There’s even more to love at Pressed thanks to its new menu of baked goods. | Photo by LALtoday
What’s the No. 1 thing that draws you to a coffee shop? That’s the question I posed earlier this week, and — unsurprisingly — high-quality coffee was the most popular response. Here’s where I recommend going for your next local cup of joe.
Mitchell’s Coffee House | I dream of Jeannie. No really. If you haven’t tried the “I Dream of Jeannie” latte here, you’re missing out on chocolate-caramel-hazelnut heaven.
Pressed | I’ve been making my way through this shop’s new author-inspired menu, and the Hemingway (coconut + mocha latte) is my favorite so far.
Rogue Coffee | Have you ever had a brownie so scrumptious that you’re thinking about it months later? That’s how great the bakery items here are, especially when paired with an iced coffee.
Sora Eatery | You don’t have to be a passenger to visit this pre-security restaurant at Lakeland International Airport — but if you did, I’d book a flight just to get a hojicha latte.
Of course, that’s not all. Tap below for 20+ more options.
Summer Pre-K Book Club | 2-3 p.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center | Free | Enjoy a read-aloud and song based on a popular children’s book, then leave with a free copy to read at home.
Summerset @ Sunset | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $15+ | Parents can relax on the farm while the kids enjoy activities so fun, they won’t even know they’re educational.
Friday, July 11
Film Friday | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Voyage to the library for a screening of “Moana 2,” complete with popcorn and refreshments.
“Catch Me If You Can” | Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $26+ | Catch LCT’s performances of this high-flying musical comedy “live in living color.”
Saturday, July 12
Florida Jeopardy: Sunshine State Showdown | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Create a team name, nominate a captain, then show what you know about our state’s history and pop culture.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | 8:45-10 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | If you’re looking for “Something Just Like This,” the Listeso String Quartet will make you a “Believer.”
Sunday, July 13
BEATLEBEAT: A Tribute To The Beatles Concert | 2 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $39 | Hear the greatest hits of the Fab Four and immerse yourselves in the Beatlemania craze of the 1960s.
The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has released its vision for Memorial Boulevard ahead of the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned redesign in 2028. Based on community feedback, the CRA envisions a safer, walkable area with infill developments on vacant lots and affordable housing. (The Ledger)
Number
$3.06 billion. That’s the proposed Polk County budget for the next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. Budget talks have already begun for the Board of County Commissioners before final votes in September. The next workshop takes place tomorrow, July 11, 1-2:30 p.m., at the Polk County Administration Building. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
Free up some closet space. Nordstrom Rack will open in the former Bed Bath & Beyond space at Lakeside Village on Thursday, Oct. 23. The first fashionistas in line before the discount retailer opens at 9 a.m. can enter to win a $1,000 gift card to spend inside.
Closing
After being open downtown for nearly five years and serving more than 300,000 guests, Ax-Caliber will close its Lakeland location. Send it off with a round of drinks and ax-throwing before its final day on Sunday, July 27.
Seasonal
The Lakeland Christmas Parade will return on Thursday, Dec. 4, and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland has announced this year’s theme: “Rockin’ Around Lakeland.” If you think you can beat last year’s floats, start drawing up your designs before parade applications open soon.
Award
The American Heart Association has recognized Lakeland Regional Health for its quality and speed of care for stroke patients. LRH received Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.
Plan Ahead
A frightening fall awaits at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, where tickets are now on sale for the next season. Grab a one-night ticket, or opt for season passes for unlimited access to the haunted outdoor trails on weekends from Sept. 26 to Nov. 1.
Active
Stretch yourself and raise the barre with an open house at Pure Barre on Saturday, July 19. Join free classes at 11 + 11:45 a.m. for an intro to the fitness studio, and enter to win a free month of classes. Seeking more gym options? We’ll spot you.
Job
Your dream employee is probably reading our newsletter right now — want them to see your job first? Add your job listing to our LALtoday Job Board, at no cost.
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 Fourth of July in the rearview, I’m officially thinking ahead to fall. Catch me at Milk & Honey Macarons’ farmers market booth this weekend to try its Summerween pop-up menu featuring pumpkin spice, maple vanilla, and apple pie macarons. They’re always sweet and light — the perfect bite to enjoy while shopping.
If these fall macarons from years past are any indication, we’re in for a treat this weekend.
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