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🏈 Be the host with the most
Place pre-orders quickly — pickup time slots will be gone faster than you can throw a pigskin. | Photo by @foodand.beer
Super Bowl 60 is this Sunday, Feb. 8, with the Seattle Seahawks facing off against the New England Patriots. According to a recent survey by RotoGrinders, 24% of Florida party guests say the snacks available strongly affect their impression of the host. Make a good one with these tips.
How to watch
Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Watch on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, or NFL+.
What to serve
Buffalo wings are Florida’s top Super Bowl snack, but don’t wing your menu. Place an order ASAP at restaurants like Winners Circle and Philly Steak & Wings.
Just watching for Bad Bunny’s halftime performance? Pre-order Puerto Rican empanadas by Bandidas Bake Shop.
Where to go
Not much for hosting at home? Sometimes the smartest play is rounding up your team for a watch party at a local sports bar and letting the pros handle the food + drinks.
Editor’s pick: Food + Beer, which just released a Crab Fest menu that New England fans will approve of.
Discounted Florida Strawberry Festival tickets are now available at select Publix locations, including all 12 in Lakeland. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for youth. Pro tip: Highlighted stores also sell advance strawberry shortcake tickets.
Number
1,726. That’s how many tax returns United Way of Central Florida volunteers prepared last year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. UWCF is offering free tax prep services again this season for those with incomes of $89,000 or less. Make an appointment.
Closing
Speaking of taxes, Polk County Tax Collector’s offices will close early tomorrow, Feb. 5, with all-day closures on Friday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 16. The Tax Collector will be installing software updates that will interrupt online service. Here’s where to go in the meantime. (LkldNow)
Sports
There are five athletes from Florida representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including flagbearer Erin Jackson, a speedskater from Ocala. See if you can add to their ranks in four years’ time with a few lessons at Lakeland Ice Arena. (WFLA)
Community
Go public with your Polk pride by applying for the next Public Service Leadership Course. Those chosen will learn about community involvement from local leaders in five sessions from March to April. Applications are open through Friday, Feb. 20.
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Health
February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
City Guide
It’s a great month to visit a museum
The L.B. Brown House received a state historical marker in 2006. | Photo by @bartowflo
February is Black History Month, and 2026 marks 100 years since it first began. Pay a visit to these local museums for educational exhibits + special events throughout the month.
Florida Children’s Museum
Join the African American Heritage Celebration this Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Dance performances, craft stations, art displays, and tributes to trailblazers of the past are included with museum admission.
Historic L.B. Brown House
This Bartow home was built in 1892 by Lawrence Bernard Brown, who was born into slavery and became a successful businessman and leader. Honor his legacy at the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, Feb. 14-15.
Luster African American History Museum
Browse exhibits that highlight “the struggles and triumphs of the African American community” in Polk County and beyond. This Bartow museum is open for free drop-ins, and guided tours are also available by appointment.
Which Polk Senior Games category would you crush? Fifty-five percent of readers said they would medal in puzzles + games, like crosswords or sudoku. Puzzlers might notice that we’ve paused our gaming site while we make improvements. In the meantime, check out my new favorite daily brain game, Minute Cryptic.
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