It’s not such a ruff life if you live in Lakeland. | Photo by @izzieandjedi
It’s National Dog Day, so we’re getting in the spirit by matching a few Lakeland neighborhoods + areas with dog breeds based on their temperaments, according to the American Kennel Club. Did we get yours right?
Downtown: Australian Shepherd
These intelligent dogs were bred as herders, and they still have a strong desire to work. That lines up with the downtown neighborhood, where you’ll find Lakelanders mixing work and play.
Lake Morton: Poodle
Historic home owners and Florida Southern College students alike are proud to call East and South Lake Morton home. That makes them a perfect fit with the proud and intelligent standard poodle.
Kathleen: Chihuahua
When it comes to longevity, it’s hard to beat the longest-living breed or this historic area. The communities that make up the Kathleen area have a rich history stretching all the way back to the 1840s.
Cancer Support Group: A Journey of Wellness | 5-6:30 p.m. | Hollis Cancer Center | Free | Learn exercises to stay moving, healthy, and smiling, then join a support group with others on a similar health journey.
Ready, Set, Conserve: Rain Barrels | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lake Crago Recreational Center | Free+ | Learn how to create and maintain a rain barrel, and bring your own home for $30.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Knit One, Crochet Too | 5-6:55 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Connect with other knitting + crocheting fanatics while working on your current projects together.
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Just Dance Courtyard Studio | $10 | Get an energy boost with cardio and muscle conditioning set to upbeat music.
Thursday, Aug. 28
“Big World, Little Photos” | 5-7 p.m. | Mulberry Cultural Center | Free | Photographer Sherry Ross will open an exhibition featuring small-scale prints.
Friday, Aug. 29
Navika World Kannada Summit | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $250 | Celebrate Kannada culture with entertainment, educational conferences, and celebrity appearances.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Meraki Bakehouse Pop-up | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Catapult | Price of purchase | Grab pastries and breakfast items to-go, or eat them on the Catapult patio if you just can’t wait.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Leading Edge Take Heart 5K | 7-9:30 a.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade | $45+ | Run an updated route around downtown Lakeland, or opt for the new 10K race to get more steps.
Vampire Penguin is coming downtown to the former Gent’s Classic Cuts location on Pine Street, bringing frozen “shaved snow” desserts and a Victorian Gothic vibe. The family behind the cafe is eyeing a fall opening, but until then, you can find the nearest one in Brandon. (The Ledger)
Biz
CareerSource Polk announced its latest Best Places to Work Award winners, plus three Employers of Distinction that have won three years in a row. See who made the list.
Number
1,142. That’s how many additional students could be zoned for Tenoroc High School if PCPS approves recommended zoning changes. Kathleen and Lakeland would also gain students, while George Jenkins and Lake Gibson populations may decrease. Town halls start this week to share your thoughts. (LkldNow)
Edu
This is nothing to Moc — Florida Southern College is again ranked one of the “Best in the South” by The Princeton Review. FSC also ranked in the nation’s top 25 for its professors, theater program, career services, and student support services.
Ranked
No. 28. That’s where Publix Super Markets ranked on PEOPLE’s “100 Companies That Care” list based on employee surveys. Publix workers called out its recycling program, which gave new life to 738+ million lbs of material in 2023.
Development
Speaking of Publix, the company is the “House Sponsor” for Habitat for Humanity’s latest project in Bartow. It will be the first of its kind in East Polk County, using blocks instead of wood for the frame. It’s expected to be complete by the end of the year. (The Ledger)
Arts
Lakeside Village is becoming Lakeland’s newest art gallery thanks to a collection of murals by Gillian Fazio. Follow along with her progress to see colorful works featuring local icons like swans + oranges in the breezeways.
Plan Ahead
If you can’t do the “Time Warp” to Saturday, Oct. 4, you can at least mark your calendar for the Silver Moon Drive-In’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show” event. The cast from Hell on Heels Tampa Bay will make it an interactive event to remember. Snag tickets soon.
How smart homeowners preserve their property (and their weekends): using Homebuddy for a one-time install of top-rated gutter guards that require zero maintenance. Compare local offers now.*
Biz
Need to fill your open role fast? Post your job listing on our hyper-local Job Board + get connected with top local talent. Did we mention it’s free?
There’s nothing li’l about these lilies. Bok Tower Gardens threw its hat in the ring for the Denver Botanic Gardens’ third annual Waterlily Weigh-Off. Its 61-inch Victoria cruziana held a whopping 183 lbs (including several bags of oranges).
We’re still waiting on official standings, but TikTok user @schmittly scoured through all the entries to compile an unofficial top five list with Bok Tower at the top. Pad around the Denver Botanic Gardens’ page to see who is crowned the champion this Thursday, Aug. 28.
The perfect stadium accessory: this clear crossbody bag for all your gameday essentials. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
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.
Did you prove yourself as Swan City’s biggest Swiftie? Last week, I asked you to decipher if these quotes were by Taylor Swift or Mayor Bill Mutz, and most readers were stumped by two quotes:
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” — Taylor Swift
“This era is not a time for ‘whatever.’ Instead, it is a time for ‘whatever it takes!’” — Bill Mutz
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