Did you see “Jaws” at the Silver Moon when it first released? | Photo by @good_son95
When it comes to retro fun, our go-to spot is always the Silver Moon Drive-In — one of only four drive-in theaters still operating in Florida.
The Silver Moon first opened its screens on April 14, 1948, sporting individual RCA speakers, a snack bar, and a whopping 35-cent admission charge. It was considered the most modern outdoor theater in the state, and it has stood the test of time.
Feeling nostalgic? Throw it back with these upcoming events featuring two 1975 hits:
“Jaws” | Friday, Aug. 29-Thursday, Sept. 4 | 8:15 p.m. | $8 per adult | This blockbuster swims back onto screens across the country for one week only in honor of its 50th anniversary.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12 a.m. | $25 per car | The Hell on Heels Tampa Bay cast will bring this cult classic to life. Pro tip: Buy tickets before they sell out.
A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices F. Other
Florida Mosaic Workshop | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $45 | Put yourself in a crafty state of mind and create a one-of-a-kind art piece.
Bowen Yard BINGO | 6 p.m. | Bowen Yard, Winter Haven | Free+ | Fuel up for this friendly competition with ice cream from Ripples or oysters from Maritime.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Line Dancing in the Backyard | 7-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free | These boots were made for dancing — two-step over to the winery for lessons under the stars.
Trivia Thursdays | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Price of purchase | Test your knowledge while snacking on Cuban egg rolls or sipping blackberry crush cocktails.
Friday, Aug. 29
LKLD Indie Super Bash | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Union Hall | $25+ | It’s all about indie music and art at this three-day music festival.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Indoor Vendor Fair | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pressed LKLD | Price of purchase | Shop this pop-up for permanent jewelry, macarons, goat milk soap, and vintage clothing.
The (tur)key to avoiding Thanksgiving travel woes and unnecessary extra stress, according to the pros at Tampa International Airport? Book airport parking as soon as you book your flight.
You better bowl-ieve it — CAVA is coming to Lakeland. According to the Lakeland Economic Development Council, the Mediterranean fast casual restaurant is planning a location near the Lakeland Square Mall. While an exact site + timeline are TBA, we’re already dreaming of what we’ll order. Check out the menu.
Community
The RP Funding Center has hit 50 years old, and the city is celebrating with a family-friendly open house on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1-5 p.m. It’s free to join for facility tours, interactive exhibits, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its next 50 years.
Seasonal
Polk State College will host its annual FallFest on Saturday, Oct. 11 at its Winter Haven campus, and it’s seeking vendors for its crown jewel: the craft show. Register to sell your handmade goods by Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Transit
It’ll be even easier to visit SUN ‘n FUN when the aerospace expo returns in April. Citrus Connection will offer shuttle services from downtown Lakeland, meaning you can save on parking — and save yourself from searching for your car after a night show.
Try This
Safari Wilderness is feeling foxy after adding two rescued foxes to its ranch. Play with Adeline + Chester by adding a fox encounter to any safari tour, from drive-thrus to kayak adventures.
Weather
When was the last time you updated the phone number + address on your Lakeland Electric account? Hurricane season is here — in the event of a power outage, Lakeland Electric needs accurate information to contact you and get you back online. Update your account here.*
Travel
Planning a Labor Day weekend camping trip? Try Zephyrhills, which ranked No. 6 on StorageCafe’s list of top RV destinations in the US thanks to its campsite quality, availability, and natural springs. It’s less than an hour away, but homebodies can find long weekend-worthy options in Lakeland, too.
Kids
Calling all Liams — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as Florida’s most popular for babies born last year, with Noah and Olivia rounding out the top three. No matter the names of the little munchkins in your life, good thing Lakeland is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Active
If you didn’t win our recently closed ultimate wellness giveaway, don’t worry. Tickets are still available to attend the Hack Your Health Conference, happening Nov. 14-16.*
Home
Have a project you’ve been itching to work on? Think: bathroom renovation, upgrading your HVAC system, or maybe a backyard makeover. Wondering how to pay for it? Hint: A HELOC isn’t the only way to access your home’s equity. Enter: Unison.*
Featured Deal
Experience full-body fitness from the comfort of your home with Hydrow. This Labor Day, save $575 on the Hydrow Pro or $275 on the Hydrow Wave with code NOTES. Dive into immersive workouts that engage 86% of your muscles. Stronger starts here — explore more stunning waterways today.*
Answered
Answered
Would you bring hurricane cakes back to Publix?
The petition is now more than 38,000 signatures strong.
With nearly 400 votes cast, 90% of our readers said, “Let them eat cake,” agreeing with a recent petition to bring these decorated cakes back to Publix. Interestingly, only 35% told us they had bought one when they were available.
Here’s what else readers said:
“If these cakes make people happy, bring them back!” — Lindy Y.
“Devastation is nothing to celebrate! Survival is — so maybe if they bring back these hurricane cakes, they can maybe donate the proceeds to help victims of these storms!” — Cynthia T.
“I didn’t know they existed until you couldn’t get them.” — Cindy L.
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
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.
Are we in Florida’s version of a “false fall”? I’m choosing to believe that these sub-90º highs will stick around. I know I’m fooling myself, but it does make for the perfect excuse to try the “Gilmore Girls” coffee menu coming to Pressed this weekend.
}})
