Attendees are invited to try a cold plunge, test a home sauna, take a functional movement class, get a signed copy of their favorite wellness books, and more at Hack Your Health 2025. | Photos courtesy of Q1 Productions
Mark your calendars: Hack Your Health, the premier wellness event, is headed to Tampa from Friday, Nov. 14, to Sunday, Nov. 16.
Along with interactive workshops, functional movement classes, cooking demos, and book signings, attendees will also have an opportunity to learn from 60+ expert speakers. The best part? The lineup features some can’t-miss, local health and wellness professionals, including:
Dr. Annette Bosworth
Dr. Boz is a board-certified internal medicine physician, best-selling author, and a leading expert in brain health and ketogenic science. As the author of “Anyway You Can: A Beginner’s Guide to Ketones for Life,” she has empowered thousands to harness the power of ketones to overcome chronic conditions such as obesity, depression, autoimmune diseases + addiction.
Dr. Philip Ovadia
This board-certified Cardiac Surgeon and founder of Ovadia Heart Health is also the best-selling author of “Stay Off My Operating Table.”
Jay Campbell
This five-time international bestselling author is also a men’s physique champion and leading expert on hormonal optimization and therapeutic peptides. As the founder of the Jay Campbell Brand & Podcast and Co-Founder of BioLongevity Labs, he’s dedicated to helping men and women optimize their health while elevating their consciousness.
Dr. Catherine Shanahan
This renowned family physician, bestselling author, and nutrition expert is best known for her groundbreaking research linking seed oils and processed ingredients to obesity, inflammation, and the decline in childhood health.
As the bestselling author of “Deep Nutrition,” she has become a leading voice in the real food movement, inspiring a shift away from toxic seed oils and toward nutrient-dense superfoods like bone broth, fermented foods, organ meats, natural fats, and activated whole grains. Her work continues to shape the conversation around ancestral nutrition, metabolic health, and disease prevention.
Sign up for email updates, and snag $100 off tickets with code LALTODAY before prices increase below.
Which of the following is an example of biohacking?
A. Tracking your sleep patterns and optimizing bedtime routines with wearable technology B. Taking a daily multivitamin without adjusting diet or lifestyle C. Following a traditional low-fat diet without monitoring metabolic response D. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Tacos, Tequila + Bingo | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Free+ | After Zumba, head one street over to snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
The Art Of Pairing | 7 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $40 | Learn how to pair six different wines with snacks like meats, cheeses, and fruits — you’ll even receive a souvenir glass.
Swing Dance Social | 7:30 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Swing into a beginner-friendly dance lesson, then stay for a group social.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Florida Strawberry Festival | Thursday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $4+ | It’s opening day for this annual festival that celebrates all things strawberry with food, headliner entertainment, and midway rides.
Trivia Night | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Put your knowledge to the test while enjoying Happy Hour deals at the Rooftop Bar.
Friday, Feb. 28
Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | 5-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
“Tootsie” | Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 2 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $30 | Don’t miss the final weekend of local actors performing this musical comedy based on the Dustin Hoffman film.
Saturday, March 1
Heritage Day | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Kathleen Area Historical Society Heritage Park | Free+ | Celebrate the rich history of the Kathleen area with live entertainment, pioneer skills demos, cane grinding + syrup making, and a silent auction.
911,341. That’s how many cubic yards of debris Polk County has collected since Hurricane Milton hit in October. Now that ~95% of roads have been cleared, the county has discontinued the dedicated debris removal hotline. Residents still needing debris collected can contact the county’s Roads and Drainage Division.
Stat
According to US Census Bureau data, 61.6% of renting Lakelanders spend 30%+ of their monthly incomes on housing, making them “cost-burdened.” Local officials are working to add affordable housing and raise wages to help alleviate the strain. Learn more about Lakeland’s cost of living. (LkldNow)
Real Estate
Dream house loading. The next phase of Lakeside Preserve, a gated community by Highland Homes in south Lakeland, is now under construction. Once completed, the neighborhood will feature single-family homes from three to six bedrooms, a swimming pool, cabana + playground. Explore the floor plans.
Biz
This one’s for you, boba fans.Starting Monday, March 10, Morning Grind will offer new beverages featuring MK Boba Tea products. Bide your time until the launch by studying up on how this student-run coffee cart on Florida Southern’s campus began.
Award
Bartow’s Patel, Greene & Associates is being honored as one of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2025. The engineering consultancy earned a spot in the extra large employers category for its commitment to employee culture + engagement. Final rankings will be announced Thursday, April 17.
Try This
Who says you need to travel internationally to experience a safari? Lakeland’s Safari Wilderness Ranch is now offering camel tours of its 260-acre property. On the two-hour journey, guests can expect to see around 600 animals. Camel ride not your thing? The ranch also offers vehicle, ATV, and kayak tours. (Fox News 13)
Kids
Speaking of experiencing international travel locally, registration is now open for YMCA of West Central Florida’s summer camps, “Around the World in 44 Days.” Kids ages 3-12 will explore different cultures through themed weeks + activities from sports to swimming to crafts, no passport required.
Drink
Pay Pour it forward. Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center will host a guided five-course bourbon tasting fundraiser at Eala’s Speakeasy on Friday, March 28, 6-9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support the clinic’s community programming. Register to attend before Thursday, March 20 — tickets start at $150.
Cause
Give back to pups while watching the Tigers by volunteering to help staff Polk County Bully Project’s concession stand at Publix Field. The org will operate the stand at every Spring Training home game this season. Reach out on social media to sign up for a slot.
Holiday
Ramadan begins this Friday, Feb. 28. The ninth month of Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed annually as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community connection. Participate by attending daily iftar, or evening meal, at the Islamic Center of Lakeland until the observance concludes on Saturday, March 29.
Top firms like SoftBank already invested in Pacaso, the startup disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership. By handing keys to 1,500+ homeowners, Pacaso earned over $100 million in gross profits. Now, they’re going global. Invest for $2.70 per share by Thursday, Feb. 27.†*
†This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com.
Category
Biz
📣 Shoutout to the small businesses
If there’s one thing we know to be true about Lakelanders, it’s their unwavering support for our city’s small businesses. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
Here at LALtoday, you may already know we’re big on celebrating local, especially our city’s small businesses, which is why a week dedicated to highlighting the heart of our communities is right up our alley.
Enter: Small Business Week — a national initiative that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of small businesses — that we’ll be celebrating from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10.
If you own a local small business or know someone who does, celebrate with us by filling out a form about your business before Sunday, March 16. We’ll be selecting businesses to feature in our newsletter throughout Small Business Week.
Bonus: As an optional choice, you can offer a fun deal or discount, a limited-edition menu item, or host a special event during the week for our readers to enjoy. Psst: There’s no charge to participate.
A chic new outfit from Rent the Runway. Always have something new to wear, whether you’re turning heads at brunch, nailing the office vibe, or all dressed up for a wedding — renting 10 new designer items a month starts at $89. Bonus: Rentals include fast delivery, dry-cleaning, and returns picked up directly from your home.*
Why did the swan cross the road? To show the chicken how it’s really done, obviously.
Now that I have your attention,LALtoday is working on a goal of raising $5,000 in the coming days to support our free journalism. If donating isn’t your style, consider sharing our newsletter or Instagram with a friend.
If I haven’t said it enough lately, I appreciate you reading our newsletter every day — especially when y’all put up with my terrible jokes.
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