When you’re looking for your next read

• Old: Initially operated by the Women’s Club of Lakeland, Lakeland Public Library has served Swan City residents since 1927.
• New: Opened in 2024, BookaReaderville isn’t just Lakeland’s newest bookstore — it also offers the city’s largest selection of used books.

When you need a bite to eat

• Old: Reececliff Family Diner has been dishing up classic comfort food + decadent pies for more than 75 years.
• New: Recently named one of the best diners in the country, Dena’s Place opened in 2021, but don’t let its age fool you — guests can still find staples like pot roast and liver + onions on its menu.

When you want to pump some iron

• Old: Known as Polk County’s oldest gym, All American Gym offers a classic weight training room and also hosts power lifting events.
• New: Make exercise groovy at CYCLEdelic, Lakeland’s newest indoor cycling concourse with high-energy spin classes set to great music.

When all you want is a good cup of joe

• Old: Mitchell’s Coffee House has been a staple of Lakeland’s coffee scene for more than 25 years — I Dream of Jeanie latte, anyone?
• New: From September to May, stop by Morning Grind to grab a coffee that also supports Florida Southern College students.

When you’re looking for the latest news

• Old: Celebrating 100 years this year, The Ledger is one of Lakeland’s go-to news publications — it’s even award-winning.
• New: Established in 2018, LALtoday is committed to delivering relevant + positive news to Lakelanders that creates pride in place. Tell your friends.

• Lakeside Village Kids Club: Into the Wild | Tuesday, July 2 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Go wild with animal showcases, crafts, DJ Scuba Steve, and balloon art.
• BIA Veterans Network Kickoff Event | Tuesday, July 2 | 4:30-6 p.m. | COhatch, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | All are welcome to this networking meeting that aims to support veterans.

• Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Wednesday, July 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Try food from 15 different food trucks before settling in for fireworks over Lake Mirror.
• Red, White & Kaboom | Wednesday, July 3 | 6-9:15 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the Fourth with music by Gary Love and the Moonlighters, top local food trucks, and a fireworks show.

• 2024 Red, White & Brew 5K | Thursday, July 4 | 7:04-11 a.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $25-$45 | Kick off Independence Day with a 5K followed by pancakes + brew specials.

• New Parent Support Group | Friday, July 5 | 9-10 a.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Build community while enhancing your knowledge of basic parenting principles.
• Grown-Up Recess | Friday, July 5 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Quinteassance, 839 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 101, Lakeland | $40 | Adults ages 18+ can let out their inner child with lunch boxes, show and tell, and more.

• Lakeland city commissioners approved a $947,192 contract yesterday to remove and replace topsoil affected by a wastewater spill near the Carillon Lakes neighborhood. Work is set to begin as soon as possible. (LkldNow)

• County commissioners will vote on an ordinance today whether to discontinue publishing public notices and legal ads regarding county decisions in newspapers. If approved, these notices would instead be published on a county-run public website. (The Ledger)

• Polk County’s burn ban was repealed yesterday after 34 days. With the ban no longer in effect, residents can now safely return to burning yard + construction debris and campfires or bonfires.

• Gabe Grinder, a Southeastern University alum, has been named the school’s next head baseball coach. Grinder played for SEU from 2009 to 2011 and over the last decade, has coached five players to become MLB Draft picks. (The Ledger)

• If you stop at Market Place North Plaza off Daughtery Road, you’re likely to stop in a business owned by Michael Norado. Since opening his barbershop in the plaza in 2019, Norado has gone on to open three more businesses next door, with another one on the way. (WFTS)

• Polk County earned a platinum Bell Seal award from Mental Health America. The award recognizes the county’s prioritization of employee mental health through trainings and family resources. (Bay News 9)

• $6,990,000. That’s how much a “Mission to Mars”-themed home in Davenport is currently listed for. At 15,000 sqft, the home boasts 20 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a bowling alley, and lazy river — sounds like a steal if you ask us. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

• Calling all artists — Art Crawl, Inc. is looking for participants for its 2024 festival happening Sunday, Nov. 3 at Swan Brewing. This year, four new categories are being added to the festival. Get your application in before Sunday, Aug. 18.

• Make summer totally awesome by heading to Legoland’s Summer Brick Party through Sunday, Aug. 11. From shows + snacks to character meet and greets, here’s what you need to know before you snag tickets. (Bay News 9)

• The busy summer travel season has officially arrived. Game-plan for your next flight with Orlando International Airport’s Summer Travel Playbook (think: pro tips for flying through the airport smoothly).*

• Admissions to music, sporting, and cultural events
• Tickets to movies and museums
• State park admission and annual passes
• Fishing equipment and supplies
• Residential pool chemicals, supplies, and parts

• Clothing, footwear, and backpacks
• School supplies and learning aids
• Personal computers, computer-related accessories, and software

• Flashlights and lanterns
• Tarps, ground anchors, and tie-down kits
• Portable power banks, batteries, fuel tanks, and generators

• Hand and power tools
• Work boots
• Safety equipment
• Shop lights
• Toolboxes and belts
• Plumbing and electrical equipment