Sunset events at Bonnet Springs Park just hit different — but we love that this month’s Sunset Dance Series features air conditioning. | Photo by @ashley_kent77
The sun will soon set on summer, but that means Lakeland’s calendar is just heating up. These are the top events we recommend heading to this month.
Back to School Bash Block Party | Friday, Aug. 8 | 6-10 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $5+ | Send off summer with live music, local food trucks, and carnival games.
Cocktails & Comedy | Saturday, Aug. 9 | 8-10 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery | $15+ | Combine laughs + libations in an intimate setting.
Sunset Dance Series | Wednesday, Aug. 13 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Salsa dance the night away at the Event Center.
Browse unique art in media like pottery, wood, and more.
Photo provided by The Bohrer Gallery
Fine Art at the Magnolia | 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 with 19 acclaimed artists.
Plantae Palooza | Saturday, Aug. 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Think green with local plant vendors and farm-grown eats.
A clear crossbody bag to fit all your essentials for summer concerts + future sporting events. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
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.
AGB Thursdays: Julián Pernett Castilla and Friends | 5-6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Pianist Julián Pernett Castilla is joined by saxophonist Aaron West and percussionist Matthew Korloch for an art-inspired performance.
Friday, Aug. 1
Game Night | 5-8 p.m. | Tea Largo | Free+ | Put those phones down for a night of good old-fashioned fun and discounts on bowls + beverages.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Tarpons | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $11+ | Teachers + support staff can bring a valid school ID to receive one complimentary ticket to this Family Fun Friday game.
Saturday, Aug. 2
End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Raise a cone to the end of summer and welcome the new year with a visit from the PCPS Books Bridge Bus.
Metal Night | 8-11 p.m. | Union Hall | $13 | Headbang the night away with performances by rock bands Moth Bite, No Context, A Human Gone, and The Polymer Motive.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Dixieland Mid-Day Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Union Hall | Price of purchase | Makers, bakers, and entertainers are here to start your week on the right foot.
Starting Monday, Aug. 11, crews will clean sewer lines on the east + south sides of Lake Hollingsworth Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Expect single-lane closures on Lake Hollingsworth Drive and a full multi-use path closure from the Yacht Club to the Hollingsworth Road roundabout for 30 days.
Development
Construction has begun on a 1.1 million-sqft distribution center by I-4, west of Florida Polytechnic University. Instead of warehouses, school officials still hope to see a research park built near Florida Poly, which is part of its five-year strategic plan. (The Ledger)
Biz
Speaking of distribution centers, Sysco opened its newest facility just across County Line Road in Plant City. The Sysco Tampa Bay center will supply food products to customers within a 100-mile range, and it’s expected to create 300 local jobs. (Business Observer)
Cause
Nonprofit kidsPACK is hoping to “Pack the Park” during the Flying Tigers’ game on Friday, Aug. 8, and it needs your help. Sponsor a reserved or box seat along with a meal voucher so a child facing food insecurity can enjoy a night at Joker Marchant Stadium.
State
There’s never been a better time to pack your hurricane kit. Starting tomorrow, Aug. 1, certain disaster supplies will be permanently tax-free statewide. The list of eligible items includes some you may not have thought about, like insect repellent + bike helmets. (Fox 13 News)
Read
Shop new-to-you books for children of all ages during the Friends of the Library’s back-to-school special, with extra kids’ books on sale Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 10. Proceeds support the Lakeland Public Library’s programming and services.
Kids
Children ages 5-12 can bust a move at the new Funky Friends enrichment program. Join teacher Caleb Jimenez at Uno Dos Tres Studio each Saturday of August from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a disco-themed morning of fun that feels more like a dance party than exercise.
Announced
Congrats to Catherine W. on winning our Storm Season Giveaway in partnership with Lakeland Electric.*
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Shop
Could your feet be comfier right now? We’ve got two summer shoe recommendations: these ultra-cushioned pillow slides and tried and true classic Crocs.*
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 the Lake Hollingsworth trail being half-closed for much of August, I foresee a migration to Bonnet Springs Park. Try something new next month by planning your run or bike ride here — views like these are hard to beat.
Venture off the Circulator Path for a detour by the Blanton Family Lagoon.
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