In an Instagram post, owner Jessi Zilka said, “taking part in a national promo campaign for this band truly means the world to us and is a dream come true.”
Photo by LALtoday
Are we living in the year 3000? The Jonas Brothers drop a new album next week, and Jesse Carl Vinyl is one of just seven Florida record stores hosting release day listening parties. Visit the store on Friday, Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. to jam out + enter giveaways.
Pro tip: If your music style is more Joplin than Jonas — or anything in between — Jesse Carl is my favorite place in Lakeland to snag new-to-me vinyl.
Events
Events
Monday, July 28
Clay Class - Fishy Pinch Pots | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25 | Something’s fishy here — it’s this pottery class for artists of all ages.
Monday Trivia | 7:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen | Free+ | This restaurant is open again and ready for another night of brain teasers.
Tuesday, July 29
Growing Tropical Fruit in Your Central Florida Yard | 10-11 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers will teach you all about turning your garden into a tropical paradise.
Wednesday, July 30
Instrument Petting Zoo | 3-4:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Check out an array of musical instruments to see which one hits the right note for you or your child.
Thursday, July 31
Stuffed Animal Flight School | Thursday, July 31-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 3 p.m. | Florida Air Museum | Free | Children will accompany their stuffies to flight school orientation before leaving the toys to “become pilots” overnight.
Friday, Aug. 1
Sangria Night | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Flavor and fun await at this event featuring Latin music, sangria flights, and dancing.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Tarpons | 6 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $12+ | Teachers + support staff can bring a valid school ID to receive one complimentary ticket to this game.
Upgrade your old HVAC system by the end of this year, and you could score tax credits + rebates. | Photo courtesy Dan Lefebvre, Unsplash
Worried about cooling your home effectively, but hesitant about the replacement cost? Waiting could cost you more.
Right now, there are utility rebates and tax credits available when you upgrade to a new heat pump system with Payne Air. But some of these home savings disappear at the end of the year, so there’s only a few months left to take advantage.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes federal tax credits up to $2000 for qualified heat pump systems (expires Dec. 31, 2025)
Lakeland Electric offers a $300 rebate for installing an energy-efficient heat pump system
Plus, customers can pay over time with 36-month, 0% financing available
$220,000. That’s the total amount United Way of Central Florida will give through its 2025 George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant. The funding goes to 12 nonprofits that serve local students, including Camp Fire Sunshine, the Polk Education Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County.
History
The Joinery is a fan-favorite hangout today, but do you remember when its location was once an indoor skate park? Do a kickflip down memory lane to learn about Lakeland’s skating history, or bring your board to Fletcher Park to be part of its present.
Eat
Here’s the scoop: Floridians love Neapolitan ice cream. That’s the most popular flavor in the state, based on a study of Google data by Beach.com. If you’re feeling more adventurous, we recommend trying one of these photo-ready flavors from a local shop like Lakeland Ice Cream Company.
Sports
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is coming up on Thursday, July 31. While Swan City might not be in the majors, attending a local Flying Tigers game this weekend could be your chance to see players before they get called up to the Detroit Tigers. (ESPN)
Drink
Sake is growing in popularity right now in America, and the good news? You can find it locally. Next time you’re at Hakucho or New Moon Sushi, order a glass of the Japanese rice wine. (The Hustle)
Watch
Did you know that there’s a DC comics character named Laurel Lakeland, who first appeared in “Tomorrow Stories #1" in 1999? If you’re wondering if she features in the new “Superman” movie, see the flick at the Silver Moon Drive-in this week at 10:30 p.m.
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, LALtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Equity Sharing Home Loan. This flexible option allows borrowers to access the equity in their home at a below-market interest rate (read: lower monthly payments than a traditional loan) for debt consolidation, home improvements, or even retirement. Here’s how it works.*
Finance
More central banks are stocking up on gold. Want in on the gold rush? Gold IRAs can be a good way to own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks. Prospect for gold — no miner’s helmet needed.*
Home
Mold, roof leaks, foundation cracks — clogged gutters can cause costly home damages. Get HomeBuddy’s top-rated gutter guards installed over your existing gutters in under a day.*
Catch Jon Corneal & Compadres at Hillcrest every Friday from 12 to 2:30 p.m. | Photo by LALtoday
When you’re craving live music, you’d be French pressed to find a better venue than these local coffee shops where the pours and performers always hit a high note.
Hillcrest Coffee
Thursday nights stay booked with up-and-coming musicians here. This Thursday, July 31, catch Brenna Stross + James Marone; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Mitchell’s Coffee House
This shop has been hosting First Friday showcases featuring Sound House Studios artists. Hear an acoustic set by Halation, Cale Strickland, and Walker Damron this Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.
Kitty Cat Lounge
Are you the performer? Start practicing for this cat cafe’s open mic nights, usually scheduled for the last Friday of each month. Adoptable cats make a great audience.
This best-selling titanium cutting board. Take this as your cue to swap out your grimy old cutting boards for this highly rated upgrade — praised by reviewers for its easy cleanup, durability, and everyday functionality.
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’ll never forget stumbling upon my first Jon Corneal show at Hillcrest. I had been working away, headphones on in the quiet back room, when the wooden floor began to shake. Imagine my surprise when I walked out to a packed house stomping their feet to a country-rock band. That’s a quintessential Lakeland experience. Have one of your own every Friday afternoon — shows are free.
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