Father’s Day Gift Guide: Presents for the father figure in your life
It’s almost time to shine the spotlight on Dad. Whether they were helping us with our sixth-grade homework or passing down life advice, our father figures influenced us in their own wonderful ways. So, how do we say thanks?
If you’re after something extra + a bit more personalized, we’ve unearthed a selection of gems to gift the father figure in your life. Bonus: Many of these gifts support small businesses.
This body care collection is sleek, modern, and woodsy. Give Dad a set that includes body and shave soap, room spray, and a candle made from high quality ingredients — it’ll smell like cool, crisp evenings spent outdoors.
Barre Fitness | Friday, May 31 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $5 | All ages can strengthen their lower body, core, and upper body through this ballet-inspired class.
Sabu Ramen + Mucho Boba Pop-Up | Friday, May 31 | 5-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Celebrate Sabu’s new look with a horchata boba tea or dragonfruit kiwi blue lotus lemonade from Mucho Boba.
The Vendor Showcase | Friday, May 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | Meet local wedding vendors, try food + drinks from caterers, and check out displays — tickets required.
Movie on the Lawn: “Mulan” | Friday, May 31 | 8:30-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to watch this animated movie worth fighting for.
Saturday, June 1
Florida Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy | Friday, May 31-Saturday, June 1 | 7 a.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free | Line up early for free dental services for adults + children — services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
LKLD Indie Bash Three | Saturday, June 1 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | See live performances from 20+ local bands ranging from indie rock to alternative.
Sunday, June 2
Jim & Judy Duo w/ Billy’s Roadside Grill | Sunday, June 2 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | No Sunday scaries here — hit the patio for beer, live music, and American food truck fare.
Paradise Market | Sunday, June 2 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave., Auburndale | Price of purchase | Peruse goods from local entrepreneurs at this lively indoor market.
Starting next Friday, June 7, the Polk County History Center in Bartow will close for maintenance. The center will reopen with its normal Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. operating hours on Tuesday, June 25. (The Ledger)
Edu
Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) for PCPS will reopen on Monday, June 3 and close on Monday, Aug. 5. COE allows students to apply to any public school outside of magnet schools that still has seats open for the next academic year.
Lakelander
We’re giving a round of applause to Kimberly Elmhorst, United Way of Central Florida’s 2023 Citizen of the Year. In addition to her work with UWCF, Elmhorst has served on the boards of GiveWell Community Foundation, Lakeland Regional Health, and Bonnet Springs Park, to name a few.
Sports
George Jenkins High School’s kicker never intended to join the football team, but Lillian Spurgin has been crucial in scoring the Eagles extra points in several big games. A lifelong soccer player, Spurgin is one of the few female players in the football program’s history. (The Ledger)
Family
CMX Summer Film Fest is back at Lakeside Village this summer. Starting Tuesday, June 18, head to CMX Cinemas every Tuesday-Thursday at 10 a.m. for $1.99 animated films until Thursday, Aug. 8. Spoiler alert: The lineup includes family favorites like “Minions,” “Sing 2,” and “Trolls.”
Try This
Let’s roll. Learn basic roller skating moves and maintenance in a beginner-friendly class with Alivia Skates + Barber Skate Shop. The eight-week class begins Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Kids
Know a creative kiddo ages 5-10? Foster their inner artist with one of the 15 — yes, 15 — different week-long art camps this summer at Art Centric Studio. Pro tip: Sibling discounts are available.
Drink Up
Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week — a celebration of Lakeland’s vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.
Biz
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Eat
Looking to dine out this weekend? According to OpenTable, top-loved restaurants this month include Bay Street Bistro and Terrace Grille.*
Biz
Be in the know on what’s new
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
Which new spot are you most excited to visit first? | Photo by LALtoday
Every time we look around, it seems like something new is popping up in Lakeland. Here’s a round up of a few newly opened + coming soon spots to the Swan City area.
The Melting Spot, 4289 S. Florida Ave. | Now open | Personalized candle workshop space that also allows you to bring your own beverages
Bandidas, 1755 E. Edgewood Dr. | Opening June 2024 | Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, and grab + go options
Kid Cafe, 2947 S. Florida Ave. | Opening June 28, 2024 | An indoor playspace for kids ages 0-8 offering soft play equipment and a cafe
Michaels, 2625 S. Florida Ave. | Opening Friday, July 5 | Lakeland’s second location for this arts and crafts supplier
Happy Friday, Lakeland. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, get some inspiration from our full community event calendar. Personally, I’m loving all the events the libraries have going on for summer reading. Catch me picking up a reading log like I’m 8 years old again.
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