Visit Gandy Pool for fitness classes like Aqua Spin and Splashersize. | Photo by @riptide.masters.fl
It’s Florida in the summertime — you don’t need us to tell you it’s hot outside. That’s why we’ve pooled together these places to swim, splash, and slide in Polk County.
Public pools
Lakeland offers two public pools: Gandy Pool in south Lakeland at the Kelly Recreation Complex and Simpson Park Pool in north Lakeland at the Simpson Park Community Center. Both have open and lap swim times, but check the hours online before you slip into your swimsuit.
Pro tip: Admission is $5 per person, but if you’re a regular at either pool, look into the annual activity passes to save money.
Parts of Lakes Winterset, Ariana, and Clinch are now closed to vessels for swimmer safety.
Despite its name, you won’t find many lakes where you can swim in Lakeland. If that’s your favorite way to take a dip, Polk County recently approved designated swimming areas in three lakes. Find them just a quick drive away at Lake Winterset in Winter Haven and Lake Ariana + Lake Clinch in Auburndale.
Aging Well with Pride | 5-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | An expert panel will address local issues for LGBTQ+ adults ages 40 and up, including long-term care and estate planning.
Novels at Night | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Bartow Library | Free | Come ready to discuss a read inspired by this month’s theme: books with a color in the title.
Thursday, June 19
Kids’ Morning Out | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Little Lake Play | $45 | Drop off little Lakelanders for a few hours of games + crafts while you enjoy a morning to yourself.
Pride Show | 8-10 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $10+ | Chuckle along with comedian Jeff Klein and friends, and snag tickets ahead of time for a discount.
Friday, June 20
Achievers on Display Juneteenth Celebration | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Polk Street Community Center, Bartow | Free | Celebrate Bartow’s Legends and hear their stories in this interactive celebration.
3rd Rumba Fest of Lakeland | Friday, June 20-Saturday, June 21 | Times vary | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $25+ | Dance the night away with bachata and salsa classes taught by guest instructors, plus performances and themed socials.
Saturday, June 21
Ask a Master Gardener | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Free | Find the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County booth to ask a gardening pro your burning questions.
Kayak Eco Tour | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lake Martha Boat Ramp, Winter Haven | Free | Reserve a double kayak or bring yours to take an information-packed paddle around the lake.
Plan ahead for tomorrow, when City of Lakeland offices, libraries, and rec centers will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. Polk County + the Tax Collector’s offices will remain open and there will be no change to any waste pickups.
Biz
Bookmark the date Tuesday, July 1 — that’s when Inklings Book Shoppe plans to move into its new Dixieland store on Missouri Avenue. City commissioners approved a zoning variance for the location this week, meaning we’re one step closer to browsing the stacks with Hillcrest lattes in hand. (LkldNow)
Shop
Four event bizzes are joining forces for a yard sale at Haus 820 this Friday, June 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Head to the event space to shop gently used furniture + decor from Bloom Shakalaka, Flock Decor, and Treasury Rentals.
Arts
Fine Art at the Magnolia returns for its ninth year at the Magnolia Building on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24. Visit each day to see the work of 19 artists, no ticket required. And the best part? It’s inside an air-conditioned building.
Kids
Local organizations are stepping up to help children in need of nutritious meals this summer. Find a Summer BreakSpot site for free breakfasts and lunches on weekdays, or grab a lunch from Mary’s Bagel Cafe on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Cause
This fundraiser is hitting all the right notes. Tickets are on sale for Play It Forward Polk’s night of live music on Saturday, June 28 at Eala’s Speakeasy beneath Frescos. Enjoy tunes by Tommy B’s Super Band and In Tents while raising money for instruments in PCPS music programs.
Does your business have an upcoming event? Promote it in LALtoday. Head to our self-service ad portal to find an option that works for your budget — from eye-catching banner ads to engaging social posts.
Home
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Correction
Even art museums need a day off sometimes. The AGB Museum of Art will be closed tomorrow, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. The Director’s Tour we mentioned yesterday won’t take place, but you can catch the next AGB Thursday event on June 26, 4-8 p.m.
Category
Travel
🐊 Plan the best trip Ever(glades)
Take a walk — or a hike, or an airboat ride — on the wild side. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for the quintessential Florida summer experience, you can’t beat a road trip to Everglades National Park. Okay, maybe you can by visiting during fee-free days on Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19) and Great American Outdoors Day (Monday, Aug. 4).
Can’t swing a trip tomorrow? See those alligators later and plan for future dates with these activities.
Camping
Summer travelers are in luck, because the busy season for camping doesn’t start until November. Keep it classic by pitching a tent, or take the VIP route and book a stay in a glamping tent or houseboat.
Hiking
Exploring the wetlands can be a true adventure, but be sure to stay on the trails — we can all agree gators are best observed from a distance. Three of our favorites are Anhinga Trail, Pineland Trail, and Rowdy Bend Trail.
Fishing
Bring your freshwater fishing license to fish for bass, snook, redfish, and even tarpon in an ecosystem unlike any other in the US.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Don’t forget to tune into “Good Morning America” tomorrow during the 7-8 a.m. hour to catch a segment with Amonie Jo’s Coffee. Can’t wait that long? Stop by today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a drink from the summer menu + the seasonal strawberry banana toast.
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