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Editor’s Pick
There’s always something exciting happening in Lakeland — just check out our community calendar — but have you kept track of all the local developments + announcements we’ve shared this month? Here’s your chance to show what you know in our news quiz before June ends. I’ll start off easy with this first question.
Asked
Asked
Who is showcased in the AGB Museum of Art’s latest exhibit?
A. Auguste Rodin B. Andy Warhol C. Gillian Fazio D. Frank Lloyd Wright
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse Series | Monday, June 30-Thursday, July 3 | Times vary | Cinemark Lakeland | $1.75 | Load up your minions to see “Despicable Me 4" with discounted tickets.
Christmas In July | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Blend summer fun and holiday cheer with jukebox bingo + bounce houses, and bring a toy donation to receive a free drink.
Tuesday, July 1
Lakeside Kids Club: Into the Wild | 10-11:30 a.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Animal experts from Family Reptiles will showcase their scaly friends, and kids can bring home animal balloon art.
Wednesday, July 2
“Independence Day” | 12-2 p.m. | The Gem Theatre, Mulberry | Free+ | This movie screening is all about aliens, action, and America — donate school supplies for a free ticket.
Thursday, July 3
Picnic in Munn Park | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Price of purchase | Food trucks will line the park with bites + bevs to enjoy before Red, White & Kaboom.
Friday, July 4
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays | 5 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | Stay after the game to celebrate Independence Day with a stunning fireworks show over the field.
No. 89. That’s where Lakeland ranked on Resonance’s list of America’s 100 best cities. The ranking used data ranging from a city’s GDP to content on Tripadvisor and Instagram + highlighted Lakeland’s green spaces and historical architecture.
Biz
Cheers to Lugo’s Craft Distillery — its Pitorro Rum is now available in 173 Publix liquor stores around Florida. Pick up a bottle to create your own cocktails at home, or leave the mixology to the experts at the distillery lounge.
Jobs
If you’re already in the Halloween spirit, we have just the job for you. Spirit Halloween will return to the Lakeland Square Mall this fall, and it’s already hiring for sales associates + managers. Check out the open positions — if you dare.
Mansion Monday
Hey home chefs with a gadget for every situation, check out this 3,000-sqft home with all the kitchen storage you need. Enjoy gourmet meals at the breakfast nook, indulge with breakfast in bed in the spacious primary suite, or dine al fresco on your personal boat dock over Banana Lake.
Number
72.2 million. That’s how many Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, a 2.4% increase from last year. This includes an estimated 5.84 million people traveling by air — if you’re one of those flyers, familiarize yourself with Lakeland International Airport before departure. (AAA)
Eat
It looks like Floridians believe in the power of coconuts. That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you’re feeling nutty, try a refreshing drink from Coconut Bar at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market this Saturday.
Drink
Ready for a twist on a classic? Good Housekeeping named the spicy pina colada the drink of the summer, which heats up the cocktail’s recipe by adding a spicy ingredient like chile-infused rum. If you’d rather drink something else, we think local happy hours are always on trend.
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the LALtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
Take a lakeside stroll under the lights of the Frances Langford Promenade. | Photo via @jbonilla72
Crowds will celebrate our country’s history at the Frances Langford Promenade during Red, White & Kaboom this Thursday, July 3 — but how well do you know the promenade’s past?
Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the promenade was completed in 1928 and later dedicated to Lakeland native Frances Langford. Langford gained fame on radio shows and Broadway stages, and she earned the nickname “GI Nightingale” on USO tours with Bob Hope.
Making Floridians proud across the state, the star had multiple landmarks named after her, including Langford Park + The Frances Langford Outrigger Resort restaurant in Jensen Beach, and Lakeland’s Frances Langford Promenade. It was renamed in her honor in 1946.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friendly games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
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.
With Red, White & Kaboom just days away, you might have questions about the event. If it’s your first time attending, or your first time in a while, drop your questions and I’ll do my best to answer them this week.
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