July 18, 2024

Today’s Forecast

94º | 36% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. | Sunset 8:24 p.m.

🎭 Summer nights are meant for the arts

Performers pose on a stage at Lakeland Community Theatre

See Lakelanders in the spotlight at these community performances. | Photo courtesy of Lakeland Community Theatre

When it comes to live theater in Polk, summer is one of the hottest times for community productions — and not just because of the outside temperature.

As many of these organizations work to sustain their momentum despite state funding cuts, you can help by attending one of these upcoming productions.

🎭 “School of Rock” | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave.

Rock out at this musical adaptation of Jack Black’s 2003 film of the same name.

See it: July 19-21, and July 26-28

🎭 “The Wedding Singer” | Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven

Go back to the 80s with this musical based on the romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler + Drew Barrymore.

See it: July 18-21, July 25-28, and Aug. 1-4

🎭 “Newsies” | The Missing Piece Theatre Company | The Gem Theater, 118 NW 1st Ave., Mulberry

Based on the 1992 film — hey wait, we’re sensing a theme here — “Newsies” tells the story of the newsboys’ strike of 1899, albeit with a bit more tap dancing.

See it: July 19-21, and July 26-28

🎭 “Bye, Bye Birdie” | With Love Productions | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd.

This musical from 1960 follows a teen heartthrob’s last performance before he gets drafted to the war.

See it: July 26-28

Musical theater not your thing? Not to worry. Residents + visitors can still support Polk’s arts and culture scene in a variety of ways, like:

Taking in an exhibit at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art or walking through the new Downtown Public Art Trail
Listening to a live performance from musicians at Union Hall
Having a laugh with the performers Swan City Improv or the Just Laughs Comedy Showcase

Events

Thursday, July 18

DIY Embroidered Hat Class | Thursday, July 18 | 6-7:30 p.m. | RainDance Apartments, 200 Ave. C SW, Winter Haven | $20 | Learn how to design + stitch a custom hat from a local maker.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy | Thursday, July 18-Saturday, July 20 | Times vary | Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $48-55 | Adults ages 21+ will hear reimagined versions of Edgar Allan Poe stories while sipping on themed cocktails.

Friday, July 19

Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, July 19 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
Teacher Night | Friday, July 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Educators can mingle together while learning about BSP’s field trips, teacher workshops, and educational experiences.

Saturday, July 20

Christmas in July Vendor Day | Saturday, July 20 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sunmed Your CBD Store Lakeland, 3145 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Shop from local vendors and get special discounts on CBD products.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | Saturday, July 20 | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $8-$11 | Three strikes, you’re oat — the Flying Tigers will play as the Malmö Oat Milkers in this game.
Latin Night Open House and Dance Social | Saturday, July 20 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Arthur Murray Lakeland, 309 W. Main St., Lakeland | $10-$35 | Dance the night away with classes for dancers of all skill levels.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Stat

94%. That’s roughly how full Avelo’s outbound flights from LAL to New Haven have been in the last month. While passenger numbers + car rentals are exceeding expectations all around, the airport is still seeking a new restaurant partner. (The Ledger)

Opening

Charmed, we’re sure. Pandora Jewelry will open for shopping in Lakeside Village this Saturday, July 19 at 10 a.m. The shop at 1456 Town Center Dr. E. will be the brand’s first Lakeland location.

Development

County commissioners approved motions on Tuesday that will bring $2 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding to Polk. The funding will be used to support two 80-unit affordable housing developments in Bartow and Winter Haven.

The Word

Big. We’re not talking size — it’s also the term for a mentor in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. The organization’s Tampa Bay chapter covers nine counties, including Polk, and is seeking more “Bigs” to match with its nearly 500 waitlisted youth. (WFTS)

Show

Musician Patty Kenoly is saying “see ya real soon” to Swan City. Before the singer departs for graduate school in North Carolina, catch her one last time at The Pink Piano this Saturday, July 20 at 8:30 p.m. for a farewell performance with the Noan Partly Quartet. (The Ledger)

Sports

The Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) will find its home in Central Florida through 2028. As part of a renewed partnership with Visit Central Florida Sports, PALA member nations will be able to train + host tournaments at 11 facilities across Polk.

Try This

Learn how to pair Keel Farms’ fruit wines with different meats, cheeses, and snacks in a guided tasting on Saturday, July 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. For $40, participants will get to taste + pair six wines, as well as take home a souvenir wine glass.

Feel Good

Kristin Simpson achieved her college degree from Polk State in May after being diagnosed with brain cancer this spring. Thanks to help from her teachers and classmates, she was finally able to complete her degree 20 years after first enrolling, and she’s now in remission.

Eat

How does eating juicy burgers for the next week sound? (And can we join you?) Starting tomorrow, don’t miss a local burger showcase featuring $12 or less deals during the inaugural Polk County Burger Week, happening this Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 28. See some of the restaurants we’re planning on visiting.*

Health

Your body is made to move — but you shouldn’t have to move too far to find orthopedic care. The Orthopedic team at Lakeland Regional Health offers a wide range of specialties so you can get the care you need, close to home. See how to get back to the activities you love.*

Asked

What’s “in” and “out” this summer?

With the Lakeland summer in, we’re leaving some “outs” in the spring. | Photo by LALtoday

We know you’re trendy because you read LALtoday, so you naturally know what’s happening in Swan City. Now that we’re really in the groove of summer, we’re feeling like turning over a new leaf — and not just in the hopes of finding some relief from the sun.

We’re passing the mic to you — what are some Lakeland ins + outs for you this summer? We’ll go first:

City Editor Connor’s in + out

Out: Hanging out on a patio unless it’s after 7 p.m.

In: Always having an umbrella on hand — we all know the summer forecast likes to be unpredictable.

City Editor Amelia’s in + out

Out: Driving on I-4 — need we say more?

In: Wearing a hat outside — we’re partial to this one from East of These.

Get the idea? Let us in on your summer ins + outs, and we may share your answer in an upcoming newsletter.

Tell us more, tell us more

The Buy

Dreo’s oscillating tower fan for your bedroom, which is ultra-quiet, circulates cool air, and is still on sale for Prime Day.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

Want a sneak peek of what’s to come during Drink Up Week next week? Mention LALtoday when you stop by Andrew’s Coffee on Tuesday, July 23 and you’ll get your drink served in one of these swan floaties while supplies last. I think I’ll name mine Sebastian.

Two girls pose for the camera outside of Andrew's Coffee holding mini floats shaped like swans. The floats each hold a drink from Andrew's Coffee.

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