I took the course while sipping tea at Foxtail, learning more about what makes Polk County a go-to destination for Florida tourists. | Photo by LALtoday
Central Florida is a tourism destination like no other, thanks to historic sites like Bok Tower Gardens and newer local gems like Bonnet Springs Park. The area thrives on the dollars that tourism brings — in fact, it’s one of Polk County’s top three industries.
You can help Visit Central Florida (VCF) attract visitors by joining the CATS program. CATS stands for Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports, and all it takes to become one is completing an online course.
It’s perfect for those who work in the hospitality industry, but the free program is open to anyone passionate about local tourism — so I decided to join myself.
Ambassadors get perks like tours of attractions like Legoland, and you can always refer back to the info you learned to answer guest questions.
The course includes light reading about sites to know in each city, and you may want to take notes, because there are a few pop quizzes about what you’ve read. The whole process took me less than an hour, and you can always refer back to the info to help answer guest questions.
To join VCF’s program, just make an account and learn at your own pace.
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Grab 10 tasting tickets to try dishes like the Terrace Grille’s rock shrimp salad or Lakeland Loft’s sangria while jamming to music in Munn Park.
The Motowners | Times vary | The Ritz, Winter Haven | $35 | This tribute group is bringing the “Motown Sound” with performances of beloved songs.
Wednesday, July 16
Shark Week Crafternoon | 2-3 p.m. | Mulberry Phosphate Museum | Free | Drop in to join a jaw-some craft in anticipation of Shark Week.
Live Trivia with Smokin’ Chanchos | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Win prizes by answering trivia questions, or just enjoy the show with a craft beer in hand.
Thursday, July 17
Pick a Protein, Any Protein | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Feeding Tampa Bay will teach guests about creating a nutrient-rich diet in this tasty class.
Friday, July 18
The Fancy Flea | Friday, July 18-Saturday, July 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $8+ | Shop vintage home and garden goods at this market, voted one of the best in the country — parking is free.
Saturday, July 19
Tiki Takeover | 5:30-9 p.m. | Bowen Yard, Winter Haven | Price of purchase | Cool off with tropical cocktails and menu items before things heat up with a fire dancer performance.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Fine Art at the Magnolia - Fine Art Show & Scholarship | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Magnolia Building | Free | This indoor art show is back for its ninth year, featuring 19 acclaimed artists from painters to potters.
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity is planning to build “legacy homes” for older adults to age in place within their own neighborhoods. Pending city approvals and community sponsorship, Habitat hopes to build two affordable cottages for Lakelanders with houses due for demolition. (LkldNow)
Community
The Planning and Zoning Board’s public hearing about Talbot House’s proposed move to Memorial Boulevard will take place at City Hall today at 8:30 a.m. While it’s a separate project from the city’s strategic plan for Memorial, it could meet the plan’s goals for social services and a health clinic. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
Home goods brand Evelyn & Co. is introducing a new name — Hearth & Harvest — along with a farmstand at 11223 Keen Rd. in north Lakeland. Starting Friday, Aug. 1, you can shop your favorite eco-conscious household items and locally farmed goods there Friday-Sunday.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Winter Haven-based SouthState Bank ranks among the Tampa Bay area’s fastest-growing banks. By acquiring several smaller banks and growing its assets, the company has become the 46th largest bank in the country. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Closed
Additional portions of Circle B Bar Reserve’s Alligator Alley trail are closed due to high alligator activity. It’s now blocked from its intersection with the Marsh Rabbit Run + Heron Hideout trails, so take the Shady Oak trail to reach the Lake Hancock boat ramp.
Asked
When it comes to local events, are you a color-coded calendar creator, or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants? Let us know in our one-question survey and use our Plan Ahead to plan the last half of July.
Today Is
The MLB All-Star Game. Lakeland may not have a team of its own, but according to this map, Polk County is a Tampa Bay Rays town. Check out the full rosters, featuring pitcher Drew Rasmussen, and tune in to FOX or ESPN 2 starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Biz
Pressed is celebrating four years in the books + coffee biz with a celebration on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Before the party starts, vote on Instagram for which barista’s creation will be the official anniversary drink — our vote is for Ethan’s peanut butter cold brew.
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Experience
City Guide
Do good with your donations
Donate your designer clothes to Top Buttons — the proceeds from their sales support the store’s Wearing Confidence Program. | Photo via Top Buttons
Today is National Give Something Away Day — the perfect reason to clear out your clutter and give new life to your items. We recommend giving to these shops that will make a local impact by selling your donated goods.
Top Buttons
This is a thrift store and boutique all in one. Sales benefit programs to help local teens and young women build self-confidence.
Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Store
Proceeds from sales help fund a resident intern program for Lakelanders in need who also work in the store.
Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe Feel good about your purchases here — this thrift shop raises around $50,000 per year for Peace River Center’s clients + survivors of domestic violence.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Find appliances, furniture, and antiques, in addition to home tools, and support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes for those in need.
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 pride myself on sharing the best local recommendations, but now I have the certificate to back them up. One of my favorite parts of the CATS program was the “Rooted in Flavor” section, where spots we often mention (like Born & Bread, Nineteen61, and Scarpa’s) all got a shout-out from VCF.
