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Today’s Forecast

95º | 60% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. | Sunset 8:27 p.m.
 

🍓 Life’s a picnic

Plan the perfect picnic at these Lakeland locales
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Is there anything better than a picnic lunch on a summer day? | Photo by @kimberlylynno
Ah, sweet summertime. The sun might be hot, but that doesn’t mean we need to neglect going outdoors entirely — and what better way to get outside than by having a picnic?

No matter what type of picnic you prefer, the next time you’re looking to dine outside, consider one of these spots to park your blanket + basket.

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Picnics are just one of the many date night ideas we have for Lakelanders.

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Photo by @carlycashman3

When you want to stop and smell the roses

How do 10,000 flowers, shrubs, and native trees sound? While Hollis Garden doesn’t allow picnics within its premises, you can take a stroll through the gardens and then set up your picnic on the grass overlooking Lake Mirror. City Editor Amelia’s favorite spot is on the lawn near Lake Mirror Tower.

When you’re looking to become one with nature

Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and otters, oh my. These are just a few of the animals you might encounter if you set up at one of the two designated picnic areas at Colt Creek State Park — just remember to keep the food to yourself.

Woman walking a trail through trees.

Take a walk after enjoying your picnic in the shade at Peterson Park.

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Photo courtesy of @matthewcummiskey

When the sun gets to be too much

Shaded pavilions abound at Peterson Park. While the screened-in pavilion at the park is available for rental only, the rest are all first come, first served. There’s also a playground + boardwalk nearby.

When you want options for other things to do

A picnic is great, but it’s even better when you can make a whole day out of it. After enjoying lunch on the lawn at Bonnet Springs Park, take a stroll through the Crenshaw Canopy Walk, visit the Butterfly House, or, if you have the kiddos in tow, stop by the Florida Children’s Museum.
Asked

How many parks are there in Lakeland?
A. 25
B. 40
C. 55
D. 70+
Lay out your best guess
 
Events
Monday, July 8
  • Movie Mondays | Monday, July 8 | 2 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy themed snacks while watching the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”
  • P-O-K-E-R | Monday, July 8 | 5:30-9 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Play to win gift cards while sipping on drink specials from the bar.
  • Phat Mondays Open Mic + Live Band Karaoke | Monday, July 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab grub from Fat Maggie’s + sing your favorite songs with a live band, or share original music during the open mic session.
Tuesday, July 9
  • DIY Fairy Garden | Tuesday, July 9 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Studio 37, 400 N. Church Ave., Mulberry | $5 | Create a whimsical miniature succulent fairy garden in a guided workshop.
Wednesday, July 10
  • Bridge | Wednesday, July 10 | 12:30-4 p.m. | Peggy Brown Building, 215 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Bring your own Bridge game, play with a group, or take a class to learn how to play.
Friday, July 12
  • “School of Rock” | Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $22-$28 | Rock out with this comedic musical based on Jack Black’s hit movie.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Civic
  • You’ll soon find Polk County’s public notices both online and in print. County commissioners voted 3-2 last week to advertise public notices on a county-run website, as well as in newspapers like The Ledger + the Winter Haven/Polk Sun. (The Ledger)
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Festival
  • Bonnet Springs Park is accepting vendor applications for its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event is seeking Hispanic and Latinx small businesses offering products from art and specialty goods to food + beverages — apply now.
Eat
  • Catapult might be your new favorite spot for a bite. Several of the small business incubator’s members now offer pick-ups on Wednesdays. Place your order online for pastries by Meraki Bakehouse and Filipino cuisine by Pinoy Cravings.
Community
  • Bartow could bring back its aquatics program with a new facility at one of two locations. The city is gathering feedback through an online survey and a community meeting this Thursday, July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bartow City Hall. (Fox 13 News)
Kids
  • Wanna pizza this? Starting tomorrow, kids ages 10 and under can eat for free with an adult purchase at Palace Pizza Downtown. The deal runs through the rest of the summer on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
Cause
  • Clean out your closet to give back. Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Stores are seeking donations of clothing, housewares, and shoes to benefit Lakelanders in need. The Lakeland store is located at 3111 US Hwy. 98 S., Ste. 130.
Travel
  • News alert: We just discovered the best way to escape the sticky Florida summer heat — and it involves skiing in July. See the 12 cool-weather destinations we’re booking a flight to, like street-strolling in Quebec City + skiing in Chile (where it’s their winter and the height of ski season).*
 
The Buy

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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
Today marks 124 days until my wedding, so this past weekend, I celebrated my bachelorette with a summer camp-themed getaway a la “The Parent Trap.” Looking for a way to create your own Lakeland summer camp experience? Here are a few ideas.
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