What we discovered

• Average number of bedrooms: 3
• Average number of bathrooms: 2
• Average square footage: 1,250+

Putting it into practice

• 6927 Heatherbrook Dr.
• 301 W. Belvedere St.
• 5310 English Dr.

• Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free entry | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
• Classic Albums Live | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $34+ | Hear Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” album note for note — just as the artist recorded it.
• Stargazing at the Rooftop | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 8-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free entry | Stare into space with the Sidewalk Science Center at the Rooftop Bar.
• Ladies Night Karaoke with DJ TALIARAE | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 8-11:59 p.m. | La La Land | Free entry | Grab a cold drink and a hot mic to sing your heart out.

• SCORE’s 7th Annual Women’s Symposium | Friday, Sept. 13 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Catapult | $40 | The theme of this women in business-focused event is “Wins and Lessons.”
• Gallery Perspectives | Friday, Sept. 13 | 12-1 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | A special guest will lead you through one of the AGB’s exhibits and give their insight into the art.
• Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free entry | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers.

• UthMpact’s 2024 Project Homecoming Shopping Days | Saturday, Sept. 14-Saturday, Oct. 12 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Teens can shop for free homecoming dresses + suits by signing a pledge to celebrate safely.
• 7 Rivers Water Festival | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Winter Haven | Free | Learn new methods for conserving water + reducing environmental impact at this family-friendly event.

• With curbside recycling next month, Polk County is now sharing two new green initiatives it’s undertaking. A leachate treatment facility will begin filtering contaminated water, and a renewable gas plant will help create natural gas to power waste collection trucks. (WFLA)

• Publix captured the No. 5 spot on Fortune’s 2024 list of Best Large Retail Workplaces — up one from last year. Fortune and Great Place to Work developed the rankings based on employees’ trust in management, connection with colleagues, and company loyalty.

• A multi-county initiative has been proposed to strengthen collaboration between Lake, Polk, Orange, and Osceola county governments. Lake County commissioners heard the “Four Corners, One Vision” proposal earlier this week, and Polk will hear more later this month. (WUSF)

• We got our boots, we got our hats, we’re bringin’ country back. Raymond James Stadium announced it will host a three-day country music festival next May. Details about the festival’s name, lineup, and brand haven’t been shared yet, but officials said an announcement is coming soon.

• The Aerospace Center for Excellence has named a new Chief Financial Officer. Julie Ehnle took over the position at the end of August following the retirement of Tracy Neal. Ehnle previously served as a financial and operations leader for The Schools of McKeel Academy.

• Gotta catch ‘em all. No, we’re not talking about Pokemon — we’re talking about Lakeland’s beloved swans, who will get scooped up from Lake Morton for their annual veterinary check-up next month. The 44th annual Swan Roundup will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7 a.m.

• Florida Poly’s Office of Public Policy Events will host “Guardians of Democracy,” a panel discussion on election security, next Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Attendees will gain insights from panelists like Sen. Danny Burgess, as well as have the chance to register to vote.

• A new exhibit is splashing into the Florida Children’s Museum this weekend. Wild Kratts®: Ocean Adventure will open Saturday, Sept. 14, allowing kids to explore ocean habitats from the seashore to the deep sea. The exhibit will be on display until early January.

• We’ve done goat yoga — should kitten yoga be next? Purrology is bringing back its Cats ‘n Mats event on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9:45 a.m. Snag a spot to enjoy a guided stretch + meditation practice while surrounded by the cafe’s adoptable kitties.

• Balance transfer cards: One of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt. This card gives you almost two years to pay off your existing balance, sans interest — plus, that sweet, sweet cash back.*

• You can advertise in this newsletter with no long-term commitment or contract. Your message could be right here in as little as two days. Secure your spot.

• Step up your classic dinner and a movie by seeing a film at the historic Polk Theatre or getting cozy at the Silvermoon Drive-In.
• For those who want to feel a little fancy, enjoy a white tablecloth and candlelit dinner at Nineteen61. Pro tip: Cap off your evening by heading upstairs after dinner to the eatery’s new rooftop bar, Bar Vasco.
• Play a round of simulated sports at The Back Nine while enjoying craft cocktails and fresh bites.
• Reserve a free tour of Lugo’s Craft Distillery to sample premium craft rums.