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📍 Barbecue, beer + brushstrokes
Check in at Mitchell’s Coffee House, where you’ll find “Exploring Innovation” by James Hicks. | Photo by LALtoday
Sure, you may live in Polk County, but are you fully experiencing the best food, drinks, and art it has to offer? Dive deeper into our culinary + creative scene with three free passes from Visit Central Florida.
All it takes is your smartphone to sign up for a digital pass, no app required. Just use your GPS to check in at each location and start racking up rewards as you experience the county. We’re talking stickers, local art, barbecue rub, and coasters — some businesses also sweetened the deal by offering passholder discounts.
You can get BOGO pints at Front Page Brewing Co. by checking in with the Adventure on Tap Pass.
Photo by LALtoday
Find these stops in Lakeland to complete your first check-ins:
Mural Magic Pass | Magnolias by Maegan Carroll-Simmons on Traders Alley
$3.2 billion. That’s the amount of damage January’s freezes did to Florida citrus, strawberry, and sugar farms. Farmers braced for impact again during this week’s cold temperatures. Psst — it’s a great time to support your local growers. (FOX 13 News)
Try This
It’s opening week for the space-themed Galacticoaster at Legoland Florida. Hop on the park’s first new roller coaster in 15 years to create your own spacecraft and take a family-friendly thrill ride indoors. (WFLA)
Edu
Today is the final day to submit PCPS school choice applications for 2026-2027 after the deadline was extended. Interested in a magnet school? Lakeland’s R.W. Blake Academy was one of two in Polk to earn a Magnet School of Excellence Award this year.
Learn
Southeastern University will host the LiFT Summit on Thursday, March 12, featuring a day of education for nonprofit professionals. Whether you’re a leader or volunteer, reserve a free spot to hear from keynote speakers + network through interactive sessions.
Holiday
Need halal foods this Ramadan? Jerusalem Mediterranean Market has you covered. Grocer Lubna Mustafa shared a few of her favorite items at the store, including dates, halal meats, and more. The market closes at 7 p.m. through Thursday, March 19 in observance of Ramadan. (The Ledger)
Music
Get ready to dance. Jesse Carl Vinyl was selected to host listening parties for Harry Styles’ new album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” Two sessions are planned for Saturday, March 7 at 3 and 4:30 p.m. — it’s free to join, but an RSVP is required.
Arts
Spring Break Art Camp is open for registration at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. Kids ages 8-14 are invited to learn diverse art techniques, build studio skills, and visit galleries in a safe + creative space, Monday, March 16-Friday, March 20. Sign up by Sunday, March 1.*
Lakelander
Speaking of the AGB, itsnewly named executive director, Dr. Daryl Ward, shared five fun facts about himself with us. We learned he competed on the Tampa-produced game show “Quick on the Draw” as a child and that he married another contestant. Learn more about Dr. Ward.
State
Congratulations are in order for the winners of the statewide Florida Man Games, Freedom Factory from Bradenton. The team showed it was the best at taser tag, pre-hurricane grocery aisle brawling, and evading arrest. You might just have to check the videos for an explanation.
Biz
Have something big launching next month? Whether it’s a limited-time promo or a seasonal event, make sure your message lands in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Experts are naming this versatile card “essential for 2026” for its 0% intro APR on balance transfers through 2027. Translation: It can save you hundreds (or thousands) in interest. Even better — it has zero annual fee. Learn more + apply.*
Category
Sports
🥇 Win a gold medal in cheering
Events are also scheduled for Winter Haven’s Chain O’ Lakes Complex, the Bartow Civic Center, and more. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
The Olympic Games are over, but there’s still a chance to cheer on our hometown heroes. The 2026 Polk Senior Games start this weekend, with events happening around Polk County. We wouldn’t miss these five chances to cheer on athletes in Lakeland:
Sale alert. If you love Vuori’s soft feel, flattering cuts, and performance fabrics as much as we do, shop the workout clothes + casual wear marked down for less this week:
Those passes aren’t the only fun thing Visit Central Florida offers. Last year, I became a Certified Ambassador of Tourism and Sports (CATS). If you want to join me, you can take the online courses right meow.
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