The Flying Tigers will aim to strike out more than just the Marauders, Tarpons, and Blue Jays this season. | Photo by @lkdflyingtigers
The only thing better than spending a sunny day at Joker Marchant Stadium is doing good in our city while you’re at it. The Mosaic Company is doing just that through its new “Strike Out Hunger” partnership with the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
This season, each time a Lakeland pitcher strikes out a batter at home, Mosaic will donate $60 to One More Child + kidsPACK to help their hunger relief efforts. Since the season’s start in April, Mosaic has donated $10,380 after 173 strikeouts.
There are dozens of opportunities to root, root, root for the home team this summer, but these are the promotions we wouldn’t miss:
Throwback Thursday | Thursday, May 29 | 6:30 p.m. | Groove to music from across the decades between innings.
Fireworks Extravaganza | Friday, July 4 | 5 p.m. | Celebrate Independence Day with one of the biggest fireworks shows in town.
Luau Night | Saturday, Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | The first 200 fans in attendance will get a Hawaiian shirt + short set.
Events
Events
Thursday, May 29
Trivia Night: Harry Potter | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Don’t put your name into the goblet of fire — just show off your smarts at this magical night of quizzical questions at the Rooftop Bar.
Main Library Summer Kickoff | 10-11 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Little ones can jiggle and giggle with an amazing acrobatics show before picking up a summer reading log.
Swan City Improv | Times vary | Union Hall | $13 | This comedy team will use audience suggestions to create hilarious scenes sure to tickle your funny bone.
Saturday, May 31
Guided Hike | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Mulberry | Free | Join in on this 3-mile trek where you’ll learn to identify the animal tracks you spot along the way.
Open Mic Renegades | 6-9 p.m. | SoCe Market, Winter Haven | Free+ | Seasoned musicians and first-time performers alike are welcome to this cozy open mic night.
Sunday, June 1
40th Annual Dollhouse & Miniatures Show and Sale | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Springhill Suites by Marriott | $10+ | Bring a tiny shopping bag to fill with miniatures, and don’t miss the display from four decades of club projects.
License to Chill Pool Party | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $125 | This all-inclusive, adults-only pool party will bring the island vibes with a live DJ and all-you-can-eat bites and beverages.
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No. 16. That’s where Lakeland ranked on CommercialCafe’s list of “Top 20 Innovation Hubs across the South.” Lakeland earned a spot alongside cities like Austin, TX, based on its recent 91% increase in STEM employment, thanks in part to companies like Publix and Stryker.
Travel
LAL will soon be the first Florida airport to introduce GoodMaps, a smartphone platform that makes indoor navigation accessible for travelers, including those with low vision or reduced mobility. See it in action with live demos at the airport’s launch event on Tuesday, June 17 at 11 a.m.
Health
Polk County’s Health and Human Services Division has changed the requirements to apply for the Polk HealthCare Plan. Applicants must now only offer one proof of Polk residency, in addition to a Social Security number and proof of income. Learn how to apply.
Open
Jersey Commons is now open in Winter Haven, offering something not so common: affordable, income-based housing. The complex includes 68 units, along with primary care + mental health services for residents. If you’re interested, prepare for a wait — 11,000 people have already applied. (WFTS)
Lakelander
If the shoe fits, Jim McFarland of McFarland Shoe Repair can keep it looking good as new. Known as “America’s Cobbler” to his millions of fans, the social media star says that in between repairs, he’s working on a book detailing the running of his family’s south Lakeland shop. (LkldNow)
Award
They’ve got spirit, yes, they do. Polk County Emergency Management won this year’s Spirit of Leadership Polk Award from the Leadership Polk Alumni Association. The department was recognized for its hurricane response during the 2024 storm season, including its relief efforts with other local organizations.
Biz
A new sunscreen brand has found a spot in our beach bags. Good Sun founders Annie and Will are from Lakeland, and they created their sunscreen to be refillable, reef-safe, and Florida-made. Now all we need is a beach trip to try it out. (WFLA)
Seasonal
Things are getting peachy at Fancy Farms Market, where peaches are now in season again. Visit Tuesday-Sunday for refreshing menu items like milkshakes, lemonade, slushies, and cobbler, plus fresh peaches to make your own creations at home.
A rechargeable handheld fan to keep you cool all summer long. With a battery life of up to 14 hours and three adjustable speeds, it’s our favorite hack to keep from overheating in warm weather.
Tonight, I’ll be watching the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals and reminiscing on the time I competed in sixth grade. I didn’t make it very far, but at least I’ll always have the fact that I reached my peak at age 10.
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