plan your visit.*

• Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

• Yesterday, we mentioned valet parking was available downtown. However, it is no longer offered as a formal service. If you’re heading downtown this weekend, check out the other options for free + paid parking.