✈️ The No. 1 way to park at Tampa International Airport
Presented by Tampa International Airport
Did you know you can book parking as soon as you book your flight out of TPA? | Photos courtesy Tampa International Airport
We’ve all had at least one extra chaotic travel day.
From getting the whole family packed + loaded to gathering passports and IDs, there are plenty of ways for even the best-laid airport plans to end in a tailspin.
Why not check parking off your list before the bustling begins?
How to pre-book parking online
With pre-booking online at Tampa International Airport, you’re guaranteed a parking space in your chosen lot (extra-helpful during busy seasons like holiday + summer travel). You can choose from any lot, but some do fill up as travel dates get closer.
Find a moment of peace along the shores of Lake Dora. | Photo provided by @joshfischerphotography
Thursday, Aug. 7 is National Lighthouse Day, and for us inlanders, we’re using it as an excuse to plan a road trip + shine a light on these nearby coastal destinations — less than a 2.5-hour drive from Lakeland.
Grantham Pointe, Mount Dora | Okay, so this might not be on the coast, but this lakeside destination would make for a perfect day in the park. Bonus: Plan the ultimate road trip.
Egmont Key Lighthouse, St. Petersburg | Dating back to 1858, this is the oldest structure in the Tampa Bay area.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, Boca Grande | This site was known for guiding ships in the Charlotte Harbor + now acts as a museum, covering Gasparilla Island’s history.
Bonus: Keep your eye out for when the Anclote Key Lighthouse in Tarpon Springs opens back up.
Events
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Ice Cream Sandwich Social | 4-7 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | Free | Tour a new wedding venue + beat the heat with a sweet treat.
Tacos, Tequila + Bingo | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Free+ | This event has been packing the house lately — call ahead to reserve a seat.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Clay Class | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $25 | Create a fin-tastic pinch pot in this beginner-friendly ceramics course.
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Bradenton Marauders | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $26+ | Add on a ticket to the Feast in the ’34 Club to watch the game in style with an all-you-can-eat menu.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Line Dancing in the Backyard | 7-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | These boots were made for dancing — two-step over to this winery for lessons under the stars.
Friday, Aug. 8
Gallery Perspectives | 12-1 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy a tour of the museum’s architecture-themed exhibit, “Frank Lloyd Wright & The College of Tomorrow.”
Rival Fight League | 7-11 p.m. | Haus 820 | $40+ | Rising stars will go head-to-head in boxing and MMA fights with pro-level production.
This section of the original roof has been hidden since 1926. | Photo via Polk County
History
The Polk County History Center has some treasures in its attic. During a recent inspection, contractors uncovered tin tile roofing shingles that date back to the 1900s, when the building served as the county’s courthouse. See the shingles yourself during a tour on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m.
Edu
Polk County Public Schools is preparing the drawing boards for a comprehensive rezoning plan for its high schools. While it won’t affect the 2025-2026 school year, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, the board will vote on current recommendations and begin the public feedback process. Learn more + save these important dates.
Cause
Polk County officials have designated an 8,000-sqft facility in Winter Haven to be its Special Needs Shelter Warehouse. Acting as the central storage + distribution site for special needs shelters during natural disasters, the warehouse will hold supplies like cots and bedding, hygiene supplies, oxygen carts, and more. (The Ledger)
Award
We hope those who participated in Polk County Burger Week saved some room — after 1,700 votes, it’s time to meat the winners. The Best Classic Burger award went to Andy’s igloo while S&L Restaurant had the Most Creative Burger + The Purple Onion dished out the Best Service.
Community
It’s about to be Winter Fall Haven Farmers Market season. Vendor spots are now open for this market’s fall weekends — vendors selling craft foods, produce, plants, and artisanal goods can apply for their preferred dates in September through December.
Watch
Now entering the Drone Zone. Fox 13 News’ drone camera gave us a bird’s eye view of Florida Southern College’s unique architecture. Watch the segment, featuring President Jeremy P. Martin, to get a new perspective on buildings like Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Plan Ahead
For the first time in eight years, the Ladies of Lakeland will come together for a Revival show. Slated for Saturday, Nov. 8 at The Pink Piano, the evening will feature local female musicians + performances of their original works.
Number
20%. That’s how much you can save on our self-service ad portal thanks to our Countdown to Q4 special. Hurry — it only runs until the end of the month. Use code AUGUST20 at checkout to secure your discount.
A go-to pair of running shorts to get you through hot summer workouts. This pair is under $20, has a built-in liner, and stays secure around hips thanks to a thick elastic waistband.
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.
Good morning, Swan City. I’m popping in for a few days while Connor is away.
If I were to make this a more permanent stay, I would be eyeing this 1938 farmhouse that just hit the market. It has everything I love — original hardwood floors, a creek + pond, and history. This home helped fund the creation of Historic Lakeland, Inc. and its work in preserving the city.
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