The economic event of the season is here, with City of Lakeland budget hearings beginning this week. Officials will talk tax rates and a proposed $190.9 million budget during two hearings at City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 18. Both start at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chamber.
Pro tip: If you can’t make the meetings in person, catch the livestream or recordings.
Events
Events
Monday, Sept. 1
Adventure Days | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Fairy-themed fun awaits at the Nature Center, where you can design fairy houses and meet guests from Orlando Character Events.
Labor Day Vendor Market | 12-4 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Shop from a variety of local vendors and take home two bottles of wine for $25.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Indoor Pole Walking Class | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex | $5 | Catch the first of these new classes and become a pro pole walker in no time.
Tacos, Tequila + Bingo | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Price of purchase | This event has been packing the house lately — call ahead to reserve a seat.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Fall into Action Health and Wellness Mobile Giveaway | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Rhema Nation North | Free | Guests can receive personal hygiene items, household goods, and health resources from Advent Home Care Alliance.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Northwest Region Rezoning Town Hall | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Harrison Theatre | Free | Share your feedback on rezoning proposals for Kathleen High, Lake Gibson High, Lakeland High, and Tenoroc High.
Friday, Sept. 5
Turn Up Hip Hop Dance Fitness | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15+ | This high-energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery set to hip hop tunes.
Labor Day. Kick back and relax with earlier hours, live music, and burgers at Swan Brewing, and keep in mind that city + county offices are closed today.
Mansion Monday
Owning a home isn’t enough — we need our own peninsula. This storybook-style Tudor home fits the bill, offering both sunrise and sunset views over Lake Canyon.
Plan Ahead
Polk County’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Winter Haven’s Lake Gwyn Park. Come out for arts, entertainment, and family fun — and don’t forget these 25+ September must-dos.
Trending
Have you heard of chair yoga? The mind-body practice, which swaps a mat for a chair, has risen in popularity thanks to its easily accessible and inclusive nature. Try a few poses at home, or check it out on Friday mornings at the Bartow Library.
Number
95. That’s how many haunted houses are in Florida, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. If you’re brave enough, explore the directory to find one near you. Our pick is Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City.
Biz
Cracker Barrel’s “Old Timer” is here to stay after all. After receiving feedback on its rebranding from its patrons, the country store and restaurant has announced it will stick with its original logo. Speaking of old timers, take a walk down memory lane with Swan City’s oldest businesses.
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
You can be the bright spot in a child’s day with these opportunities. | Photo by @polkcountypublicschools
Missing your old school days? You can still make an education connection by volunteering with local schools + programs for students.
Polk County Public Schools | Become a mentor for Polk students to make a lasting impact. You can also serve on the District Advisory Council or the School Advisory Council for a specific school.
Dream Center | Adopt a block and serve the community by offering food, clothing, and children’s activities each month.
Florida Children’s Museum | Those ages 14+ can become Volunteers in Play (VIPs) to greet museum guests, keep exhibits clean, or help host special events.
ReadingPals | Volunteers are asked to help in local schools just one hour per week, teaching reading skills to kindergartners. The program is seeking hundreds of helpers for this school year.
A three-pack of women’s athletic leggings, marked down by 42% for Labor Day. Perfect for cycling, dance, yoga, workouts, or everyday wear, stock up on a high-waisted style in your choice of neutral colors.
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.
Whether you’re keeping it simple this Labor Day weekend or hosting folks from out of town, our City Guides have you covered when it comes to planning your perfect weekend itinerary, from the best spots to grab an end-of-summer brunch to kid-friendly activities that will keep even the littlest members of the family entertained.
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