We followed the solar car for a test drive around Florida Poly’s campus before the team left for the Grand Prix. | Photo by LALtoday
Is there anywhere better to create a solar-powered car than on the sunny campus of Florida Polytechnic University? The school’s Phoenix Racing team has been doing just that while gearing up for its second appearance at the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix in Bowling Green, KY.
Thanks to a crew of whip-smart students, the team completed 93 laps and came in seventh place last year at its very first race. This year, Phoenix Racing expects a spot in the top five with Spark MK2 Powered by TECO, its lighter + more aerodynamic car that’s completely powered by solar panels on its body.
Here’s the view from the driver’s seat, where three drivers will take the wheel this week.
Photo by LALtoday
It’s not just about speed at the Grand Prix — in fact, Spark MK2 only has a top speed of around 50 mph. Instead, it’s all about how many laps your vehicle can last over three days of racing from Thursday, July 3 to Saturday, July 5. Teams work to get their cars as efficient as possible to keep them on the track longer.
Tribute to Aerosmith | Times vary | Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $35 | You “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” at these performances featuring Aerosmith’s biggest hits.
Family-Friendly Paint and Sip | 7-10 p.m. | Botanical Brewing Taproom | Price of purchase | Order a kava or elixir drink, then put your creativity to the test in a guided painting lesson.
Wednesday, July 2
Morning Mindfulness | 9-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Find stillness and focus with two sound bath sessions near the Boathouse at 9 and 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 3
Maker’s Market | 6-9 p.m. | Catapult | Price of purchase | Shop artisan goods from Kitchen, Makerspace, and Workspace members in Catapult’s parking lot.
Friday, July 4
Independence Day Celebration | 2:30-10 p.m. | Mosaic Park, Bartow | Free+ | Celebrate with an afternoon picnic, local country music performers, family activities, and a veteran’s salute before the 9:10 p.m. fireworks extravaganza.
Saturday, July 5
Red, White & No Boom | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Keep it fireworks-free at this dog-friendly happy hour featuring live music and High Noon drink releases.
Foregoing community fireworks this week? Remember that fireworks are legal to use at home this Friday, July 4, according to Florida law. To stock up before the big day, find tents popping up on South Florida Avenue, Kathleen Road, and US Highway 98 North. (The Ledger)
Cause
Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is making moves into Polk County, where it plans to open a permanent office and distribution center. Through its Disaster Readiness and Recovery Program, the nonprofit is working to restore 12 storm-damaged homes at no cost for residents in need. (Fox 13 News)
Biz
Before relocating from downtown to Dixieland, Inklings Book Shoppe is holding a moving sale with 50% off everything in the store. Shop at 243 N. Florida Ave. today through Friday, July 4 for deals on new + used books. The new shop will open early this month.
Open
Things are heating up at Depot 303 in Mulberry, where King of the Coop has officially opened its stall. Visit the food hall to find award-winning hot chicken, fried chicken, and catfish — you can even mix + match with the other stalls just a few steps away.
Try This
Out: Bunco nights. In: Mahjong lessons. The Florida Room in Winter Haven recently hosted a class with the pros of Make It Mahjong, and it’s planning future events where you can learn the rules of the tile-based game. Follow along on Instagram to see when the next class is announced.
Answered
Which Lakeland coffee shop was featured on “Good Morning America” last month? Only 30% of readers guessed this one correctly in our June news quiz. Take the test, or watch the segment to see which shop had its shot in the spotlight.
Read
The “perfect book club for non-readers” is coming to Pressed. Join the Tuesday, July 15 meeting to discuss “The Art of Arranging Flowers” by Lynne Branard + create a masterpiece with Painting with a Twist. Tickets include a copy of the book, painting materials, and a drink.
Trivia
Do you live in a Sunshine State of mind? Prove it at the Lakeland Public Library’s Florida Jeopardy competition on Saturday, July 12. Assemble two to four trivia whizzes that know everything from history to pop culture, and register your team starting this Saturday, July 5 at 10 a.m.
Lakeland’s new blowdry bar will leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and runway-ready. If you haven’t stopped by yet, this reel from our recent styling session might have you booking a weekend visit.*
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word with LALtoday. Explore our self-service ad portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content. Promoting your event has never been easier.
Stat
100%. That’s Homebuddy’s no-clog guarantee on their premium, top-rated gutter guards. Get a free quote and join 410,000+ other homeowners who trust the maintenance-free gutter solution.*
Post of the Day
Did you know that Lakeland was once a hockey hotspot? The Orange County Regional History Center shared these past pucks from the Prowlers + Ice Warriors, who played at the former Lakeland Civic Center in the 1990s. To see hockey in Swan City these days, find it at the Lakeland Ice Arena.
A ZlumberLock secure sheet holder. Say goodbye to tangled + bunched up sheets with this easy-to-install, patented product. It fits all sheet types and boasts a sleek, discreet design.
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.
I feel the need...the need for efficiency. That one doesn’t quite roll off the tongue the same way, but it was still exhilarating to get in the Phoenix Racing car driver’s seat. I don’t see myself trading newsletters for solar panels anytime soon, so I’ll be rooting for them to bring a win back to Lakeland.
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