Light the candles — tomorrow is my birthday. If you’re like me and love all the free stuff you get once a year, save these freebies:
Family Fun Center | Free round of mini golf or laser tag each year
Publix | Discounts on ice cream + bar cakes on your birthday and half-birthday
Texas Cattle Company | $25 off an adult entree on the day of your birthday (don’t forget your ID)
Where else do you celebrate your birthday in Lakeland? Share a piece of your mind (with extra sprinkles, please).
Events
Events
Monday, Sept. 15
Latino Conservation Week | Monday, Sept. 15-Saturday, Sept. 20 | 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | All week long, you can explore the new StoryWalk with the bilingual book “Señorita Mariposa.”
Health Screening with BayCare | 3-5 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Healthcare professionals will be on site for complimentary blood pressure screenings.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Outlook: LKLD | 7:30 a.m. | Florida Southern College Charles T. Thrift Alumni Room | $30+ | Get an update on the local economy from Dr. James Farrell of FSC and economist Sheridan Morby while you enjoy breakfast.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Trivia Night | 5-6 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Test your knowledge of classic movie monsters, from Dracula to Frankenstein.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Cozy Fall Cookie Decorating Class | 6-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Ice a set of cookies to look like cable knit sweaters, coffee, and candles.
Friday, Sept. 19
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $26+ | Watch as trailer park residents air their dirty laundry and find community in this hilarious, heartwarming show.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Tour de Tow Cycling Event | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | Front Page Brewing, Bartow | $30+ | Take a ride down Bartow’s most scenic roads to raise money for bikes for kids in need.
Plant Swap | 10-11 a.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Register to exchange healthy plants, clippings, and seeds with other plant parents.
The Lakeland Flying Tigers are the Florida State League West Division champions after defeating the Clearwater Threshers. Now, they’re playing to the best of three for the league championship. Catch Game 2 at home tomorrow, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Mansion Monday
You won’t have to fly to Spain to find terracotta roofs, a patio pergola, and rich history — just pop over to Winter Haven. The luxuries at this 1927 Spanish-style estate will have you on permanent vacation, from a built-in wine fridge to an outdoor fireplace + kitchen.
Today Is
The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated through Wednesday, Oct. 15. Join the festivities at Polk County’s Hispanic Heritage Festival this Saturday, Sept. 20, or plan to attend Bonnet Springs Park’s Bienvenido a BSP celebration, happening Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27.
History
Step aside, Mickey. Davenport may be known for its proximity to Disney World today, but back in 1974, Circus World was the top attraction. The theme park drew millions of visitors and helped spark tourism in Polk County, along with more defunct theme parks. (WFTS)
Watch
The destination is set for “The White Lotus” Season 4, and it’s looking very French. Filming hasn’t started yet, so there’s plenty of time to study up on the culture over escargot and beef bourguignon at Bay Street Bistro. (Deadline)
Try This
Sewing is cool again, according to the New York Times. Classes in New York City have seen a recent surge in popularity, a trend that sewing experts say is happening across the country. Start the first thread in your journey with supplies from a craft store around Lakeland.
Seasonal
Lakeland doesn’t get fall colors like much of the country, but the nearest to peak foliage we’ll get is around Monday, Nov. 17. That is, according to this interactive map. Joke’s on them — our parks will be nice to visit all winter long. (Smoky Mountains)
Got something big happening this fall? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our 38,000+ highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Pets
You insure your phone… but not your pet? One accident could cost $10,000. Pet insurance can help cover the unexpected, with plans starting at $10/month and offering up to 90% coverage. Learn more.*
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Jobs of the Week
Passionate about working with the next generation? These positions could be a great fit — no kidding:
Halloween tours of the Wonder House run Oct. 4-Nov. 1. | Photo by @merineitsi
Museums are the cultural hubs of Lakeland, where the past meets the future. Whether you’re looking to learn something or plotting a way to spend an afternoon, check out what’s new at Swan City’s museums.
Wonder House
This unusual Bartow home closes today for Halloween setup, but the next round of reservations for historic tours will open tonight at 6 p.m. Act fast to book a slot.
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The latest exhibition, “Shrouded in Mystery: Photographs by Stephen Althouse,” opens this Saturday, Sept. 20. The jazz photography exhibit “Above All, Enjoy the Music” closes on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Florida Children’s Museum
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15 with themed exhibits, special events, and programming on select dates.
Florida Air Museum
Saturday, Sept. 20 is Girls in Aviation Day, with plenty of fun for children planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register to meet women in aviation fields, try flight simulators, get crafty, and explore the museum for free.
Your go-to shoe for early fall: Birkenstock’s Buckley Suede Clog. These comfortable clogs are easy to slip off and on and are built on Birkenstock’s classic cork footbed for arch support and security.
Bonus: New HSN shoppers can use code WELCOME2025 for $15 off $35+ purchases.
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.
This year, I’m foregoing the traditional birthday party and turning my apartment into a coffee shop for my friends instead. I stocked up on beans from Ethos Coffee Roasters this weekend at the farmers market — I got the Crema blend for espresso + the Black Swan blend for pour-overs. Cheers to me.
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