📍 Nokomis Beach | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

• Explore: Charter a fishing boat for a day of quality time with the family — everything you need is included.
• Stay: Cozy Old Florida beach cottage by the sea (~$135/night)
• Shop: Seasickness wristbands (just in case)

📍 Longboat Key | 1 hour 45 minutes from Lakeland

• Eat: Wine and dine at Euphemia Haye Restaurant, a fine dining establishment touted as the area’s “most extraordinary restaurant” by Frommer’s Travel Guides.
• Explore: Book a luxurious custom cocktail cruise with Captain Sky Cruises — boats accommodate up to six guests.
• Shop: Waterproof phone pouch

📍 St. Augustine | 2 hours 45 minutes from Lakeland

• Eat: Enjoy avocado toast for breakfast or a shrimp Cobb salad for lunch at Sunday.
• Explore: Attend the free Music and Art by the Sea at St. Johns County Ocean Pier (350 A1A Beach Blvd.) for live music, art shows, food trucks, and more each Wednesday from today, May 22 to June 25, then again from Aug. 14 to Sept. 25.
• Stay: The Luxury Historic Island Dog House (~$221/night)

• Salsa y Bachata Plus Dancing at the Park | Wednesday, May 22 | 6:15-10 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Learn the basic moves of salsa and bachata, then join a social at Munn Park after class.

• Daniel Smith w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Thursday, May 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Relax on the patio with a cold beer and live music on the Swan Stage.
• Swan City Piano Festival Night | Thursday, May 23 | 8-10 p.m. | Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Get a first look at what’s planned for this year’s festival and hear blues pianist Craig Brenner.

• Completely Unchained | Friday, May 24 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $20 | “Jump” at tickets to this tribute performance featuring the music of Van Halen.

• Run for Their Lives 5K | Saturday, May 25 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Peterson Park, 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $20-$45 | Run Three Parks Trail to raise money for SPCA Florida’s animals in need.
• Bogey Babe Golf Event | Saturday, May 25 | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland | $45-$180 | Players of all skill levels are welcome to this women’s club’s first 18-hole scramble.

• Lakeland’s Youth Council presented its first recommendations to city commissioners this week. On their wishlist: more recreational opportunities, a space for young entrepreneurs, teen-specific events, and a social media account to share about it all. (The Ledger)

• Need a snack before taking your first Avelo flight from LAL? Stop by the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s newly approved concession shop, which will raise money for the nonprofit. And if you need a ride on your way back, car rentals are now available. (LkldNow)

• Bartow could be home to a future public equestrian center, possibly including an arena, agricultural school, and amphitheater. Bartow’s City Manager Mike Herr presented these ideas to county commissioners, requesting a $45,000 feasibility study for the project. (The Ledger)

• Amelia Paige Boutique will open a second location this summer in Lakeside Village, between BD’s Mongolia Grill + Jos A. Bank. Need a shopping spree now? Its original spot on North Kentucky Avenue is still open.

• Chanel Bellotto, owner of Skate World, won the Heart of the Industry award from the Roller Skating Association International. She received the award for her dedication to the roller skating industry + community partnerships.

• Make a masterpiece this summer at the Polk Museum of Art’s upcoming classes for teens and adults. Learn oil painting or ceramics in a six-week course starting Saturday, July 13. The registration deadline is Sunday, July 7.

• If your yard has needed some extra hydration this spring, Polk County shared tips to try while water supplies are strained: change your lawn irrigation timers, hand water dry spots, and plant native-friendly plants.

• Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center is offering American Sign Language classes for beginners. The eight-week course will take place on Monday nights, 6:30-8 p.m., from June 17 to Aug. 5, and the cost is $40.

• Don’t miss Lakeside Village’s free Kids Club events happening once a month this summer. The fun will kick off with Kidchella, a festival-themed event on Tuesday, June 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Visit to see a live DJ and hula hoop artist, or try out crafts and photo ops.

• Watson Clinic just launched a new podcast chock full of heathy-living advice from their team of 350+ physicians and providers. Listen to the first episode of Watson Clinic Health Talk featuring Dr. Lilliam Chiques, the Director of Watson Clinic’s Metabolic & Weight Center.*

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