Ideas are rolling in for locations across the county. | Screenshot via Polk County
Polk County is seeking resident input on its Comprehensive Plan, which will direct government officials’ decisions on development, infrastructure, recreation, and more. If you prefer to give your feedback in person, tonight is your last chance to join a workshop.
The county held several public meetings this fall to gather feedback around the topic “Where Do We Want to Go?” The final Community Vision Workshop is focused on the theme “How Do We Get There?” and staff will share a summary of the input collected so far. It takes place tonight, 6-8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.
You can also still submit your ideas through a 15-question survey, a virtual idea wall, and an interactive map. So far, transportation is the category with the most suggestions, followed by infrastructure.
¡La Biblioteca Viva! Spanish Book Club | 5-6:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Join a Spanish discussion of the book “Quédate Conmigo” (“Stay with Me”) by Lorena Franco.
Percussion Ensemble Concert | 7-8 p.m. | Southeastern University, Buena Vida East Band Room | Free | Feel the rhythm in this concert performed by SEU School of Music students.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Yoga In The Vines | 6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15 | Nicci from British Yoga Babe will guide you through a flow in the fresh air.
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center | $5+ | This class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Veterans & Community Job Fair | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center, Bartow | Free | All community members can connect with employers from a variety of industries, with veterans receiving early access at 9:30 a.m.
Florida Lecture Series | 7 p.m. | Florida Southern College | Free | Learn about “How Industrial Agriculture Transformed South Florida’s ‘River of Grass’” from lecturer Charlie Fanning.*
634,779. That’s how many people attended this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival — and it could break that record next spring. ICYMI, the first round of headliners has been announced, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sara Evans, Nelly, and more. (That’s So Tampa)
Edu
Congratulations to science teacher Cynara Appling and paraeducator Ervie Louis, PCPS’ Teacher + School-Related Employee of the Year. The winners work at Spook Hill Elementary and Jewett School of the Arts, respectively, and they’ll now go on to compete for state recognition.
Sports
The Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale is expanding, with city commissioners approving a $1.6 million expansion of its administration building. Officials also greenlit a $650,000, 10-year sponsorship deal with Orlando Health, including soccer stadium naming rights. (The Ledger)
Travel
Passengers flying out of Lakeland Linder can enjoy free parking for now, but expect it to come with a cost next spring. Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said a fee will be implemented in February or March to help pay for additional parking in the future. (LkldNow)
Open
Need a break on Thanksgiving, or planning to skip the traditional dinner? Visit Kitty Cat Lounge from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or head to Swan Brewing starting at 4 p.m. (leftovers encouraged). See what else is open + closed on Thanksgiving.
Holiday
Lakeside Village’s tree lighting is set for Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. If your little ones are hoping to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus this season, you can register now for a time slot. Tickets are free but sold out fast last year.
Outdoors
Residents near Lake Bonnet had a rather cute trespasser recently. Polk County Sheriff’s deputies were called out to “arrest” a small alligator that was wandering through a neighborhood, and the photos are too good to miss. The reptile was safely relocated to the Itchepackesassa Creek. (WFLA)
Family
Join SUN ‘n FUN for a special Storytime Under the Stars on Monday, Nov. 18. The family-friendly event includes songs, stories + s’mores around a community fire pit. Register for free.*
Pets
Furniture gets scratched, shoes get chewed, toys go missing. These are regular occurrences in life with pets. But a $10,000 emergency surgery? That’s a whole other ball game. Fetch Pet Insurance could help you offset some of these nightmare scenarios by providing comprehensive coverage and up to 90% reimbursement.*
Category
Try This
A night day at the museum
Explore the free Lakeland History & Culture Center exhibit one last time. | Photo by LALtoday
Museums are the cultural hubs of Lakeland. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Swan City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit in and around Lakeland.
Wonder House, 1075 Mann Rd., Bartow | $10-$40 Take a tour to see three floors of this unusual home built in the 1920s by Conrad Schuck and his family. Christmas tours are now available to book.
Lakeland History & Culture Center, 100 Lake Morton Dr. | Free Visit this center inside the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch to learn about our city’s past through interactive displays. November is the final month to see the current exhibit, “Ties That Bind.”
Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr. | $10-$15 Visitors of all ages will enjoy the collection of airplanes from Florida’s long aviation history, and kids will love the family-friendly Discovery Zone. Don’t miss nearby events on SUN ‘n FUN’s campus, like this weekend’s Flightoberfest.
Anyone else get an unexpected taste of the holidays when visiting downtown this weekend? I was driving to the farmers market (with the windows down since it was sunny and 85°) when I noticed the decorations were already up around Lake Mirror. According to our Instagram followers, it wasn’t a moment too soon.
