Bring the kids to the Summer Movie Funfest and tell them all about how the CMX used to be the Cobb — they’ll love it, we promise. | Photo by @kindredsparks
If you enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer in Florida, we’re happy for you, truly. But for the rest of us, there’s a perfect excuse to escape the season’s heat + humidity: a lineup of Lakeland movie series and events.
Summer Movie Funfest
Favorite family flicks return to the big screen at CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX Tuesdays-Thursdays at 10 a.m. through Aug. 7, and tickets are $1.99. This week’s movie is “IF.”
We can feel the Polk Theatre air conditioning through this photo.
Polk Theatre Looking forward to the cooler days of fall? This historic theatre is getting in on the Summerween fun with films like “The Wolf Man,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “Young Frankenstein” on the July calendar.
Purrs & Popcorn Movie Night
Curl up with a kitty for a throwback screening of “That Darn Cat” at Kitty Cat Lounge on Saturday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets include cat time, popcorn, and a drink.
Summer Kids Crochet Club | 12-1 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Kids ages 9-17 can get hooked on crocheting with weekly crafting sessions.
“The Little Mermaid” Screening | 12-2 p.m. | Gem Theater, Mulberry | Free+ | Bring a donation of school supplies for a free ticket to go under the sea for this watch party.
Live Trivia with Tower 10 Burger | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Hold On I Know This hosts trivia on the patio + Tower 10 brings the smash burgers.
Thursday, July 10
Gallery Perspectives: FSC Summer Fellows | Thursday, July 10-Friday, July 11 | 12-1 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Future museum professionals will show off their art knowledge with specialized lectures in the galleries.
Friday, July 11
Kids Bop & Shop | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Bring the kids to shop for all their favorite things: candy, stuffed animals, lemonade, and more.
Saturday, July 12
Bluey Reads Day | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Books-A-Million | Free | Pajamas are encouraged at this sleepy-themed event, featuring three story times and games for little Bluey fans.
Bourbon Event | 2 p.m. | Uptown Wine & Spirits, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Uptown is opening the vault with rare bottles for sale and a special cocktail menu next door at The Social.
TPA is known for quick wait times (45 minutes or less even at peak times), but it’s best to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights, and three hours before international flights.
Browse local shops + restaurants
TPA is home to 66 shops and restaurants with unique Tampa flavor, including Cigar City Brewing. Pro tip: Beat the wait for food by ordering ahead with Uber Eats at any TPA restaurant.
Bitten by the travel bug yet? Check out TPA’s nonstop international flights to destinations like Amsterdam, London, and Cancun, and get started planning your next trip.
Polk County Public Schools is “B-B-B-Back,” earning a B district grade after receiving three Cs in a row. PCPS says the ranking is due to rising graduation rates, college + career programs, and grade improvements at 14 schools. Superintendent Fred Heid said, “We’ll use this momentum to keep improving.”
Transit
Don’t rain on Citrus Connection’s parade. The transit system has introduced the Squeeze Plus, a van shuttle service that will step in for golf carts that can’t run during inclement weather. The service is still free, and stops are at the same locations.
Cause
Ashley Bell Barnett, Past Board Chair of United Way of Central Florida, is one of five new members appointed to United Way Worldwide’s Women United Global Leadership Council. She’ll serve an initial three-year term on the advisory board, which represents 50,000 members worldwide.
Eat
Hakucho may be new to the foodie scene, but it’s already shaking things up. Starting today, the restaurant will serve lunch Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Expect curries, salads, cocktails, and hearty sandwiches like the pork collar and Born & Bread milk bread Tonkatsu Sando.
Sports
If you’re heading to a high school football game this fall, bring an extra dollar with you. For the first time in 14 years, PCPS is raising the price of varsity football tickets from $6 to $7 to cover equipment, transportation, and security costs. Student discounts will still be available. (WFLA)
Plan Ahead
Any dinner plans on Saturday, Sept. 13? Pencil in Academy Prep Center of Lakeland’s Cookin’ For Kids fundraiser. Tickets are available to see top chefs Dorcas Crumbley + Tina Calhoon compete alongside celebrity chefs Stacy Butterfield, Guy LaLonde Jr., Stephanie Madden, and Joe Tedder.
Arts
Your artwork could find a home in city buildings across Lakeland thanks to the latest Arts & Rec call for art. The theme of the next exhibition is “Home Sweet Home,” and any medium that can be mounted on a wall is welcome. Apply by Sunday, Aug. 17.
Listen
Lakeland native Ahmad H. Taylor, better known as The Atlanta Illustrator, is branching out from visual art to music. He released his album “The Tide Turns Troubled Times,” along with stories behind the songs to read while listening. Read our Q+A with Taylor about his Lakeland connections and inspiration.
Pro Tip
Got a classic car? Protect it like the treasure it is. Higginbotham offers specialized coverage so you can confidently drive your vintage pride.*
Cause
Calling all nonprofits: Score $1,000 for your organization with Lakeland Electric’s Community Giving Grant Program. Contact Lakeland Electric with any questions and apply before Friday, Aug. 1.*
Things are ramping up downtown, where the City of Lakeland Public Works Department has installed nine accessibility ramps. Just in time for the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act + Disability Pride Month, these new features bring the sidewalk curbs into ADA compliance.
With this project complete, there’s more on the horizon for the city’s roads and railways — get an update.
It’s day two of Amazon Prime Day. Shop standout deals that just went live:
⚡ The 40 oz. Stanley Quencher — aka the world’s most popular water bottle — is usually $45, but today you can get it for $27.
⚡ Sony’s $348 noise-cancelling headphones are marked down to $183.
⚡ Make football season bigger and better with 50% off Sony’s 65-inch 4K Ultra HD TV — saving you over $1,800.
⚡ Philips’ espresso machine + milk frother will look cute in your kitchen, make high-quality espresso drinks, and save you $150 with today’s deal.
⚡ Stock up on a good iPhone charger cord while it’s marked down to $9.99, the lowest price of the year.
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.
How’s your summer reading list going? Not to brag, but I’ve reached half of my annual goal of 20 books so far. To join in on the fun, check out these local programs or shop the extended 50% off sale at Inklings Book Shoppe’s downtown location.
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