Bring treats to work

Show local businesses some love

Help our furry friends

Plant native species

Volunteer with local organizations

Surprise someone with an unexpected gift

• Clay Class – Monster Mash | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25 | Kids can bring their drawings to life by turning their sketches into 3D clay models.
• Writing Group | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Pressed | Free | RSVP to swap your writing with other creatives and stretch your creativity.

• Florida Man Trivia | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free entry | Show how much you know about the Sunshine State’s wackiest stories.
• Salsa Fundamentals | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $10 | Gain a better understanding of salsa dancing with classes + socials in Munn Park.

• Yogadance | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | $0-$5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting, all-levels exercise class — Silver Sneakers members get in free.

• Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Aug. 30 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.

• Publix recently captured the No. 15 spot on People Magazine + Great Place to Work’s 2024 list of Companies that Care. Employees called out the supermarket staple for its diverse workforce, growth opportunities, and supportive leadership.

• The Lake Hancock boat ramp reopened last Friday after closing for more than two weeks due to heavy rains from Hurricane Debby. Water from the lake flows down into Peace River in Bartow, where a state of emergency was declared for high water levels. (The Ledger)

• SEU will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new Life Skills House this Thursday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Bush Chapel. The house will be used by SEU’s Pathways School of Excellence to teach students with disabilities skills such as meal planning, laundry, and gardening.

• What’s the password? That’s the question diners will have to answer if they want to experience La Gran Muralla. The speakeasy is serving up Latin-Asian fusion fare behind an unassuming Coca-Cola vending machine in Highlands Plaza. (LkldNow)

• Polk County teen Kruz Schembri recently made waves as the youngest competitor for Team Virgin Islands at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While 17-year-old Schembri made the Olympic team for fencing, he also runs track + cross country for Ridge Community High School. (The Ledger)

• Experience the art of The AGB in a whole new way by taking in a Lakeland Symphony Orchestra performance while perusing the exhibits. See the schedule for the museum’s Gallery Concert Series + snag your tickets before the first show on Thursday, Sept. 12.

• Our Noire Kitchen is setting up shop this week at Honeycomb Bread Bakery in Winter Haven while the Honeycomb team is on vacation. Stop by from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday to get a taste of the scratch kitchen’s breakfast + lunch items, pastries, and beverages.

• Get ready for takeoff to Caffeine City. Unfiltered Coffee House in Bartow announced its first-ever line of aviation-themed coffee flights. Check out the menu + choose your four favorite flavors — we’re eyeing the chocolate peanut butter F-22 Raptor and ube cheesecake F35.

• Small business owners, financial hurdles should never stand in the way of your success. Visit BusinessLoans.com to compare personalized financing offers + unlock funding to fuel your goals.*

• Rate: $500+
• Accommodates 65 seated, 100 standing
• Key features: Historic building, arched windows, ample natural light, chandeliers, fireplace

• Rate: $75-$1,000
• Accommodates 8-40+ guests
• Rentable spaces: The Lounge, Vintage Dining Room, Outdoor Patio, and Lawn

• Rate: $317-$3,500+
• Accommodates 48-128+ guests
• Rentable spaces: Classroom, Banquet Room, or full facility buyout

• Rate: $3,000+
• Accommodates 350+ guests
• Key features: Historic building, commercial kitchen, 16-ft bar, market lights, 7,800-sqft courtyard, outdoor murals, non-exclusive venue