Bonnet Springs Park does double duty as a venue and photo backdrop. | Photo by Ardency & Arrow Co.
Are those wedding bells we hear, or is it just the sound of these vendors celebrating their recent accomplishments? If you’re helping to plan a wedding — or just a big celebration — check out these 2025 award winners.
Bloom Shakalaka
Fill your space with “funky fresh blooms” from this florist, named to the 2025 Loverly List of the “Best of the Best” vendors. We’ll jump to catch one of their bouquets.
Graingertainment
A great DJ gets the party started, and this company earned a spot in The Knot’s Hall of Fame after eight consecutive years on the “Best of Weddings” list.
Lakeland BBQ Company
When you need to feed a crowd, barbecue always hits the spot. Treat your guests to dinner by this back-to-back “Best of Zola” winner, or go all out with a charcuterie grazing table.
Bonnet Springs Park Location, location, location. Why not host your wedding at USA Today’s Best City Park of 2025? Learn more about planning events at BSP during this month’s Tour & Taste events.
United Way Campaign Kick-Off | 3:30-5 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center | Free | Campaign chairs Greg Littleton and Weymon Snuggs kick off United Way of Central Florida’s 2025-2026 season with trivia, hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation.
Nitro Bingo | 4:30-8 p.m. | The Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | Free+ | This energetic bingo night blends strobe lights, upbeat music, and big prizes for winners.
Friday, Aug. 15
Repurpose Studio Pop-Up Shop | 1-4 p.m. | Gospel, Inc. | Free+ | See what Gospel, Inc.'s residents are up to by shopping for handmade goodies + hanging out during sewing time.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Teen Night: Back to School Night | 6-9 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Center | Free | Teens can chill together with snacks while making friendship bracelets.
Raise the roof — Raising Cane’s is planning a location within a Publix plaza development on US 27 in Davenport. It would be the first Polk County site for the restaurant, known for its chicken tenders + signature sauce. Should it come to Lakeland? Tell us. (The Ledger)
Civic
Starting next week, keep an eye on your mailbox for Truth in Millage notices. Property owners will be able to view their property values, approved exemptions, proposed tax rates, and estimated total property taxes. Notices will also include county budget hearing dates + deadlines to file appeals.
Plan Ahead
The guesses are in and the answer has been revealed: Lakeside Village’s Halloween celebration theme is “Monster Mash.” Plan to attend the free event on Friday, Oct. 24 for a trick-or-treat trail, mad scientist lab, character meets, and more family fun. It’ll be a graveyard smash.
Arts
Is your child a future star? Sign them up for the next semester of classes at Lakeland Community Theatre, starting in September. There’s a class for all ages, from Broadway Babies to Teen Drama Club.
Active
The Leading Edge Take Heart race returns on Saturday, Sept. 13, but this time with a few updates. In addition to a 5K, you can now run a 10K — or challenge yourself to run both — starting at Lake Mirror. Pro tip: Register now for early bird pricing.
Pets
Have you met Wilda, the scarlet macaw who calls Lloyd’s of Lakeland home? The bird was recently immortalized in a mural outside the antique store she’s lived in since 1994. Find her squawking about on the store’s second floor on your next visit. (LkldNow)
Answered
21%. That’s how many of our most adventurous readers told us they would visit a nude beach. Summer isn’t over — let loose at Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, just across the county line in Kissimmee. You won’t even have to pack for upcoming events like the clothing-optional 5K.
Giveaway
We’re partnering with Hack Your Health to give away two VIP tickets to the conference, happening Nov. 14-16. Enter to win now through Wednesday, Aug. 20.*
Need quick, convenient relief? Lakeland Regional Health has four convenient urgent care locations. Their friendly and expert providers can diagnose and treat non-emergency health needs like colds, the flu, sprains, and more all in one place. Find an urgent care near you.*
Beauty
Restore thinning hair with Happy Head’s dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plans. See how good customer results are + take 45% off your first six Rx orders with code 6AM.*
For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
👜 This stylish + functional crossbody boasts multiple pockets and a soft leather feel for under $35.
💦 We stash these deodorizing body wipes in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.
👟 When rushing out the door, these slip-on canvas sneakers are our go-to kicks.
🌬️ This styling cream + wand stays in our purse to quickly tame frizz and flyaways that pop up on humid days.
🪫 We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once.
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.
It seems like Davenport is the new hotspot for restaurants’ first Polk locations. From Raising Cane’s to Dutch Bros, I’m hoping a few of those eateries will pull a Lewis and Clark + head west to Lakeland. Which other businesses are so close, but so far for you? Our inbox is open.
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