What’s in our carts

• Outdoor daybed with canopy: We’re picturing this daybed on our patios so we can lounge outside while staying bathed in the shade.
• “Blue Silver Shore” three-piece painting print: No need to drive an hour and a half to the beach when you can look at it through this gorgeous painting.
• Orthopedic pet bed: Our furry companions can keep us company while we write your daily newsletters, thanks to this stylish pet bed — or should we say couch?
• Hall tree with shoe bench: If you get caught in one of the many Florida rainstorms this hurricane season, this entryway bench offers the perfect, easy place to toss your boots + rain coat.

• The Fancy Flea | Friday, July 26-Saturday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7 | Shop vintage + antique vendors spanning furniture, art, decor, clothes, and more — parking is free.
• Breaking In! | Friday, July 26 | 6-10 p.m. | ART/ifact Studios, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 2, Lakeland | $10-$12 | Up-and-coming visual artists and performers will show off their work.
• Sunset Dance Series: Swing | Friday, July 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | LKLD Lindy Hop will lead you through decades of instruction and a social dance.
• “Bye Bye Birdie” | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $20 | Get ready to rock ‘n roll at With Love Productions’ version of this classic musical.

• 2024 Back to School Bash | Saturday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County Sheriff’s Office Southwest Command, 4120 US Hwy. 98 S., Lakeland | Free | Polk Sheriff’s Charities will hand out free backpacks stuffed with school supplies.
• Women’s Financial Empowerment Workshop | Saturday, July 27 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Well, 114 E. Parker St., Lakeland | $12 | Women will learn strategies for budgeting, saving, and investing from female financial experts.
• Better Balance in Yoga and Tai Chi | Saturday, July 27 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Learn yoga + tai chi movements to improve balance and personal strength.
• Shark-Cuterie Board Class | Saturday, July 27 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Studio 37, 400 N. Church Ave., Mulberry | $20 | Create a fin-tastic ocean-themed charcuterie board in this guided class.

• Andy Shreeve w/ Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken | Sunday, July 28 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Fight off the “Sunday Scaries” with live music + hot chicken from Hangry Joe’s.

• The City of Lakeland released its 2024 Demographic Guide, giving a snapshot at Swan City’s economic and population growth over the last year. According to the report, Lakeland ranked No. 18 on Florida’s list of top incorporated cities in 2023 with a population of 121,968.

• You shall not pass… a stopped school bus in Polk. This fall, all PCPS school buses will be equipped with exterior cameras to keep students safe. Starting Sept. 24, drivers who pass stopped school buses illegally will be fined $198. (The Ledger)

• Speaking of PCPS, the district was one of 17 districts to receive a “C” grade for the 2023-24 school year from the Florida Department of Education. The district also increased its ranking from No. 55 out of 67 to No. 49. (The Ledger)

• $500 million. That’s roughly how much it would cost for Haines City to build up its infrastructure for a potential SunRail expansion into Polk County. The project is still in the early phases with city, county, and state officials, but if approved, services could start in 2035. (WTSP)

• Florida Poly’s solar racing team shone brighter than the sun in its debut last week at the Formula Sun Grand Prix, earning seventh place. The team ranked higher than several larger colleges across the US, including Ohio State — sorry, CBUStoday.

• Learn more about the mission of Pace Center for Girls of Polk County by joining the org for a Coffee & Community event on Tuesday, July 30. Drop by 213 Tyler Ave. from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for a cup of coffee, networking opportunities, and tours of the center.

• 500,000+. That’s how many people attended the Florida State Fair this year. Now, fair organizers are looking for local businesses to add to their lineup of food, retail, and artisan vendors for the 2025 fair, happening Feb. 6-17. Apply now. (Fox 13 News)

• Attention all farmers market regulars — tomorrow is the last Downtown Farmers Curb Market before it closes for its annual summer break. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to grab your favorite wares — the market won’t reopen until Sept. 7.

• Lakeland Electric is celebrating 120 years in the biz with a Customer Appreciation Night during the Flying Tigers’ game on Thursday, Aug. 8. Snag four free tickets by bringing your Lakeland Electric bill to the Joker Marchant Stadium box office.

• How refreshing. Drink Up Week runs through today — our annual celebration of Lakeland’s drink culture. Local businesses are offering buzzy deals like $2 off specialty cocktails at Food + Beer, so treat yourself and toast to our town’s vibrant bevvy scene.

• Craving some fresh lobstah? JetBlue announced new nonstop service to Portland, ME (starting Oct. 28) + Manchester, NH (starting Jan. 23) out of Orlando International Airport. Get planning.*

• Did you know? Signs of depression in men are different than those in women. See common symptoms (and how you can seek or refer help for 25% off).*

• 2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Annual fee? We don’t know her.)*

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